I lived aboard a 1973
Morgan OI 33' for 13 years and a 1973
Morgan OI 41' for the past 25 years. I have a friend who has lived aboard his 1973 Morgan OI 28 for about thirty years. Despite their different lengths they share most all qualities. Certainly they are a capable coastal cruiser that offer good
liveaboard qualities. Take note of the following when evaluating the 1973
Morgan Out Island.
1. Later models raised the hull-deck joint to the toe rail instead of the more vulnerable rub rail. Be wary of possible damage here.
2. Inspect the
mast step by raising the
inspection panels at the
bilge ceiling at the base of the
mast. Minor
corrosion here can be acceptable, but some have the mast seriously degrading.
3. Inspect the
aluminum back up plate under the forestay at the bow with a good light looking from the V-berth into the chain locker. Some of these plates have severely corroded and the
hull deck joint here should have no separation.
4. A number of 1973 Morgan OI's have had
rudder separation. Look for a hairline crack that is a prelude to the separation and loss of the starboard or port half of the
rudder. This can be prevented by running a
fiberglass cloth tabbing along this seam. If a crack is already present, you may need to remove the rudder, split it open and
rebuild the
core with structural foam.
5. You make have a
history of rain
leaks with a Morgan OI if it still has the original black rubber gaskets around the
portlights. These have often been altered with bolted polycarbide or
lexan plates as
portlights or the original rubber extrusion can still be purchased.
6. Rain
leaks have also been common with the rub rail that many have rebult as custom rails or sealed by various means.
7. Few of the original Atomic Fours that were
raw water cooled still survive in these boats;if still present, they probably have little life.
8. These vessels were made with a
winch handle turned rotating boom for
furling the main. Most are frozen in place, but the boom can still be sound and operable. The roller boom never produced a good reefed sail shape anyway.
9. The
wood core in the
deck will probably have some soft spots. This is a cosmetic and not a structural problem. I have replaced about 6 square feet of deck core on my '73 without much hassle and a good final look.
If you end up with this vessel send me a PM and I'll be glad to support you with fuirther information. Take care and joy, Aythya crew