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True Draft

B

barefoot

Scott J Brown
<div>Ever since I've had my M-383, I've wondered whether the published
draft of five feet wasn't optimistic. When I hauled the boat
this fall I checked, albeit crudely. With the bottom of the keel
about one inch off the gravel, I positioned my face to the
waterline about amidships on both sides, noted where it hit,
averaged the two (little difference), and when I got home
measured myself (subtracting the inch the keel was off the
ground). With a resonable error of plus/minus one inch, I'd say
that my draft is five feet, six inches.Has anyone else checked? Might Morgan have increased draft (that
is, lowered ballast) in the M-383 when they raised the mast four
feet from what it was in the M-382?

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Yes Len I checked a number of years ago, using two levels, a 2 by 4, and a tape measure. The actual draft on mine is 5' 4"
 
I haven't measured with a tape but I'm 5'10" and I can stand along side of Njord in the water at my shoulders at the water line and had always though that 5' sounded about right. Next time I have a chance I'll measure and report back. Based on my research, the mast was only raised 2' from 52' above the water line to 54' above the water line. My broker told me that when they lengthened the mast they added 200 lbs of lead. However, I've never been able to confirm his statement.
 
Lenny, forgot about another source on the draft in my 10/21 responce. If you get copies of the U.S. Sailing polor diagrams on the Morgon 382 you will find they say she draws 5'4" and a fraction. These are the people who measure boats for racing purposes. Have a good off season.
 
If someone's got a soft copy for the one on the 382 and wouldn't mind emailing it, I'd be most grateful! Thanks!
 
When we had our original survey done, the draft was measured at 5'5". I have always used that as an actual draft and considered the 5' figure the design draft before stores, etc. were added.

 
<div>Lenny, A little different kettle of fish. I have a 1979 Morgan 382, deep draft. Measuring from the scum line to the ground with the keel resting on the ground, I have a draft of 6'8. My draft varies , of course, by a couple of inches depending whether loaded for cruising or day sailing. This is consistent with what I have gathered from talking with other deep draft owners. Makes for a lot of fun in the ICW. A few years ago when I had the bottom sanded, I discovered that the original owner had added new boot stripe about 6 inches higher on the hull.
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I measured my draft this weekend with the boat in the water. I grounded the boat and then sounded all around. It appears to be about 5' 4".
 
Just measured my draft in dry storage at Opecimar, Puerto Vallarta. It measured 5'4". So, most seem to agree. Mine's a 384 Morgan. I used the waterline on hull (where the bottom paint stops) to the base of the keel. In the water my boat has the waterline paint where it should be. The weight came in at 12 tons with full fuel, water and new gear. Does that seem correct?
 
The specification in my Morgan Owners Manual (384 hull #20) states that the displacement is 17200-lbs. I'm not sure if that figure was updated from the disigned displacement of the original 382. I have heard that the ballast was increased in later versions. I haven't wieghed the gear I have on board but don't believe that with fuel and water I have more than 2000-lbs of payload. My draft is 5'4".
 
When "KODA" our 384 hull#22 was hauled for the purchase survey 4 years ago the yard told me that they had a weight of just under 21,000 lbs. Koda was just about empty of gear and the fuel and water tanks were not full. The previous owner and I thought that the yard was in error but maybe this was a good number.
 
A seeking storage dock space for 36 ft. 4 ft. draft 13 beam trawer on or near icw both coasts of Fl.
Need electric, non live aboard dockage ok.
HAve same available in KEy largo.
thanks
Sterling
 
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