Nelson Marek Morgan 36 really fast?

[danstanford]

I have read a number of descriptions of these as really fast boats. I am looking for a boat in this size range and one has come up which has the larger cabin and smaller cockpit more suitable for cruising.
Any thoughts on this boat? They do not seem to be very common compared to many other models and I have never actually sailed one.
Any and all info appreciated, Dan

 

[Alex Dare]

Nelson Marek series

Not particularly fast boat by today's standards but a decent club racer at the time. Typical IOR boat of the period. Hairy as hell downwind in a big breeze with the chute up but generally go well to windward. Decks/cabin tops, chain plates and bulkheads need to be looked at carefully on these boats before you consider an offer. If you can borrow a moisture meter, do it. Many were raced hard. An old IOR boat would probably not be my first choice (especially for short handed sailing) but if well cared for and at the right price, might make a decent coastal cruiser.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

NM 36 and Mumm36s are in the same class of extremely fast boats, the latter being a bit quicker in my opinion. Not sure where you are looking but I believe one of each is for sale in the Great Lakes area where they have a pretty competitive class racing series.

Alex's comments are worth following with any race boat. Also, the sails used on these boats get expensive fast so pay attention to the sail inventory and condition.

 

[Tom Spohn]

Check here for comparisons: http://www.image-ination.com/sailcalc.html

 

[COOL]

NM 36 and Mumm36s are in the same class of extremely fast boats, the latter being a bit quicker in my opinion.

That would be an entirely different N/M 36.
The Morgan N/M36 is a mid '80s IOR design
that rates between 87 and 132 PHRF depending
on the area and the model. If it could sail
to the 87 rating that would be fairly fast for
that type of boat. But not quite in the Mumm 36
territory of 42-57. I would guess that the Morgan
will sail just fine upwind, and in moderate conditions.
But will not be exceptional reaching or running in breeze.