Morgan 36 T Information, Review, Specs

The Morgan 36 T began its production run in 1973, reflecting a period when Morgan Yachts, under the visionary leadership of Charles Morgan, was at the forefront of fiberglass yacht construction. Charles Morgan's direct involvement with the company had concluded in 1972, but the 36 T still embodies his characteristic approach of designing versatile vessels. The "T" in its designation specifically refers to its "One Ton" class rating, indicating its design intent as a serious competitor in IOR racing. Unlike some of Morgan's earlier designs, which leaned into the CCA-rule centerboarders, the 36 T marked a focus on IOR specifications, showcasing the builder's adaptability to evolving racing paradigms. The design incorporated a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, a configuration typical of performance-oriented designs of the era, chosen for its efficiency and control.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morgan 36 T is categorized as a moderate-weight sailboat, recognized for its reasonably good performance across various conditions. Its design ratios reflect a capable and stable vessel. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 17.30, she is poised to perform well in a range of wind conditions, demonstrating a balanced ability between light-air ghosting and handling stiffer breezes. The Ballast to Displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.4357 is quite robust, indicating a very stable and stiff boat with good righting capabilities, capable of standing up to significant wind and maintaining a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, her Displacement to Length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 231.48 places her in the moderate-to-heavier displacement category, suggesting a solid, sea-kindly hull form. Owners generally describe the Morgan 36 T as a boat that handles predictably, offering a reassuringly stable ride thanks to its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder configuration.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its racing pedigree, the Morgan 36 T offers a surprisingly comfortable and roomy interior, designed to provide a complete cruising experience. The cabin boasts approximately 6 feet of headroom, enhancing the sense of space below deck. The layout is traditionally arranged, featuring opposing settees and pilot berths in the main cabin, providing ample seating and sleeping arrangements. Impressively, all bunks are noted to be over 6 feet 6 inches in length, accommodating taller crew or guests. The presence of a dedicated holding tank from its original design further underscores its suitability for cruising. While specific details on the galley and head layout are not universally documented, the overall impression is of a functional and well-appointed interior for its size and design era.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently commend the Morgan 36 T for its superior building quality and solid construction, which has contributed to its enduring reputation and retained value in the used boat market. The boat has cultivated a devoted owner base, a testament to its reliability and general appeal. While specific recurring issues are not widely reported for this model, owners typically praise its robust nature and its capability to serve both as a competitive racer and a comfortable cruiser.