Morgan 382 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Morgan 382 emerged from a lineage of successful Morgan designs, building upon the foundations of earlier models like the original Morgan 38. Production of the 382 began in 1977, with its design team, including naval architects Ted Brewer and Jack Corey, aiming to refine and enhance the cruising experience. The parent company, Morgan Yachts, founded by Charles "Charley" E. Morgan Jr., was a pioneer in fiberglass yacht construction, known for blending performance with cruising comfort during its peak production years.

The 382 saw notable updates during its production run, a common practice for Morgan Yachts to evolve their models. In 1981, the design was modified to include a taller rig, a reconfigured rudder, and an increased water tank capacity, alongside several interior improvements. These enhancements aimed to optimize both sailing characteristics and onboard liveability. The model evolved further in 1983, becoming the Morgan 384, which incorporated additional changes such as more teak in the cockpit [8, 12,. Across its various iterations—the Morgan 38, 382, and 384—approximately 500 boats were built before production ended around 1986, shortly after Catalina Yachts acquired Morgan Yachts in 1985 [3, 9,.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morgan 382's design ratios suggest a boat well-suited for comfortable cruising rather than outright racing, yet still capable of respectable performance. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.03, she possesses a moderate sail plan relative to her weight, indicating a balanced performance profile. While not optimized for very light air, she is expected to deliver steady progress in a breeze.

Her ballast to displacement ratio of 0.40 is quite robust, signifying a good degree of stiffness and stability, enabling the vessel to stand up to a significant amount of wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. This high ballast ratio contributes to a secure and reassuring feel under sail, making her suitable for extended passages. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 267.48 places the Morgan 382 firmly in the category of a moderate to heavy cruiser, further supporting the expectation of a comfortable and predictable ride. Owners generally describe the Morgan 382 as a boat that sails well, offering predictable and comfortable motion, particularly in varying sea states. Her hull speed is calculated at 7.4 knots [3,.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior headroom is not detailed in the provided data, the Morgan 382 is known for its conventional and functional interior layout, typical of cruising yachts of its era. Owners often appreciate the ample use of wood trim below deck, contributing to a warm and traditional aesthetic.

General descriptions suggest a layout that typically includes a V-berth forward, providing a private sleeping area. A head compartment is usually located near the V-berth. The main salon would feature settees that can often convert into berths, along with a dinette area. The galley, commonly situated along one side of the salon, provides space for meal preparation. A navigation station and quarter berth or berths are typically found aft, offering additional sleeping or storage options. The emphasis in these designs was on practical liveability and storage for extended periods aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Morgan 382 generally hold their vessels in high regard, frequently praising the boat's robust construction and perceived durability. Many consider the Morgan 382 to be "built strong enough for most people's purposes" and a capable, proven bluewater cruiser. The positive reputation of Morgan Yachts' customer service during the production years also resonates with owners, highlighting a period where builder support was a significant asset.

While individual boats will vary significantly in condition due to age and maintenance history, common discussions among owners revolve around typical upkeep items for boats of this vintage, such as ensuring the integrity of deck fittings and addressing any signs of core issues, which are not unique to the Morgan 382 but common to older fiberglass boats. Despite these general considerations, the collective sentiment is that the Morgan 382 offers a solid value, combining handsome lines with a comfortable and seaworthy platform for cruising.