WHAT HAVE WE DONE?!?
Why We Just Bought Another Morgan (And What It Says About the Market Right Now)
Yes, folks:
We bought another Morgan.
Before you accuse us of assembling a Morgan armada, hear us out—because what happened says a lot about the current state of boat-buying foolishness this winter. But before we get there, a quick reset for anyone new to our questionable decision-making.
Back in 2022, two of my best friends and I bought a 1980 Morgan 382. Yes, three adults sharing one boat. A partnership. A magnificent experiment in scheduling, diplomacy, and “who left the head like that?” or “whoever kills the rum, fills the rum!” Our wives assured us this was the most economical path to boat ownership and, demonstrating our usual financial acumen, we agreed instantly.
The Morgan 382 was a big win for Morgan Yachts. Designed by the late, great Ted Brewer, more than 300 sold between 1977 and 1982. Then came the facelifted 383 and 384 models, with another 200 built before Morgan Yachts eventually sold to Catalina circa 1986. By any measure, it was a hugely successful production run… which, in hindsight, should’ve warned us that owning just one might not satisfy whatever deep nautical impulse makes us do these things.
Got it?
Onward.
Market Check: Late 2025
“Why Is Everything Selling So Fast? Or… is it?”
Here’s what we’ve been seeing:
Nice boats are disappearing faster than free donuts in the BoatFools HQ.
Anything with a new diesel is basically catnip (but the price tag reflects it).
Buyers are prowling early for 2026, and sellers are motivated before those winter storage bills land like a wet mainsail on your head.
Inventory feels thinner in some markets, and price drops are suddenly plentiful.
Into this frenzy dropped a boat that tugged our heartstrings the moment we first profiled it.
**The Morgan 384 That Got Away
(Then Boomeranged Back Like a GREAT Movie Sequel)**
Back in summer 2024, we stepped aboard and filmed a 1986 Morgan 384 that had us grinning like kids in a dinghy race.
She had:
a bigger rudder (the 382’s smaller one can get a little squirrelly downwind in a sea)
a taller mast and shorter boom—a high-aspect rig that actually makes sense
all opening ports + four dorades for airflow (the 382 is… not this)
coach-roof traveler (382 has it in front of the binnacle)
electric windlass (our manual Neptune is charming but… manual)
full gimbaling oven (we have a fixed cooktop)
inboard and outboard genoa tracks
and the pièce de résistance: a brand-new Beta Marine with under 30 hours
I mean if that engine doesn’t make your heart flutter, I don’t know what will…
Naturally, she sold instantly.
Naturally, we mourned.
But because of BoatFools—and because we already own a Morgan—the owner reached out. We stayed in touch. We became friends. (This is how it always starts, right?)
When he decided to move up to a Bristol 41.1, that same 384 popped back up like it was trying to flirt with us. (It didn’t have to try very hard.)
Meanwhile, We Were Plotting
We’d already been toying with the idea of adding a second Morgan to a small local charter fleet. We even ran to Rhode Island in early October to look at another 384 that had been sitting on the market for months.
Naturally:
It sold the day after we saw it.
Because of course it did.
So when our old flame resurfaced, we called the broker, took a deep breath, and asked:
“Would the seller consider owner financing?”
He said yes.
Survey done.
Deal struck.
Boom—we’re in.
Before you accuse us of recklessness (you’d be right), we did make sure we had a few key things sorted out—things every buyer should nail down:
Where will you store the boat? (Especially if you live in the frozen tundra that is Maine.)
Where will you keep it in-season? Mooring? Slip? Some harbors have 7–25 year waitlists.
How will you move it home? Lake Superior to the Chesapeake? Chesapeake to Maine? That’s a check you will remember.
Get these answered first before you even think about buying a boat.
**Why This Boat Made Total Sense
(And Not Just Because We Have a Type—But We Do!)**
1. A New Diesel = Peace of Mind
In the used-boat world, uncertainty is everywhere.
A fresh Beta Marine? That’s the adult equivalent of a nightlight.
2. Morgans Just Sail Nice
Comfortable. Predictable. Forgiving.
They’re the Click & Clack of cruising boats—maybe not the flashiest, but they get you there smiling.
3. The 384 Fixes the 382’s Quirks
Bigger rudder, higher-aspect rig, more airflow, traveler out of your personal space.
(Still debate on that last one—singlehanders love the binnacle location. What do you prefer?)
4. Charter Potential
We’re putting the 382 into charter in Maine next summer to help offset the cost of the 384. Fingers crossed.
5. Right Boat, Right Time, Right Seller
Re-powered, well-loved, back on the market before winter, from someone we trust.
And being a 1986 model, she’s one of the last three Morgan 384s built before Catalina took over.
Last thoughts on this: We love the 382 like nobody’s business. It’s a fantastic boat that has exceeded all our expectations. She’s not going anywhere. So, if you own a 382, we see you. We know how lucky we are to have this boat, complete with its leaky Perkins 4-108 diesel. It will be like having two children - we’ll love them both equally… Right?
What’s In This for You?
Aside from entertainment value?
Relationships matter. Being a decent human pays off.
Repowered boats are holding value—big trend heading into 2026.
Good classic cruisers vanish quickly.
Winter is deal season… if you’re ready.
Leave a comment:
Would you ever own two versions of the same boat?
In The Next Issue
We’re going to debunk some myths about sailboat insurance! Fun stuff. Promise.
Thanks for reading.
-BoatFools Sailing Team
Bravo ! Grab what you love. (I was never a fan of the shin-knocker traveler anyway.) Can't wait to see her in person.
By charter, do you mean bareboat by chance? If so, where will you guys be chartering this boat from? We will be spending a chunk of the summer in North Haven, and we have been looking for a bareboat somewhere in the Penobscot area.