Morgan OI 30 - more info. wanted

[nautical62]

I'm already considering options for my next boat and am thinking of trading down to something a bit more basic and the Morgan Out Island 30 is one of the boats on my short list. I know of it's general reputation, but would love to hear more about handeling characteristic, typical issues, and thing to check into should I check one out.

One thing I'm a little concerned about given it's keel, is manuvering at a dock. It's not a huge concern as I tend to anchor out pretty much all the time when crusing, but still, I'd like to know more. The boat will be used primarily for cruises of 1-4 months in Florida and Bahamas. Most cruising will be with 2-3 people on board with 4 possible at times as well as some solo sailing. I may end up keeping it in the Bahamas.

I know that like most old heavy displacement boats, they don't point well and need some wind to get them going. Any other information appreciated.

A few specific questions that come to mind:

Manuvering under power - marinas, ICW bridges, etc.

Access to thru-hulls, and other system, including typical linings and access to deck fittings.

Leaking

How well does chain go into the anchor locker

Visibility from cockpit

[little boat]

I would not consider a Morgan OI 30 to be a heavy displacement boat; its specs say displacement is 9700 lbs.
A Catalina 30, for example is 500 pounds heavier, and I wouldn't consider that to be heavy displacement either.
At any rate, its not the displacement that keeps this boat from pointing well; its the design. It is round, fat and has a ton of windage. Its lines are not crispy and it has high freeboard.
There are many heavy displacement boats that point very well; and their weight, design and rig keep them tracking rather than being knocked aside or skidding which is what pointing high is all about.

[nautical62]

Thanks for the reply. Any other thoughts or information are certainly appreciated.