Comparing

[shooter13]

I am looking at a couple of older boats in my area. One is a mid 70's Irwin 28. Another is a Morgan 27 (not sure of the year) Both seem in decent shape with the Irwin cosmetically inferior to the Morgan. I am moving up from my little old San Juan 21 which has done its job of teaching me to sail. Most of the sailing will be day sails with family or alone. Occasional weekend trips with my wife are planned (hoped for maybe.) Relaxing sailing is what I am looking for. My wife doesn't like the San Juan because, well it is pretty much a race boat and acts like one. Anything about either of these two someone can give tips on as far as hidden "gotcha's" or the like.

Also, on the irwin, the inboard engine has been removed and a 10Hp outboard is mounted on the transom. Personally I don't like this system and am curious about the cost to purchase and install another inboard.

[camaraderie]

Get the Morgan...a boat with engine removed is a turkey. New small inboard installed will run $10k or so.

[Freesail99]

I'll Second what Cam says, get the Morgan. I lived on one while I was attending College.

[Sailormann]

Both seem in decent shape with the Irwin cosmetically inferior to the Morgan

Third vote for the Morgan, they are a more substantial boat.

[sailingdog]

I'd also vote for the Morgan. Using an outboard on a boat designed for an inboard is going to have some serious effects on the sailing ability and stability of the boat. You've removed a fairly heavy weight from the interior of the boat and now hung it off a make-shift bracket off the stern. The boat is going to squat, and probably hobby horse as well. Also, unless the boat was designed for an outboard, the engine will usually have serious issues in anything but nearly flat seas.