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Morgan 38
Designer: Charles Morgan  ·  Builder: Morgan Yachts  ·  First built: 1969
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About the Morgan 38

Morgan sailboats earned a solid reputation during their production years for building practical, seaworthy vessels that appealed to serious cruising sailors. The 38-footer represents the builder's commitment to creating robust boats capable of handling extended coastal cruising and offshore passages. Built with traditional construction methods, this design emphasizes reliability over racing performance. The hull form typically features moderate beam and displacement characteristics that contribute to a comfortable motion at sea, making it well-suited for sailors who prioritize seaworthiness and interior volume over speed. Morgan's approach to the 38-foot length focused on creating a capable cruising platform with accommodations designed for extended living aboard. The cockpit and deck layout reflect practical considerations for shorthanded sailing, while the interior arrangements maximize comfort for long-term cruising. These boats developed a following among sailors seeking dependable vessels for serious cruising adventures without the premium price tag of some contemporary builders. The Morgan 38 represents an era when production sailboat manufacturers prioritized sturdy construction and proven design principles, resulting in boats that continue to serve their owners well decades after launch.

Market Price Estimate Beta
$19,900 – $100,000
typical asking price
Median $35,900  ·  33 listings used
All listings
$19,900 – $100,000 33
Rate a listing price
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About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 37.67 ft / 11.48 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 28.00 ft / 8.53 m
Beam 11.00 ft / 3.35 m
Max Draft 8.33 ft / 2.54 m
Min Draft 3.75 ft / 1.14 m
Displacement 16,000.00 lb / 7,257 kg
Ballast 7,500.00 lb / 3,402 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 639.00 ft² / 59.37 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Charles Morgan
Builder Morgan Yachts
First Built 1969
Last Built 1971
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
138
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
16.16
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
32.82
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.75
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.09
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
1.5
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 45.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.7
P (Mainsail Luff) 38.5
E (Mainsail Foot) 16.0
SA Fore 330.75
SA Main 308.0
Resources & Community
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