Morgan 32 Information, Review, Specs

The Morgan 32 entered production in 1980 under Morgan Yachts, a company with a rich history in American yacht building that pioneered fiberglass construction. Although Charles Morgan, the visionary founder and primary designer of many iconic early Morgan models, had departed the company in 1972, Morgan Yachts continued to produce a range of successful cruising boats. The Morgan 32, designed by Ted Brewer and Jack Corey, reflects the builder's later focus on volume-oriented cruisers that prioritized comfortable and spacious interiors, moving beyond the more performance-centric, CCA-rule inspired designs of Charles Morgan's initial tenure.

During its production run, the Morgan 32 saw several iterations, evolving into the Morgan 321, Morgan 322, and Morgan 323 models by 1983. These subsequent versions are noted to be quite similar to the original design, suggesting minor refinements rather than significant overhauls. The hull of the Morgan 32 is constructed from solid fiberglass, a common and durable material for its era, featuring a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.9, the Morgan 32 presents a moderate sail plan. This suggests the boat is adequately powered for general cruising, offering respectable performance in moderate winds but likely not excelling in very light air conditions. Its ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of around 0.36 indicates a reasonable degree of stiffness, allowing the vessel to stand up to a decent breeze without excessive heeling.

The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of roughly 314 categorizes the Morgan 32 as a moderate to heavy displacement cruiser. This characteristic typically translates to a comfortable and steady motion in a seaway, prioritizing stability and load-carrying capacity over outright speed. Owners have noted that the boat's rig is relatively easy to balance, allowing the Morgan 32 to sail herself effectively, which points to good inherent design for handling.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed diagrams of the Morgan 32's interior layout are not readily available, the design ethos of Morgan Yachts during its later period, coupled with owner feedback, indicates a strong emphasis on interior volume and liveability. One owner remarked that the Morgan 32 boasts "more interior space than many larger sailboats" for its size, suggesting a clever use of the hull's beam (11.5 feet) and overall length to maximize cabin area.

Typically for a cruiser of this size and vintage, one could expect a traditional layout featuring a V-berth forward, a head compartment, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a galley, and potentially a quarter berth aft. The interior would likely feature durable, practical finishes characteristic of fiberglass construction from the era, with an emphasis on functional comfort for cruising. The robust construction methods employed by Morgan Yachts would extend to the interior structure.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Morgan 32 frequently praise its solid construction and the overall "sound design" of the vessel. A significant highlight for many is the impressive interior space, often cited as being more generous than what is found on other sailboats of similar length. This makes the Morgan 32 a popular choice for those seeking comfort and practicality for extended cruising or even liveaboard situations. The ability to balance the rig easily, allowing the boat to "virtually sail herself," is another commonly appreciated strength, indicating good manners under sail.

However, common maintenance considerations and potential weaknesses mentioned by owners include the possibility of stress cracks developing on the deck or at the hull-to-deck joint, which are important areas to inspect on older vessels. Concerns regarding the integrity of the original chainplate design have also been noted. Additionally, some older models, such as the Morgan 323, have shown issues like unsealed wood components supporting tanks and cracks along the hull bottom, underscoring the importance of thorough pre-purchase inspections and ongoing maintenance for boats of this age. Morgan 323 Rebuild | Sailboat Owners Forums