Morgan 46 (Scheel) Information, Review, Specs

The production of the Morgan 46 (Scheel) commenced in 1979. The design originated as the "Scheel 45" before evolving into the Morgan 46. Henry Scheel, a naval architect who previously worked for Morgan Yachts, collaborated with Charles Morgan on several earlier designs. Scheel's return to vessel design in 1968, and his subsequent joining of Morgan Yachts, marked a period of significant contributions to the builder's portfolio. The initial molds for the Scheel-designed hull were created by Scheel's company in Maine, later coming into Morgan Yachts' possession.

During the era of the Morgan 46's production, Morgan Yachts, under the initial leadership of Charles Morgan, had already established a reputation for blending performance with cruising comfort, leveraging the burgeoning fiberglass boat market. The company transitioned from earlier performance-oriented designs to more volume-focused cruisers, a shift exemplified by the popular Out Island series. The Morgan 46 (Scheel) reflects this evolution, offering a robust platform suitable for extended cruising. The model was offered in both sloop and ketch configurations, providing owners with flexibility in sail plans. The nomenclature around the Morgan 46 can be confusing, with similar boats also sold as the Morgan Custom 46, Morgan 461, Morgan 462, and Morgan 463. The deck and interior of some variations, such as the Morgan 461/462, were designed by Moorings.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morgan 46 (Scheel) is characterized by a displacement of 30,000 lbs and a waterline length of 39.25 feet, contributing to a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 221.68. This places it in the moderate to heavy displacement category, suggesting a robust cruising boat rather than a light, high-performance racer. With a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, the yacht is designed for stability and predictable tracking.

Its sail area to displacement ratio, calculated at approximately 12.57, indicates that the Morgan 46 is not optimized for exceptional light-air performance. Instead, it is better suited for conditions where its substantial displacement can carry it through, especially in stronger winds. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of 0.127 is relatively low, suggesting that much of its stability is derived from its hull form rather than a deep, heavy keel. Despite this, some sources describe the Morgan 46 as reasonably stable and stiff, with excellent righting capability. Its theoretical hull speed is 8.4 knots. Owners often praise the Morgan 46's ability to handle trade winds and take blue water in its stride, affirming its capability as a proven blue-water cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the Morgan 46 (Scheel) is widely recognized for its spacious interior, making it a popular choice for liveaboards and long-distance cruisers. The typical layout often includes two private cabins, each with an en-suite head and shower, providing significant privacy and comfort. Additional sleeping accommodations are generally found in the salon.

The interior emphasizes liveability, featuring ample storage throughout. The design prioritizes comfort and practicality for extended periods at sea or at anchor. While detailed descriptions of finish quality vary by specific model and year (given the multiple iterations of the 46-foot design by Morgan Yachts), the overall impression is one of a solid, functional cruising interior.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Morgan 46 (Scheel) frequently commend its solid construction and suitability for long-term cruising and liveaboard lifestyles. Many view it as a proven blue-water cruiser, appreciating its ability to handle challenging sea conditions. The ketch rig, often available on these models, is cited as contributing to easier handling, particularly for couples or smaller crews.

Common points of discussion among owners sometimes revolve around the hydraulic steering systems, with some experiencing issues related to air pressure and fluid loss. However, the enduring popularity and active community surrounding these vessels attest to their overall reliability and the satisfaction of their owners. The Morgan 46 (Scheel) continues to be valued on the used boat market for its spaciousness, comfortable motion, and robust design.