Shopin for a Morgan 38x

[roaring40]

<div>We are actively shopping for a Morgan 38x.
Any comments or advice would be appreciated.For instance, what is the preferred engine, model, etc.Noticed gate valves on through hulls on a Morgan 382 we looked at
this weekend up in San Francisco. Were these upgraded in latter
models?Another question: do Morgan 38 owners participate on the Morgan
e-mail list or is this the best forum?Thanks for your helpPete (in San Diego)
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[barefoot]

Pete -- Thanks for your questions. The main difference between the M-382 and the M383/4 is that the mast has been raised and the boom shortened on the latter. This gives cabin-top, mid-boom sheeting and a higher-aspect rig on the 383/4. Some people like it one way; some like it the other. You decide. The 383/4 also has a slightly larger rudder, in part to handle the new rig. It also improves tracking off the wind. It's not hard to convert an M-382 rudder to be like the larger ones. A description can be found on the web site. The M-384 has some additional embellishments, especially 4 dorade boxes and a sculpted helmsman's seat, plus considerably more teak in the cockpit area. It's pretty but requires more maintenance. As far as gate valves is concerned -- I know that the M-383 and 384 have'ball valves or true seacocks; I'm not certain about he situation on M-382s. (Perhaps an M-382 owner could speak to that.) And, oh yes, this is definately the best forum for info on the M-38s, although some owners do participate in the other list (which operates quite differntly). Do both, if you have the time.

 

[bbeach]

<div>My '78 M832 #046 had one gate valve left on it when I bought her in '94. All others had been changed previously.
I changed it. All is well and meets the latest standards.Good luck with you hunt. I think you'll like the boat as much as all of us do. This is my first boat and the more I look at other's boats, the happier I get.
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