Tiger Cub 28 Information, Review, Specs

The design was so technically sound that it later caught the attention of Columbia Yachts. After Morgan sold the rights to the design, the hull was refined and marketed as the Columbia 31, a detail confirmed by Practical Sailor in their historical review of the Morgan lineage. This makes the Tiger Cub 28 the direct ancestor to one of the most successful production cruisers of the late 1960s.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Tiger Cub 28 was specifically designed to compete under the Midget Ocean Racing Club (MORC) rules, which favored boats with a higher waterline-to-length ratio and efficient underwater profiles. Unlike the beamy, heavy-displacement cruisers of the CCA (Cruising Club of America) era, the Tiger Cub feels nimble and responsive. It features a keel-centerboard configuration, a signature Morgan trait that allowed for both deep-water stability and a remarkably shoal draft (roughly 3 feet with the board up) for coastal gunkholing.

On the water, the boat is known for its ability to track well on a reach and maintain speed in light air, thanks to its relatively generous sail area and masthead rig. Owners often describe the handling as "lively," requiring more active trimming than a heavy full-keel cruiser, yet it remains surprisingly sea-kindly in a blow. Because it was designed for the choppy waters of the Florida coast, the hull features a moderate entry that minimizes pounding in a head sea.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 28-foot boat of the 1960s, the Tiger Cub 28 offered a functional, if somewhat Spartan, layout that focused on offshore utility. The interior generally followed two configurations: a traditional dinette to starboard with a linear galley, or an aft-galley arrangement that prioritized a larger navigation area and increased floor space.

The use of molded fiberglass liners was an innovation for its time, providing a clean, low-maintenance finish, though it often came at the expense of the warmth found in earlier wooden designs. Headroom is adequate for a vessel of this size, though sailors over six feet may find the cabin a bit tight. Variations between early "one-off" versions and later Morgan production hulls often involve the amount of interior teak trim and the specific placement of the head; earlier models typically featured a more open V-berth arrangement to facilitate quick sail changes during races.

Popular Mentions & Media

The boat's primary claim to fame is its direct connection to Charles Morgan’s racing heritage. The success of the Tiger Cub 28 in the regional racing circuits of the mid-60s cemented Morgan’s reputation as a designer who could translate high-end racing performance into a boat affordable for the average family. It is frequently discussed in retrospectives of the "Golden Age" of fiberglass boatbuilding, often cited as the boat that launched the Morgan Yacht Corporation empire.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Tiger Cub 28 should prioritize a structural inspection of the keel-centerboard trunk and the mast step.

• Mast Step Corrosion: The early mast steps were often constructed of carbon steel. Over decades of exposure to bilge water, these can corrode significantly, potentially compromising the rig's tension.
• Rudder Post and Stuffing Box: There have been reports of stress cracking where the rudder post meets the hull. This area should be carefully examined for evidence of delamination or moisture ingress.
• Centerboard Mechanism: Like any centerboard boat of this age, the pennant (the line used to raise and lower the board) and the pivot pin require inspection. A stuck board or a worn pin can be a difficult and expensive repair if the boat is not already hauled out.
• Deck Core Integrity: While Morgan hulls were notoriously overbuilt, the decks often used balsa coring which can rot around old deck hardware, stanchion bases, or chainplates if the sealant has failed.

Community & Resources

Owners of these classic vessels often find technical support and historical documentation through the Morgan Yacht Owners Group and various "Good Old Boat" enthusiast forums. While there is no longer a dedicated factory association, the kinship between Tiger Cub and Columbia 31 owners provides a wealth of shared knowledge regarding restorations and modifications.

The Verdict

The Tiger Cub 28 remains a sought-after classic for sailors who appreciate 1960s aesthetics combined with a legitimate racing pedigree. It is an excellent entry-level cruiser for those in shoal-draft areas like the Chesapeake or the Florida Keys.

Pros

• Shoal Draft: The keel-centerboard design allows access to anchorages most 28-footers cannot reach.
• Historical Pedigree: Owning a Tiger Cub is owning a piece of the Charles Morgan legacy.
• Balanced Performance: Capable of both competitive club racing and comfortable coastal cruising.

Cons

• Maintenance Intensity: Older fiberglass and potential steel-component corrosion require a dedicated owner.
• Simple Accommodations: The interior lacks the "condo-maran" volume found in modern boats of the same length.
• Limited Headroom: Taller sailors may find the cabin dimensions restrictive.