1976 Morgan Ocean 31 “Chérie” — Fully Refit, Bluewater-Ready Offshore Cruiser

Asking Price: $35,000 USD                                  Location: Rio Dulce, Guatemala

A Rare, Proven Offshore Passagemaker — Ready to Sail Today

Chérie is a rare and highly regarded Morgan Ocean 31, designed by Angelo Lavranos and built in Durban, South Africa by Morgan Mosenthal Marine. Only approximately 25 hulls were ever produced, each built with solid fiberglass construction, exceptional laminate thickness, a full keel with cutaway forefoot, and fully encapsulated lead ballast. Among offshore sailors, the Morgan Ocean 31 has earned a reputation as forgiving, capable, and built for real bluewater passages.

This is only the vessel’s second ownership. The first owners — a family of three — sailed Chérie over 50,000 miles, from South Africa to New Zealand, with stops in the Amazon River, the Caribbean, and both coasts of the US, transiting the Panama Canal three times. The current owners lived aboard full-time for a year and sailed her 4,500 miles, up and down the US East Coast, through the Bahamas, and on to Guatemala via the Windward Passage and Jamaica. This is a boat that has been tested and has proven herself many times over.

Vessel Overview

Chérie is currently docked and maintained at a marina in Rio Dulce, Guatemala. She underwent an extensive, ground-up refit between September 2024 and June 2025 and is in excellent condition throughout. She comes with a full complement of tools, essential cruising references, and extras — she is truly turn-key and ready for her next owner to cast off.

2024–2025 Refit Highlights

Engine & Drivetrain

• New Beta 25 diesel engine with 75-amp alternator
• New AGM starter battery
• New prop shaft, propeller, and cutlass bearing

Rigging

• New standing rigging, running rigging, and chainplates

Electrical & Power

• New 600Ah lithium house bank (Epoch Essentials batteries, Victron system throughout)
• New 300W bifacial solar panel with Victron solar controller

Hull & Systems

• All new thru-hulls and seacocks

Electronics & Navigation

• New Icom VHF with AIS receive (backup)
• New Digital Yacht AIS transceiver
• New VHF/AIS antenna and mast wiring
• New Garmin wind instrument and multifunction display

Ground Tackle

• 150′ of new G4 5/16″ windlass-grade anchor chain
• New Rocna 15 anchor
• New manual windlass

Sails & Safety

• New mainsail and new working jib
• New Pelagic tiller pilot
• New 6-person offshore life raft

…and much more. Full refit records and receipts available upon request.

Why the Morgan Ocean 31

Purpose-built for offshore work, the Morgan Ocean 31 combines a full keel, encapsulated ballast, and heavy solid-glass construction with a manageable size for shorthanded or solo cruising. With this refit complete, Chérie is set up as a genuine turn-key bluewater cruiser — not a project boat.

Contact the listing broker today to schedule a showing in Rio Dulce, Guatemala.