Honest opinions on Morgan Out Island 36

[ben2go]

What are you honest opinions on the Morgan OI 36 as a world cruiser? What are the short comings of a center cockpit aft cabin cruiser? I've never really like smaller aft cabin center cockpit cruisers because you have to go up through the cockpit to get to the forward living space. The rear cabin to me is more comfy when the sea state gets rolly.

[DDabs]

As a World cruiser? No.

As a liveaboard friendly coastal gunkholer? Sure!

[Orion Jim]

Originally Posted by DDabs

As a World cruiser? No.

As a liveaboard friendly coastal gunkholer? Sure!

[capn ken]

Originally Posted by ben2go

What are you honest opinions on the Morgan OI 36 as a world cruiser? What are the short comings of a center cockpit aft cabin cruiser? I've never really like smaller aft cabin center cockpit cruisers because you have to go up through the cockpit to get to the forward living space. The rear cabin to me is more comfy when the sea state gets rolly.

You’re better off with a Morgan oi 41

[CarlF]

The pro's and con's of a center cockpit layout is WAY down the list of things you should be thinking about when choosing a boat for offshore sailing.

I'd start with the boat's ability to handle a serious ocean storm. The OI's are meant to be in port during a storm.

[capn ken]

True dat!

[ben2go]

Thanks everyone. I was offered a sad neglected 36er for the cost of moving. It's not a boat I was really looking for. My thoughts were if my current deal falls through, it would be a possible back up plan.

[DeValency]

Probably not the right boat for long offshore cruising.
As for the center cockpit, always my preferred layout, but anything below a relatively modern design 40’ hardly works for a reasonable aft cabin and cockpit.

[ben2go]

Originally Posted by DeValency

Probably not the right boat for long offshore cruising.
As for the center cockpit, always my preferred layout, but anything below a relatively modern design 40’ hardly works for a reasonable aft cabin and cockpit.

I agree.

[singlespeed]

Comfortable "dock queen" and sort of adequate for chartering in well protected waters. I've seen lots of them in the past, but have never seen one that wasn't motoring.

[sailorboy1]

Personally I feel it is a good boat and would take you anywhere as long as you aren't an idiot about it. Still LOTS of OI boats out there still doing it and you see them everywhere in spite of forum type of naysayers.

[Ken Z]

They are coastal boats, not for crossing oceans. comfortable boats.

[joelhemington]

Originally Posted by ben2go

What are you honest opinions on the Morgan OI 36 as a world cruiser? What are the short comings of a center cockpit aft cabin cruiser? I've never really like smaller aft cabin center cockpit cruisers because you have to go up through the cockpit to get to the forward living space. The rear cabin to me is more comfy when the sea state gets rolly.

I'm sure that boat would be fine for Caribbean cruising. Given your location, that's probably the most popular use for a sailboat. If they're basically giving it away, then go for it but I wouldn't spend much effort in money or time trying to make it a world cruiser. It's named an Off Island for a reason - meaning it should be kept in close proximity to an island (hopefully just off the island) And yes, those center cockpits under 40' tend to be pretty cramped. I expect with some elbow grease and a few bucks you could make some money on this deal as not everybody is looking for a world cruiser.

[Hudson Force]

Having spent 13 years living aboard and cruising a OI 33' and 32 years living aboard and cruising a 41' OI, I'm familiar with the boat's advantages and disadvantages. Before owning my Morgan OIs I had a Sparkman and Stephens fin keel which definitely out sailed my Morgans; however, my choice was for my wife and children to be comfortable with me while coastal cruising and gunkholing. Sure, I had great sailing with 15 or 20 knots off the quarter, but I was never disappointed with all points of sail. It's true that, when I had a destination, I would often motorsail if I wasn't making 5 kts. under sail alone.
I could cruise my Morgan on the Bayside of the Florida Keys, into Bahamian hurricane holes and far up many rivers not available to others my size with my 4'3" draft. I think the Morgan OI 36' has a 3'11" draft. The walk-over center cockpit meant we could send our children to bed in their aft cabins and have some privacy, as well as giving be a huge engine room.
I found my Morgans tough enough for offshore cruising, but not fast enough to secure timing with bad weather and definitely disappointing with comfort with the shoal draft.
Therefore, I agree with all those saying the Morgan OI are not suitable as a long distance offshore cruiser, but they excel in the role applied to my use.

[Cheechako]

I think it would be a fine cruiser. Simple, utilitarian, not a ton of "fancy" to deteriorate in the sun and salt. The main sleeping cabin doesn't need a ton of daytime access anyway.

Con: Aft cabins can be stuffy and hot.
Keep in mind a free boat may be the most expensive one.
Funny how people say "it's not an offshore boat", but catamarans and fin bolt on keels and spade rudders are acceptable to many!