Morgan 35 Information, Review, Specs

The Morgan 35 entered production in 1970, part of Morgan Yachts' significant output during the burgeoning fiberglass boat market. Charles Morgan, considered one of the "founding fathers of fiberglass" in the marine industry, specialized in CCA-rule (Cruising Club of America) centerboarders, and his design philosophy for boats like the Morgan 35 aimed to blend performance with comfortable cruising. His designs from this era often featured balanced hulls and effective sail plans. Morgan Yachts, under Charles Morgan's initial leadership, was known for a pragmatic response to market demands, evolving to produce both performance-oriented vessels and more volume-focused cruisers.

The Morgan 35 was primarily offered as a masthead sloop with a keel/centerboard configuration and a spade rudder. During its production run, a "Tall Rig" option was available, featuring an 'I' dimension of 43.75 feet and a 'P' of 38.18 feet, offering a larger sail plan compared to the standard rig. This provided owners with choices depending on their performance preferences. A total of 140 units of the Morgan 35 were built, testifying to its popularity.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morgan 35 is characterized as a moderate displacement sailboat, designed to offer a balanced and stable sailing experience. With a displacement of 11,900 lbs and a waterline length of 27.58 feet, its displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 252.6 suggests a solid, sea-kindly cruiser rather than a lightweight racer.

Its sail area to displacement ratio of around 16.8 indicates moderate performance, suggesting the boat performs well in a range of conditions without being overly sensitive to light airs or overwhelmed in heavy breezes. A ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.42 (5,000 lbs of lead ballast in a 11,900 lb displacement) points to a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a good deal of wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. Owners often praise Charles Morgan's ability to design boats with "pretty lines" and good handling characteristics. The combination of a keel/centerboard and spade rudder also provides excellent maneuverability and allows for access to shallower anchorages, a significant advantage for cruisers.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior headroom data for the Morgan 35 is not widely detailed in available specifications, the design generally emphasized practical cruising comfort. The internal layout of a Morgan 35 typically includes an aft galley, providing a functional space for meal preparation. These vessels often feature a spacious cabin, consistent with cruising boats of their size and era, designed for extended stays onboard.

Interiors of Morgan yachts from this period generally featured a blend of fiberglass surfaces with wood trim, providing a classic nautical ambiance. Owners sometimes undertake projects like replacing the cabin sole, indicating areas for personalization and upkeep. The arrangement would commonly include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that can serve as berths, a head compartment, and potentially quarter berths aft, optimizing the use of the boat's 10.75-foot beam for living space.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Morgan 35 generally hold their boats in high regard, often praising the solid construction and the well-thought-out design by Charles Morgan, noting the "pretty lines" and robust build quality. Many appreciate the boat's suitability for extended cruising, with some even considering transatlantic voyages, a testament to its perceived blue-water capabilities.

However, common maintenance items and potential issues have been noted by the ownership community. A recurring concern for owners of the centerboard models is galvanic corrosion of the centerboard pendant, sometimes requiring annual hauling and replacement of the cable. Some owners have also reported discovering cracks just inside the hull, although these are typically repairable. Despite these potential maintenance points, the active community of Morgan owners often provides support and solutions, highlighting the enduring appeal and robust nature of these classic yachts.