1967 34' morgan vs. 1984 36' catalina

[kpse]

Thank you! I will check into that option. The owner said it would have to be remasted in order to have a Bimini which is not something we would want to do just for a Bimini. Sounds like there are other options.

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[HappyMdRSailor]

As said previously... Condition should dictate your choice if your budget is the determining factor... Morgan is a solid boat... I have one... Catalina is a fine ride... I sail on one regularly...

Your comment on "mostly cosmetic" is "most likely untrue"

Owners of junky looking cars ARE NOT usually meticulous about required maintenance...

Originally Posted by Jim Walsh

This and the Bimini comment led me to believe you were inexperienced. I apologize.

***snicker***

[RebinVa]

I think the problem with a bimini on the Morgan may be that it is end boom sheeting and the bimini would be rather small. I think the boom is high enough for a bimini. Also, I think she may mean that the centerboard on the Morgan is bronze.

[kpse]

Here's a picture that may help as it is a Bimini would not fit under the boom. Clearly we are inexperienced but a Bimini is a biggie for me since we will be spending a lot of time on it.

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[Scout 30]

Why don't you post the listings on both boats. I think you'll get more meaningful responses that way. Having viewed the listing on the Morgan it appears that the boat is in very good condition. Of course you'll need a survey to tell you that. Personally I think the Morgan is a classic that is better looking & a better quality boat. The newer diesel is a big plus also. Looking at the cockpit picture installation of a bimini & dodger are both easily possible. The only problem is that the bimini is limited in how far aft it can go by the main sheet. I wouldn't worry about it.

[RebinVa]

I don't see any reason you can't have a bimini and a dodger, you will need both to be at all comfortable. I agree about the looks, strength, sailing characteristics, and newer diesel on the Morgan.

It would probably be possible to change to midboom sheeting on the Morgan although I will get some push back on that. But, doing so allows for a much larger bimini.

[roland stockham]

With older boats it not he price but the updates that cost. Do a careful budget of everthing you can see then add 50% for what you can't see! Getting a good silid boat with teird equipment means a lot of refit costs but you will finish up with everything ne and as YOU wont it not as someone else wanted it. Like a new house, dosn't feel yours untill you change the curtains.

[Rough Magic]

For my money, I'd buy the Catalina. Both are good boats, The Morgan nameplate is higher end, but this boat is 50 years old and doesn't have either of the things you want/need. Catalina keeps records on all their boats, and if you call them, they probably can tell you all about your hull number, where it's been kept, etc.

Couple of things: Catalinas are designed so that you can take anything out of the boat without taking off decks, etc. Yes, even the engine will come out through the companion way. If you need to do extensive work, that alone will save you $$$$. The keels are made of lead, which is what you want.

Check to see if the standing rigging of the boat has been replaced in the last ten years. If not, then have it throughly inspected by an experienced rigger/surveyor; I'd replace it anyway. The running rigging and sails need the same.... time, water, and UV are destroyers.

I have been on a Catalina 36 in 60 knot winds with 20 foot breaking seas (not my boat, and I hope that Never happens again) and she brought three very tired and afraid sailors home safely.

Best of Fortune to you (and sail boats are no cheaper to operate than power),

Dave

[kpse]

Thank you rough magic. Very informative! We love that the engine is so accessible on the catalina. The rigging has been replaced within the last 10 yrs. The sails are almost new. But we will definitely have it checked out by someone who knows. Glad you made it home safely from that storm!! Good story though.

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[kpse]

Good advice Roland. Thank you

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[letsgetsailing3]

I'd lean towards the Catalina as well. Bigger, newer, and I'd guess a larger user community. It will do everything you need to do.

The condition is key, so you'll be wanting to check the boat carefully. Keep some money in reserve for the inevitable updates you'll need/want to do.

[Cadence]

Look at The Morgan with its age is built like the shithouse of proverb.


With two kids I think I would be more inclined to look at something like a Morgan Out Islander. Old solid and affording privacy below.

[rbyham]

on a cruise involving a number of folks, sociability of a boat becomes more important. I have not seen the Catalina but would guess her cockpit to be decidedly larger and better for lounging and entertaining at anchor than the Morgan. Tough as far as lines and looks I would prefer a classic like the Morgan. I would agree with the input to use a surveyor. Rigging less than 10 years old is probably good to go. Check that stuffing box and gland behind the engine or have a pro look at it. I have recently finished a refit of a 1966 Hinterhoeller hull and am starting on a 1978 Bombay Pilothouse. Having had some experience bringing old stuff back to life I would say don't fear a 50 year old boat. But don't be naive either. It can all be fixed just a matter of time and money with the repairs serving the double advantage of helping you learn every thing about the boat.

[Adelie]

I would go for the Morgan.

1. Price leaves you a lot more bucks for contingencies.
2. Centerboard gives you a 2' draft advantage. A lot of places that wouldn't be big thing to me but intended cruising area can be pretty shallow so draft is more of an issue than normally.
3. As the parent of 2 kids I would not want them sharing a tight cabin. Although the quarterberths are less private they also more clearly define the boundaries of whose space it is. Also there's no argument about who gets the "better" berth, the quarterberths are functionally identical. The boat we are looking to get will have identical pilot berths for our 2.


Adelie

[George DuBose]

I renovated a 1970 Pearson 26 and a 1973 Pearson 36. I like the strong construction. In both cases, I got a boat that was better than new for less than the going rates of newer yachts.

I spent a summer living on a Morgan 40 and it became clear that it was designed by a sailor for sailors.

Catalinas do have good aftermarket support and most parts are still available.