Morgan 60 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Morgan 60 begins in 1980, marking a period for Morgan Yachts several years after founder Charles Morgan's direct involvement with the company concluded in 1972. During this era, Morgan Yachts, having passed through several corporate entities, continued to build on its reputation for producing capable fiberglass sailboats, a market segment Charles Morgan was instrumental in pioneering. The company's design philosophy had matured from its early focus on CCA-rule racer-cruisers, exemplified by models like the Morgan 34, towards more volume-focused, comfortable cruisers such as the immensely popular Out Island series.

The Morgan 60 was an ambitious extension of this cruising ethos, designed by Morgan Yachts as a "fast, seaworthy and comfortable cruising yacht." It offered an opulent cruising experience, often found in the form of its variant, the Moorings 60, indicating its suitability for charter operations and robust, long-term use. The vessel's construction from solid fiberglass for both hull and deck further underscores the builder's commitment to durability and strength, characteristics that define the legacy of Morgan Yachts.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morgan 60's design firmly places it in the category of a heavy-displacement cruiser, built for comfort and offshore capability rather than light-air racing. With a displacement of 60,000 pounds and a waterline length of 50 feet, its Displacement to Length ratio calculates to a substantial 480. This high ratio signifies a weighty, stable vessel well-suited to managing demanding sea states with a comfortable motion.

The Sail Area to Displacement ratio, at approximately 14.08, suggests a sail plan optimized for robust conditions rather than exceptional performance in light winds. While some sources refer to "Her generous sail plan," this figure indicates that the Morgan 60 is unlikely to be a light-air flyer, instead favoring steadiness and power in moderate to strong breezes. The Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.3167 further reinforces this profile, indicating moderate stiffness, providing a balanced feel at the helm and a forgiving nature in varying conditions. The combination of a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder contributes to good directional stability and robust steering, critical attributes for a yacht of this size intended for serious cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

True to its designation as a luxury yacht, the Morgan 60 was designed with "exceptional accommodations and ample storage space" for extended periods aboard. The interior layout typically features a center cockpit design, which often allows for a commodious aft cabin. Owners and enthusiasts can expect a spacious arrangement with four cabins, providing significant privacy and comfort for multiple guests or a large family.

A notable feature is the walkthrough access to the aft cabin, often located on the starboard side, enhancing the flow and accessibility within the yacht. The substantial volume also allowed for dedicated utility spaces, with at least one variant including a workshop, catering to the self-sufficiency required for long-distance cruising. While specific details on materials and finishes would vary, the general ethos of Morgan Yachts during this era leaned towards durable, practical, and often wood-trimmed interiors that emphasized comfort and livability, consistent with the reputation of a spacious, seaworthy vessel.