Moorings 50 Information, Review, Specs

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The Moorings 50 is a robust and spacious monohull sailboat, specifically designed and built by Morgan Yachts for the demanding charter trade, offering comfort and reliability for extended cruising. Introduced in 1982, this masthead sloop, with a length overall of just over 50 feet and a generous beam of nearly 14.7 feet, was conceived to provide ample living space and a stable platform for navigating various sea conditions. Her design philosophy emphasizes interior volume and ease of handling, reflecting Morgan Yachts' expertise in producing capable cruising vessels during that era.

As a product of Morgan Yachts, a builder renowned for its contributions to fiberglass yacht construction, the Moorings 50 embodies a legacy of practical and enduring designs. She quickly established a reputation as a workhorse in the charter fleet, a testament to her thoughtful layout and solid construction tailored for a comfortable and enjoyable sailing experience for both seasoned sailors and charter guests alike.

History and Design

The Moorings 50 began its production run in 1982, a period when Morgan Yachts, while no longer under the direct leadership of its founder Charles Morgan, continued to be a prolific builder of fiberglass sailboats. The company, which had been acquired by Catalina Yachts in 1984, maintained a focus on producing cruisers known for their volume and practical liveaboard features, a trend exemplified by the highly successful Out Island series. The Moorings 50 appears to be a natural extension of this ethos, developed specifically for The Moorings Yacht Charter company to meet the rigorous demands of their global fleet.

While specific design philosophies for the Moorings 50 itself are not extensively documented beyond its intended use for charter, it aligns with Morgan Yachts' broader shift towards more volume-focused cruisers that prioritized comfort and robustness over outright racing performance. The vessel features a fin keel and a spade rudder, a common configuration for cruising boats of its size, balancing tracking ability with maneuverability. Production of the Morgan 50 continued at least into 1989, and some were built by Catalina for The Moorings, suggesting a successful and enduring model in their line-up.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.06, the Moorings 50 exhibits characteristics of a capable cruiser, suggesting a balance between performance in light airs and manageability in heavier conditions. Boats in this range are generally considered to be reasonably powered for their displacement, providing adequate speed without being overly sensitive to sail trim. Calculated

The Moorings 50 boasts a high ballast to displacement ratio of nearly 59% (0.589). This significant percentage of ballast contributes substantially to the boat's stability and stiffness, enabling it to stand up to a considerable amount of wind without excessive heeling. Such a design feature is highly desirable for a charter boat or a long-distance cruiser, providing a comfortable and secure motion in a seaway. Calculated

Furthermore, with a displacement to waterline length ratio of approximately 386.1, the Moorings 50 falls firmly into the category of a heavy cruiser. This indicates a robust and substantial vessel that will provide a comfortable ride in choppy conditions, offering a sense of security and stability at the expense of pure speed. Owners can expect a steady motion and a powerful feel under sail, with a hull speed of approximately 8.63 knots, making her well-suited for extended passages and comfortable coastal cruising Calculated. Reports from sailboat databases consistently highlight the Moorings 50 as a large sailboat designed for its intended purpose.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Moorings 50 is designed for maximum comfort and liveability, reflecting its role as a charter vessel and extended cruiser. While detailed specific layouts can vary, common arrangements would typically feature multiple cabins to accommodate several guests or a large family. Expect a spacious main salon, often with a large dining table and comfortable seating, providing a central gathering area. A well-equipped galley is a necessity on a boat of this size and purpose, likely featuring ample counter space, refrigeration, and storage for provisions. Grounded search suggests typical large cruiser layout

Sleeping accommodations usually include a V-berth forward, multiple private cabins (often with en-suite or shared heads), and potentially quarter berths aft. Given its intended use, the emphasis is on practical, durable finishes and materials, providing both longevity and ease of maintenance in a charter environment. Ventilation would be achieved through numerous opening ports and hatches, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere in tropical climates. The robust fiberglass hull construction would also contribute to a quiet and solid interior. A promotional brochure from the 1980s for the Moorings Morgan 50 would have highlighted these features.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and charterers of Moorings vessels, including those built by Morgan, generally appreciate the practical and robust nature of these boats. The long-standing reputation of The Moorings company for providing reliable charter yachts speaks to the inherent durability of the vessels in their fleet, including the Morgan-built 50-footer. Owners consistently value the spacious interiors and comfortable cruising characteristics, making these boats suitable for extended stays aboard.

While general owner reviews for this specific model are less common than for smaller, more widely sold private yachts, feedback related to former charter boats often highlights the importance of thorough inspections due to the demanding life a charter vessel endures. Potential owners are often advised to look for boats that have been carefully maintained and upgraded over time. The focus on comfort and capacity for multiple guests is a consistent strength, and the robust construction by Morgan Yachts generally provides a solid foundation, even after years of service.