The Morgan 38 is a Solid Boat, Though Limited Downwind

If you've been around as long as I have, your first vision at the mention of Morgan 38 is likely the classically styled, late '60s, Charley Morgan-designed sloops and yawls that followed the successful Morgan 34. For recent devotees, Morgan 38 brings to mind a more contemporary series of 38-footers introduced in 1977. In 1993, Morgan Yachts introduced still another Morgan 38. All models are commonly referred to as Morgan 38's but the commonalty ends there.

Only about 80 of the early Morgan-designed 38s were built, while nearly 500 of the 1977 Ted Brewer-designed series were built. The 93 model was a rather bulbous center cockpit model that has nothing in common with the earlier models except its name. Because so many more of the Brewer-designed models are available, I will concentrate on that series.

Very few boat models have been built for protracted periods without some changes to their form or layout; the Morgan 38 is no exception. Introduced in 1977 as the Morgan 382, minor rig changes resulted in a model name change to Morgan 383 in 1980. In 1983 several more changes led to the Morgan 384. Although Catalina purchased Morgan Yacht in 1985, the Morgan 384 continued in production until 1986.

In all its incarnations nearly 500 boats were built in this series. Though model numbers changed some principal dimensions, others remained constant. Overall length is 38 feet, 4 inches; beam is 12 feet and draft is 5 feet. Some deep-keel versions were offered drawing 6 feet. With the 383 model the only change, to the best of my knowledge, was a slightly taller rig. This change resulted in a higher aspect mainsail and an increase in sail area of about 12 square feet.

The introduction of the 384 model brought several subtle changes. The rudder was slightly enlarged, the interior saw slight modifications, mid-boom sheeting was introduced and the traveler moved out of the cockpit to the cabin top. Ventilation was improved with the addition of four Dorades with cowl vents. The increased sail area on the 383 series results in the 383 and 384 models to rate, on average, three seconds per mile faster under the U.S. Performance Handicap Racing Fleet rule.

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. Mast loads caused hull distortions, which led to a manufacturer's 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 boats 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 used most often, though it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine the core material without destructive testing. Some 382 and 383 models were reported to have been built using the same fire-retardant 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 boats are seen without some osmotic blisters unless they've had 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 problems as severe as those reported on the Valiant and Uniflite.

The performance of this Morgan 38 is typical of her class with generally good speed, maneuverability and pointing characteristics. The Morgan 38 does not balance easily or track particularly well when sailing off the wind. These deficiencies were somewhat improved on the 384 model with the increase in rudder size. For auxiliary power most of the 38s were equipped with the 50 HP Perkins 4-108 diesel, which provides plenty of power and smooth dependable operation when properly maintained. Some of the first-generation 382 models were powered by the Yanmar 3QM30 engines. This engine provides adequate power but is very noisy and vibrates considerably compared to the Perkins.

All Morgan 38s in this series are handsome, contemporary styled, comfortable yachts built sufficiently strong for most uses. Boats that are well maintained and cared for hold their value as well as or better than most boats of this class.

Jack Hornor, NA is the principal surveyor and senior designer for the Annapolis-based Marine Survey & Design Co. Hornor writes for BoatU.S. Magazine and other marine publications.

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