Morgan 45-2 Information, Review, Specs

The Morgan 45-2 began its production run in 1978. The yacht's design originated from Henry Scheel, who crafted the molds in the early 1970s. Scheel's design philosophy aimed to blend the traditional aesthetics and beauty of classic sailing yachts with modern performance capabilities. He was also known for his innovative "Scheel Keel" which enhanced sail-carrying capacity and boat speed. While the 45-2 specifically refers to the 1978 model, Scheel's design was further developed and built by Morgan Yachts, becoming the foundation for the Morgan 46, 461, and 462 models, which were also sold under the Morgan brand. The Morgan 461 and 462 models, for instance, were a collaboration, with Scheel designing the hull and Moorings contributing to the deck and interior layouts.

At the time of the 45-2's introduction, Morgan Yachts, after the departure of founder Charles Morgan in 1972, had shifted its focus towards producing more volume-oriented cruisers, a strategy exemplified by the hugely popular Out Island series. The Scheel-designed 45-2 and its successors fit this ethos, offering substantial space and comfort for extended voyages, moving away from the earlier performance-centric designs that characterized Charles Morgan's initial vision for the company.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a displacement of 30,000 lbs, the Morgan 45-2 is a moderately heavy vessel for its length. Its displacement-to-length ratio calculates to approximately 221.6, classifying it as a capable, stable cruiser rather than a light-displacement racer. The sail area-to-displacement ratio of around 12.2 suggests that while she is well-powered for general cruising, she is not optimized for exceptional light-air performance. The ballast-to-displacement ratio, with 8,300 lbs of ballast, comes in at approximately 0.276, indicating a design that prioritizes comfortable motion in a seaway over extreme initial stiffness.

Anecdotal reports for the closely related Morgan 46 suggest a solid and dependable motion, capable of maintaining approximately 6 knots of speed in 12-14 knots of breeze when sailing at a 75° apparent wind angle. Owners often describe the Morgan 46 series as "fairly heavily built," contributing to their reputation for durability. While not a performance yacht in the modern sense, the Morgan 45-2 and its derivatives offer a reassuringly predictable and comfortable ride, making them well-suited for extended cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The Morgan 45-2, and its successor Morgan 46 series, are particularly celebrated for their voluminous interiors, which provide ample living space and generous storage, a hallmark of their design philosophy as dedicated cruisers. While specific details for the 45-2 are less documented, the closely related Morgan 46 and 462 models typically feature well-appointed interiors with oiled teak bulkheads, cabinetry, and trim, often complemented by a traditional teak and holly cabin sole.

Common interior arrangements include a spacious V-berth forward, a main salon often configured for comfortable seating and dining, a well-equipped galley, and one or more heads. Many of these larger Morgan models, particularly the 462, were designed with a center-cockpit layout, which typically allows for a very large aft cabin, sometimes even featuring a "bathtub" for added comfort on extended voyages. Storage is a significant advantage, with numerous lockers and compartments integrated throughout the design, making them ideal for liveaboards or long-term cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Morgan 45-2 and its derivatives, like the Morgan 46 series, generally praise their solid construction, comfortable motion in a seaway, and the spaciousness of their interiors, which make them excellent platforms for extended cruising and liveaboard lifestyles. The robust nature of the design has proven durable over time, with many vessels still actively sailed decades after their launch.

However, common maintenance issues and potential weaknesses have been noted by owners, particularly concerning earlier models. Prior to 1980, some Morgan yachts reportedly experienced "hull deck problems," with deck-to-hull joints that relied heavily on sealants like 3M 5200 and were bolted less extensively than later versions. Owners have also reported instances where bulkheads were not adequately tabbed into the deck, leading to potential separation and hull damage in heavy seas. Despite these potential concerns, with proper maintenance and attention to these areas, the Morgan 45-2 and its sister ships remain highly regarded for their cruising capabilities and enduring appeal in the classic sailboat market.