Morgan 28 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Morgan 28 emerged during a pivotal time for Morgan Yachts, a company founded by Charles E. Morgan Jr. who was instrumental in the fiberglass revolution in marine manufacturing. Overview Morgan's background as a successful yacht designer and racer heavily influenced his early designs, which often combined performance characteristics with practical cruising amenities. The Morgan 28, launched in 1969, reflects this ethos, designed as a "quintessential MORC (Midget Ocean Racing Conference) design of that era." This meant it featured a proportionately longer waterline and was optimized for performance under the rating rules prevalent at the time, positioning it as a competitive racer-cruiser.

Built entirely of solid fiberglass for both hull and deck, the Morgan 28 represented the builder's commitment to durable construction methods. While the production run was relatively short, there do not appear to be significant variations like MkI or MkII models within the original Morgan 28 line. However, it's important to distinguish it from the later Morgan Out Island 28, a distinct model introduced in 1973 with a different design philosophy focused more heavily on interior volume for cruising.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morgan 28 is known for being a moderate-weight sailboat that offers reasonably good performance, particularly in terms of footing (the ability to maintain speed through the water). With a reported sail area of approximately 401 square feet and a displacement of 7600 pounds, it carries a generous sail plan for its size. The boat is described as stable and stiff, possessing good righting capability. Its keel/centerboard configuration, a hallmark of Charles Morgan's designs for optimizing performance under the CCA rule, would have allowed for good windward ability with the board down and reduced draft for exploring shallower waters when retracted. 3, Overview

Owners have noted that the Morgan 28, while fast and dry, can be "tender" (initially leaning quickly in a breeze) due to its substantial sail area and relatively shallow draft for its canvas. It typically requires a constant hand on the helm and some owners suggest it points poorly but excels at reaching. The spade rudder ensures responsive steering and maneuverability. With a hull speed calculated at around 6.53 knots, the Morgan 28 is capable of respectable speeds for a boat of its size and vintage.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size of just under 28 feet overall, the Morgan 28 offers a surprisingly workable interior layout for a vessel of its era. Typically, the interior would feature a V-berth forward, often followed by an enclosed head compartment to port or starboard. The main salon usually includes settees that can serve as berths, with a centerline table or a dinette arrangement. Galley provisions, while often basic by modern standards, would include a sink and space for a stove, usually situated aft.

Online reviews and forum discussions suggest that older Morgan models of this vintage often feature a simple, functional interior. Some owners prefer an aft galley layout, while others have boats with a dinette to starboard. The general finish quality would have utilized materials common to early fiberglass boats, potentially featuring wood trim to soften the fiberglass liners. Storage is generally adequate for weekend cruising and short trips, with lockers and shelves integrated into the design. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the design would have aimed for comfortable standing room in key areas for most individuals under six feet tall.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Morgan 28 frequently praise its solid construction and seaworthy characteristics. Many appreciate its performance, particularly its ability to cover ground quickly. For those looking for a cruising boat, it is often lauded for offering more interior space than some larger vessels and its ability to remain relatively flat in a 20-knot wind.

However, common maintenance items often noted by owners of these vintage vessels include the potential for original components to require attention due to age. For example, some Morgans of this vintage have experienced issues with the centerboard cable, though this is considered a relatively straightforward fix. As with many older fiberglass boats, deck issues, such as delamination or leaks around fittings, can also arise and require repair. The initial tenderness in stronger winds is a characteristic owners learn to manage, often by reefing appropriately. Overall, the Morgan 28 is often regarded as a well-built, capable sailboat that, with proper maintenance, continues to provide rewarding sailing experiences for its owners.