Charlie Morgan 38

[fish1860]

I'm in need of any kind of info on an old Morgan 38, 1970's vintage, I'm looking at a 1970, and was curious how she sails, C/B model, Anything major I need to look out for, I'll just be coastal cruising, no racing, just relaxing, maybe a few trips to the Bahamas. Thanks for your help

[dcstrng]

See: http://morgan38.org/index.html

Sorry, can’t tell you anything about the boat except that my first real sailing days were spent on a Squadron member’s M-38… Other than thinking it was the bee’s knees at the time (I occassionally got foredeck duty for some coastal sailing…) all I knew about it was he’d competed in the Bermuda One-Two… somewhere I’ve got a photo of me at the helm (catching one fraction of a second of the thirty seconds I spent there…)

[edboat]

The 38 C/B Morgan is a good sailing boat. Just like most of Charlie's designs. We have a 35 and I have sailed on most of Charlie's boats.

[JMRmarinero]

got one here in St Croix, USVI, half way thru a barrier coat and other refit work, just turned it over to the yard, St Croix Marine 'cause I went way overbudget on the work. If you feel like finishing it, you could probably pick it up for a song from the yard... (I can sail'em, but still learning how to fix 'em)

[fish1860]

I know how that goes. It adds up quicker than you think. I need something stateside, Thanks

[oceansong1]

It is a great well known boat found all over the world. Designed by Ted Brewer, he was one of the best. Balances well under sail, a pleasure to sail. Mine had increases in surface area of rudder, improving balance and steering as well as moved the traveler off the cockpit - both modifications were later included in the newer 384

[mitiempo]

According to SailboatData MORGAN 38 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com
the 1969 - 1971 Morgan 38 with keel/cb was designed by Charlie Morgan.

The 1977 Morgan 382 was designed by Ted Brewer.
MORGAN 382 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

[burnhad]

Untitled Document
Larry Brown's owners page is a good source of information, but I don't think that he has updated it since buying his 38' Trimaran

[Group9]

Originally Posted by fish1860

I'm in need of any kind of info on an old Morgan 38, 1970's vintage, I'm looking at a 1970, and was curious how she sails, C/B model, Anything major I need to look out for, I'll just be coastal cruising, no racing, just relaxing, maybe a few trips to the Bahamas. Thanks for your help

I took a little newer model, an 82, to the Bahamas in 1987. We were young and in a hurry, and crossed the gulf stream in twenty knots of north wind. The Morgan sure took it better than we did.

I like the boat a lot and after the trip decided that if I was ever looking for a boat that size, it would be on my short list.

[DefinitelyMe]

Not sure about that exact model but i have a West Indies 36 (designed by Charlie Morgan) that i'm very happy with. I've been through some terrible weather in it and she's held strong and steady so far. He didn't get his reputation for nothing.

[Group9]

Originally Posted by Group9

I took a little newer model, an 82, to the Bahamas in 1987. We were young and in a hurry, and crossed the gulf stream in twenty knots of north wind. The Morgan sure took it better than we did.

I like the boat a lot and after the trip decided that if I was ever looking for a boat that size, it would be on my short list.

Originally Posted by mitiempo

According to SailboatData MORGAN 38 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com
the 1969 - 1971 Morgan 38 with keel/cb was designed by Charlie Morgan.

The 1977 Morgan 382 was designed by Ted Brewer.
MORGAN 382 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

I didn't catch this before I posted. I don't guess my experience was particularly helpful. Sorry.

[TenaciousH]

I have a 1970 CM 38 and I absolutely love it. She sails and points like a hot knife through butter, and does well in strong wind and strong current mostly due to her weight and racer/cruiser lines. Thick hull, heavy boat, great lines. I highly recommend this boat to anyone, along with her sister vessels, the 34, 35, 41 and 45. In my 38, i've topped out at 10.5kts in perfect conditions heading back to Corpus Christi from Port Aransas, but thats not the kind of thing that happens very often. Shes a very fast boat over long distances and good The 45 was later rebuilt along the same lines by another company That S&J 45 is pretty much my dream boat.

With the weight comes a need for greater wind to reach hull speed and more area required if you have to tack upwind in a tight area. You have to have a decent sized engine at least 25-30 HP. Also, unless you plan on making your V-Berth the primary bunk, (Mine is converted to the head with the additional room added to the cabin) then you'll find that its a great fit for a single-handed sailor to spread out in. If you want 2 people to live onboard for longer than a few months or so, you'll probably be better served with that S&J which looks to sleep 3 comfortably.

As a CM38 owner, I'm always looking for help finding more information, especially for a boat of this comparatively rare vintage. So please, if ya know where to find any more info, go ahead and let us know!