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Morgan 381 Catalina
Designer: Charlie Morgan  ·  First built: 1990
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About the Morgan 381 Catalina

Featuring the distinctive styling and construction quality Morgan Marine was known for during their active years, this 38-foot sailboat represents the builder's commitment to creating seaworthy cruising vessels for serious sailors. The 381 Catalina showcases the traditional design philosophy that made Morgan boats popular among cruising enthusiasts who valued solid construction over flashy amenities. Built during Morgan's later production years, this model reflects the company's evolution toward more sophisticated hull designs while maintaining their reputation for sturdy construction. The boat's proportions suggest it was designed primarily for coastal and offshore cruising, with accommodations that would appeal to couples or small families planning extended voyages. Morgan's attention to structural integrity shines through in the 381 Catalina, which features the robust construction methods the yard was known for. The design emphasizes seaworthiness and comfort over racing performance, making it well-suited for sailors who prioritize safety and livability during longer passages. While detailed specifications remain limited, the boat's size and Morgan's design heritage indicate this model would provide reliable service for serious cruising sailors seeking a traditional sailing experience with proven construction quality.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 38.08 ft / 11.61 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 32.00 ft / 9.75 m
Beam 12.50 ft / 3.81 m
Max Draft 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
Displacement 17,600 lb / 7,983 kg
Ballast 7,000 lb / 3,175 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 700 ft² / 65.03 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Charlie Morgan
First Built 1990
Last Built 1996
Number Built 150
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Performance Ratios
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
 16.52
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 39.77
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 239.78
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
 27.62
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
 1.93
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. 7.58 kn
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. 8.57 pounds/inch
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