West Indies 38 (Morgan) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the West Indies 38 marked a new chapter for Charles Morgan, who founded Heritage Yacht Corp. in Clearwater, Florida, in 1976, after departing his namesake Morgan Yacht Corporation. Heritage Yacht Corp. operated for a concise period until 1980, during which Morgan continued to apply his distinctive design philosophy. His approach consistently favored a blend of performance and practical seaworthiness, ensuring his vessels were both well-engineered and aesthetically pleasing. The West Indies 38, specifically, was derived from the same molds as the West Indies 36 and shared its rig, further cementing its lineage within Morgan's prolific output. Notably, during its production run, the West Indies 38 was available in both fixed keel and keel/centerboard configurations, offering versatility to suit different sailing preferences and shallow-water access.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morgan West Indies 38 is characterized by its balanced performance ratios, indicative of a versatile cruiser. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.8, she is equipped with a generous sail plan relative to her weight, suggesting a respectable ability to perform well even in lighter wind conditions. Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.44 indicates a stiff and stable platform, capable of standing up to a good breeze and offering a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of approximately 221 positions the West Indies 38 as a moderate displacement vessel, striking a balance between the lighter, more performance-oriented designs and heavier, more traditional cruisers. Overall, the West Indies 38 is considered a reasonably good performer, noted for its significant stability and strong righting capability.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior headroom details are not widely documented, the Morgan West Indies 38 was designed with cruising comfort in mind, offering a practical layout for its size. The typical interior arrangement often features two private staterooms and a single head, providing ample living space for a cruising couple or a small family. Owners and reviews frequently highlight the boat's functional interior and often commend the generous storage available, which is crucial for extended voyages. The general finish quality typically reflects the fiberglass construction methods prevalent in the era of its build, offering a durable and relatively easy-to-maintain living environment.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Morgan West Indies 38 generally appreciate its design and interior layout, often citing the boat's appealing price point on the brokerage market. Many owners have sought to actively maintain and upgrade their vessels, with some undertaking significant interior rebuilding projects, showcasing a dedication to these classic cruisers. While specific common problems tied exclusively to the West Indies 38 are not extensively documented, general advice among owners of Morgan vessels from this era often emphasizes the importance of a thorough survey to assess the boat's overall condition, as maintenance history tends to be more critical than the specific model for older boats. Some anecdotal reports suggest potential issues common to boats of its vintage, such as original deck fittings requiring re-bedding, though major hull issues like blistering are not commonly associated with Morgan 38 models.