Morgan 452 Information, Review, Specs

Boat drawing
Make
Morgan
Model
452
Number Built
Production Year(s)
1978 - ??

I have a much clearer picture now.

Updated Key Findings:

  • Designer: Henry Scheel. This confirms my earlier correction. Charles Morgan was the founder of Morgan Yachts, but Henry Scheel designed the 452.
  • Production: 1978.
  • Variations: It was "Sold as the MORGAN 45 for a period but similar to MORGAN 46/MORGAN 461, 462, 463, etc. from a design and molds originally created by Henry Scheel.". This implies a series of related designs. Some results refer to "Catalina Morgan 45", suggesting that Catalina continued production or a similar model under the Morgan name after acquiring the company. The specifies "Morgan 452", so I'll focus on that and mention the lineage.
  • Design Philosophy: "slightly more spacy hull design". The similar Morgan 46 was intended as a "long-distance cruiser" with its design, deck layout, and accommodations reflecting this. The Catalina Morgan 45 is described as having "strong construction, comfort at sea".
  • Sailing Performance: "moderate weight sailboat which is under powered. It is reasonably stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized.". The ketch rig "allows for better comfort and stability when sailing downwind or on a broad reach.". "Fin keel" and "skeg hung rudder".
  • Accommodations: "Spacious and light classic teak interior, 2 cabins and salon, 4(+2) berths, forward cabin with king-sized berth and ensuite" (this is for a Catalina Morgan 45, likely very similar to the 452). Equipped with 140 US gallons of water capacity.
  • Owner's Perspectives: General forums for Morgan boats exist. Some common issues on older Morgans, like deck/hull joint leaks, are mentioned for other models 13 for Morgan 30, but not specifically for the 452. A forum post mentions "Morgan 45 seems like a good prospect but I'm concerned that the 46 HP" (implying the engine may be seen as underpowered by some). Another mentions issues with a Perkins 4-108 engine in a Morgan 45. The search states it's "under powered" which aligns with the owner concern about engine HP.

I have enough information to construct the article, including an "Owner's Perspectives" section based on the "underpowered" comment and general engine concerns common to older boats of this type.

I will now proceed with generating the article based on the structure and content requirements.

InfoView listings

Measurements

Construction & Hull

Construction Material
Fiberglass (Solid)
Hull Type
Monohull Sailboat
Keel Type
Fin
Rudder
1x Skeg-Hung
Ballast
8300 lbs
Displacement
30000 lbs
Water Capacity
140 gal
Fuel Capacity
250 gal

Engine

Engine Make
Cummins
Engine Model
Engine Type
Engine HP
150
Engine Count
1
Drive Type
Fuel Type
Diesel
Hover over a measurement
IJPE FS LOALWL

Rig & Sails

Rig Type
Ketch
P (Main Luff)
-
E (Main Foot)
-
I (Foretriangle Height)
-
J (Foretriangle Base)
-
Forestay Length (est)
-
Main Sail Area
-
Foretriangle Sail Area
-
Total Sail Area (Reported)
734 sqft
Total Sail Area (Calc)
-

Dimensions

LOA
45 ft
LWL
39.25 ft
Beam
13.5 ft
Draft
5.5 ft
Max Headroom
-
Air Draft
-

Calculations

Hull Speed
8.4 kn
Pounds per Inch Immersion
1