"Construction of this series is generally sound with one known exception affecting some early 382 models. The bulkhead between the
head and the main
cabin was not tabbed securely to the hull. This resulted in
mast loads causing hull distortions. The problem resulted in a manufacturers
recall when it was discovered. I'd be surprised to find
boats that have not been repaired by this late date. Reportedly, some 382 model boats were constructed of solid
fiberglass and resin laminates. However, most boat were built with a sandwich method of construction using
fiberglass and resin laminates over a
core material. A variety of
core materials were experimented with over the years. Airex foam was most often used although it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine, with certainty, the core material used without destructive testing. Some 382 and 383 models were reported to have been built using the same fire-retardent resins blamed for causing much of the osmotic blistering problems that plagued Valiant 40's and Uniflite
power boats. Few 15-to 20-year-old fiberglass boat are seen without some osmotic
blisters unless there has been extensive and expensive
repairs. It is not uncommon to find some degree of blistering on
Morgan 38s but I have not seen nor heard of a problem as extensive as the reports of the Valiant and Uniflite. "