Morgan 40 Cruising Ketch Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Morgan 40 Cruising Ketch began in 1969, at a time when Morgan Yachts, under the initial leadership of Charles Morgan, was transitioning from its early focus on racer-cruisers to a broader range of designs that emphasized comfort and interior volume. Charles Morgan, recognized as one of the "founding fathers of fiberglass" in the marine industry, brought his extensive design expertise to bear, often blending performance with cruising amenities in his vessels. The collaboration with Henry Scheel further refined the design, leading to the adoption of the distinctive Scheel keel, which provides a combination of good lateral resistance and a relatively shallow draft.

During this era, Morgan Yachts was known for capitalizing on the burgeoning fiberglass market, producing a series of popular designs. While Charles Morgan's initial designs leaned towards CCA-rule centerboarders, the Morgan 40 Cruising Ketch reflects a move towards more dedicated cruising platforms, aligning with the company's evolving identity towards rugged, no-nonsense designs suitable for extended living aboard. Notably, a pilot house version of the Morgan 40 Cruising Ketch was also offered, providing enhanced shelter and visibility, catering to those seeking even greater comfort in various climates.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morgan 40 Cruising Ketch, with its generous displacement of 21,000 pounds and a waterline length of 30 feet, is fundamentally a heavy-displacement vessel designed for comfortable passage making rather than high-performance racing. This substantial build contributes to its character as a "heavy, slow, safe and comfortable boat," well-suited for long-distance cruising.

The sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 14.68 indicates that the Morgan 40 is not a light-air flyer but will perform steadily as the wind builds. Her ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 38.1% signifies good initial stability, allowing her to stand up well to a breeze and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Scheel keel, a key design feature, contributes to its shoal draft of just 4.18 feet, making it particularly advantageous for accessing shallower anchorages and marinas, a significant benefit for cruisers exploring diverse waterways, including regions like the Caribbean. Owners generally describe the boat as stable and predictable, qualities highly valued in a dedicated cruising platform.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layout diagrams require dedicated search, the Morgan 40 Cruising Ketch, designed as a full-fledged cruising vessel, offers substantial accommodations for its length. Typical for a ketch of its size and era, the interior is well-appointed for liveaboard comfort and extended voyages. The vessel generally features a three-cabin layout, suggesting a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, and either a quarter berth or a private aft cabin, depending on the specific configuration.

The emphasis is on livability, with a focus on practical storage solutions throughout the cabin. Details from similar Morgan cruisers of the period suggest interiors would likely feature ample wood trim, contributing to a classic marine aesthetic, combined with robust fiberglass liners. While specific maximum headroom is not provided in the primary data, a 40-foot cruising boat of this vintage would typically offer comfortable standing headroom in the main salon and galley areas. Ventilation would be provided through deck hatches and portlights, crucial for comfort in warmer climates. The comprehensive design aims to provide a functional and comfortable living space for several occupants on long journeys.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Morgan 40 Cruising Ketch consistently highlight its suitability for its intended purpose: long-distance cruising. Many praise its solid construction and the sense of safety and comfort it provides, particularly in challenging conditions. The shoal draft, facilitated by the Scheel keel, is frequently mentioned as a significant advantage, allowing access to areas inaccessible to deeper-draft vessels. While acknowledged as not being a high-performance racer, its heavy, stable, and comfortable motion is precisely what long-distance cruisers seek. Owners often appreciate the ample interior volume for extended living and the robust nature of the boat, which makes it a capable platform for those planning extensive voyages, including Caribbean adventures.