Visit our Popular Forums

DeftxM · 13-07-2014, 13:12

I'm extremely interested in this boat. Does anyone own one/ know anything about them? It's a good blue water boat right?

**Hudson Force** · 13-07-2014, 13:26

No, I would not suggest that it should be described a a good "bluewater boat"! Offshore comfort and windward ability is compromised by a shoal draft. The exterior chainplates also add to limit performance to windward.
I should add that I have put well over 70,000 coastal cruising miles on my own Morgan OI 41' and I am extremely pleased with how my boat performs for me.
My own Morgan has been under my care for thirty years and I've been very attentive to it's upkeep. Many have extensive water damage both from poorly designed leaking ports and water intrusion into the cored deck. Like most old boats, the quality of the boat is more impacted by it's care and refit over time than the original construction. It may be a well cared for and very sound vessel, but it will never be what I would define as a "blue water" boat.

Note: There is no consensus for an operational definition of a blue water boat!

DeftxM · 13-07-2014, 13:49

Thank you sir. Can I talk to you more about this via email or text?

**Hudson Force** · 13-07-2014, 14:51

You're welcome to send me a PM on this site if you want to protect the identity of an offered boat; however, it you would like to continue discussing specific features or the Morgans, let's keep it here where all can share.

If you're continuing to look at the '78 Morgan OI, pay close attention to the following:
1- Does it still have the steel fuel tank subject to corrosion failure?
2- Does it have the aluminum mast stepped directly on the original steel mast step? Look for corrosion here.
3- The rudders were adhered from two port & starboard halves. Look for a hairline crack on this seam and signs of water intrusion or delamination.
4- Check under the stemhead fitting for the intergrity of the backup plate under the forestay. Often these have required reinforcement.
5- Fortunnately the hull-deck joint on the '78 is at the toe rail instead of the rub rail and this should not be a problem, but look for water damage from the portlights.

Of course, everything else too,- as with all boats.

Mutha Nature · 13-07-2014, 17:34

Small. OI. Where designed to be
Day sailors, rental boats.
Sturdy keels. Entry-level.
Offshore... umm... nope.

DeftxM · 13-07-2014, 17:40

I know it has a shoal draft but it's still a full keel right? What's the point then

Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

**Hudson Force** · 14-07-2014, 04:39

Technically it's not a full keel as it is not fully rounded down from the stem, but gains depth further aft. the advantages of this underwater design is that it presents a gentle profile forward that is not subject to damage when grounding or striking a floundering object; the keel in encapsulated and not subject to corrosion or failing keel bolts; and most importatnatly for the design, with the shoal draft the boat can reach places not available to deeper draft vessels. This design excells for coastal crusing and gunkholing, but it does not have the draft of a typical offshore cruiser.