Hirsch 62 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Hirsch 62 begins in 1986, during a period when Morgan Yachts was operating under the ownership of Catalina Yachts, which had acquired the brand in 1984. The decision to base the Hirsch 62 on the proven Morgan 60 design allowed for a rapid and reliable entry into the bare-boat charter market. While the "Hirsch" designation likely refers to the specific Florida-based charter company that commissioned these vessels, the underlying design ethos remained firmly Morgan's: creating seaworthy and comfortable cruising yachts.

Morgan Yachts, under both its original founder Charles Morgan and later ownership, consistently focused on robust fiberglass construction. Charles Morgan himself was instrumental in the widespread adoption of fiberglass in yacht building, and this heritage of durable, no-nonsense construction would have been a hallmark of vessels like the Hirsch 62, even under Catalina's stewardship. The production during this era typically emphasized practical designs that offered ample interior volume and solid performance for the cruising sailor, a philosophy perfectly aligned with the needs of a large charter vessel. The Hirsch 62 features a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a common and effective configuration for stability and control in a blue-water cruiser of this size.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morgan Hirsch 62 is characterized by a moderate displacement hull, designed more for comfortable passage-making and stability than for out-and-out racing. With a reported sail area of 1507 square feet and a displacement of 62,000 pounds, it exhibits a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.36. This figure suggests a boat that will be well-powered in moderate to strong breezes but may require more wind to perform optimally in lighter air, prioritizing comfort and steady motion over blistering speed.

The ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.296, indicates a lower reliance on external ballast for stability. While this might suggest less initial stiffness compared to some performance-oriented designs with higher ratios, the Hirsch 62's substantial displacement and broad beam of nearly 16 feet contribute significantly to its form stability, making it a capable and comfortable blue-water cruising boat. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 221.36 further reinforces its identity as a moderate displacement cruiser, a solid platform for offshore voyages without being excessively heavy for its 50-foot waterline. The Morgan 60, on which the Hirsch 62 is based, was conceived as a "fast, seaworthy and comfortable cruising yacht" with "excellent seakeeping," suggesting a well-mannered vessel that handles predictably in varying sea states.

Powering this large vessel is a 130 horsepower diesel engine, providing ample auxiliary propulsion for maneuvering in tight quarters or making headway against adverse conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Designed specifically for the charter trade and based on the Morgan 60, the Hirsch 62 prioritizes spaciousness and practicality in its interior layout. The Morgan 60 was conceived with an "open, spacious interior arrangement" and was primarily designed as a "three double stateroom version with large head". This configuration would have provided comfortable living quarters for multiple guests or a large family, a crucial attribute for a charter vessel.

The robust fiberglass hull construction would have allowed for significant interior volume. While specific details on the finish materials are not available, charter boats of this era typically featured durable, easy-to-maintain surfaces, often combining fiberglass liners with practical wood trim accents. Storage would have been generous to accommodate provisions and gear for extended cruises, and good ventilation would be a key consideration for comfort in the Florida charter environment. The emphasis was undoubtedly on maximizing living space and functionality to enhance the charter experience, offering a stable and comfortable base for sailing adventures.