Morgan 36 OI

oneluckyjack · #1 (**permalink**) 06-16-2010

I would be interested in the owners of OI 36 view of the boats sailing character. Is she fast heeling and righting, how well does it point to windward. How well they feel it to be built, sturdy or tender. Is it a comfortable ship or built more like my Westerly which is as comfortable as a church pew.
This is one of the boats I am considering for a carribean cruiser and intercoastal water way. I am looking at the ketch rig center cockpit. I look forward to reading your thoughts

CaptainForce · #2 (**permalink**) 06-16-2010

Although I am not an owner of a Morgan OI 36, I did cruise and live aboard my OI33 for 13 years and my OI41 for the last 25 years and I have been aboard a Morgan OI36. All these Morgans are strudy "trucks" and not at all tender. They are heavily built, originally for the charter trade, and designed for liveaboard comfort. As to the "church pew" question; I would agree that the seating is stoic (no lazy boy inside), but much adaptable space. 'great shoal draft, better pointing to windaward than it's reputation; however, not a performance (racing designed) boat. We cruise comfortably from Maine to the Bahamas, seasonally, and would not be pleased without the characteristics of our Morgan OI. Take care and joy, Aythya crew

oneluckyjack · #3 (**permalink**) 06-16-2010

Thanks so much for the information. I have sailed compacts, Odays, Westerly and have no experience with the brand. It is always best to talk to people who own or know them before getting in to deep. If you stuck with the brand that long it must have some very good points to it.

CaptainForce · #4 (**permalink**) 06-16-2010

I'll be the first to admit that the feature that kept me with this boat the longest was not it's sailing performance, though I am quite pleased with the sailing character of my Morgan OI. The feature that kept me with the Morgan OI was to allow me to raise my son and daughter aboard through their teenage years and provide them with their own space. Take care and joy, Aythya crew

oneluckyjack · #5 (**permalink**) 06-16-2010

Force,
I am looking for a list of know problems, things to check for as I look at this boat. I am not familar with the morgan brand and I am blind as to what to look for. All boats have some problems, but a problem left un attended can compound in to others. In your experience with the 41 and 33 what problems have you encountered, leaks around portlights, hull to deck joint, steering system, hull blisters ect.. All this will come out in a survey but it is always good to know as it gives a good indication of how well a boat was cared for.
Thanks again

CaptainForce · #6 (**permalink**) 06-16-2010

I'd check the following with care:
1- hull deck joint integrity
2. corrosion at mast step
3. corrosion at back up plate for the forestay at the stem head as viewed from inside the anchor locker
4. Rudder port-starboard delamination that may be seen as the beginings of a hailine crack on the rudder's edge
5. Fuel tank integrity
6. Soft spots in deck core

I have experienced 's 4,5 & 6 on my own vessel and made repair or replacement and I've seen #1,2 & 3 on other Morgan OIs. Certainly, rigging, blisters, hull integrity,etc...long list to any survey are important, but these are specifics that I've seen as problems on Morgan OIs. 'take care and joy, Aythya crew

oneluckyjack · #7 (**permalink**) 06-17-2010

Capt.
I can not thank you enough for the info. I wanted to look the boat over very close to see how well cared for it was and before I committed to a survey. It is always easier when you have a starting point of known problems, once again thanks.
Jack