1970 M28
I own that exact boat (Selkie - M281 Hull #57, 1970), and there are several others with knowledgeable owners around.As Jim and Barb said, you NEED a survey - it could save your life. With a boat this old, EVERYTHING is suspect. You need to know that the through-hulls are sound, that mast fittings are not corroded, that the chainplates aren't cracked and a myriad of other issues.The M28 has the same issues as the M30, 32, 34, 38 of the same age. They are similar designs and share components (such as mast extrusion).Morgan-specific issues for a boat of this type are: Mast-step/mast corrosion, rotten wooden spreaders, corroded centerboard lifting tackle. All of these are inexpensive and easy to fix. As in all boats this age, look for leaking ports and hull/deck seams. They can be fixed, but it's a pain.It's not common, but some Morgans weep where the rudder shaft enters the hull. Mine had this problem. Again, this is fairly easy - if messy - to fix.While hull issues are also not common, a couple of Morgans of this vintage have suffered some delamination in the hull.Also the electrical systems on these boats are minimal and not even close to ABYC. If the boat has a gas engine, the whole system really ought to be moved out of the engine compartment!Many M281s have the Palmer P60 engine. It's a nice engine but will require TLC and would be the subject of a complete post by itself.Be sure that you can get to the engine and transmission - the stock M28 doesn't have much access. On my boat, the entire side of the storage compartment has been cut out and can be removed for access to the engine. Also, I have a new fuel tank that sits back against the lazarette bulkhead, giving me space to crawl in and sit behind the stuffing box.In general - the M28 is very fast, dry, points poorly (lousy sheeting angle) but foots darned well, tender (that's a LOT of canvas with a 3' draft), needs a constant hand on the tiller (I use a Tillerpilot a LOT) and needs a modern (CDI or Indigo) prop to perform well under power. Reef her early and she'll make you happy. In light winds, she will surprise you and stun others (I did a horizon job on a 34' Hunter not long ago - I had 1/2 knot on him in 3 knots of wind).Things I like - a lot. I couldn't begin to list them here, but here are some highlights: she's fast, handles well, dry, simple, roomy, has plenty of headroom.Things I don't like - the oversize dining table (I don't fit behind it), the low cockpit seats (I need a cushion or two to see over the cabin), the narrow side-decks, the pressboard door on the head, the lack of backing plates under the railings, and the minimal engine access.One thing I like and don't like - they don't sell for much, so they're easy to buy but it is a hard choice to upgrade one because you won't get your money back.There's far too much for me to go into here. I think I could write a book on what I like and don't like about this boat. Would I buy one again? Yes.