Moorings 60 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Moorings 60 begins in 1980, during a period when Morgan Yachts, under the initial leadership of visionary designer Charles "Charley" E. Morgan Jr., had already established itself as a prolific builder of fiberglass sailboats. While Charles Morgan's direct involvement with the company concluded in 1972, the design ethos of robust, comfortable cruisers, particularly popular in the charter trade with models like the Out Island 41, continued to influence the brand. The Moorings 60 reflects this commitment to seaworthy cruising vessels, designed by Morgan Yachts themselves.

The explicit design concept behind the Morgan 60 was to create a yacht that was not only fast and seaworthy but also exceptionally comfortable for cruising, offering generous living spaces and significant storage capacity. Its solid fiberglass hull and deck construction underscore a philosophy of durability and low maintenance, suitable for the rigors of extended use, including in charter fleets. While specific variations like MkI or MkII are not widely documented, the consistent focus on a deep fin keel and skeg-hung rudder configuration points to a design optimized for predictable tracking and control in varying sea conditions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Moorings 60's design priorities are clearly reflected in its performance characteristics, which favor stability and comfort over extreme speed. With a displacement of 60,000 pounds and a waterline length of 50 feet, she is a very heavy displacement vessel, boasting a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 480. This high ratio indicates a boat designed to carry significant loads, offer a comfortable motion in a seaway, and maintain momentum, rather than exhibiting the quick acceleration of lighter, performance-oriented yachts.

Her reported sail area of 1400 square feet yields a sail area-to-displacement ratio of around 14.13. This relatively low figure suggests that the Moorings 60 is not optimized for blistering light-air performance. Instead, she is likely to be a steady and powerful performer in moderate to heavy winds, where her substantial mass and sail-carrying ability can be fully utilized. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.316 indicates a moderate level of stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind without excessive heeling, contributing to a stable platform for offshore passages. Equipped with a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, the Moorings 60 is generally described as offering excellent seakeeping abilities and a balanced helm, ensuring reliable tracking and control even in challenging conditions. Power is typically provided by a Perkins diesel engine, further supporting her role as a capable long-distance cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

As a luxury yacht, the Moorings 60 is designed to provide spacious and comfortable accommodations suitable for extended periods aboard. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the boat's generous beam of 15.83 feet and overall volume suggest ample interior space. Owners and reviewers frequently highlight the comprehensive interior layout, which typically features multiple cabins to accommodate a larger crew or several guests. Common configurations include a large master cabin, often aft, with en-suite facilities, and additional guest cabins forward or amidships, each with access to a head.

The interior finish usually reflects the robust construction of the era, often incorporating rich wood trim and practical, durable surfaces suitable for a demanding cruising or charter environment. Storage is abundant throughout the vessel, a crucial aspect for liveaboards and long-distance cruisers, catering to provisions, gear, and personal belongings. The emphasis on comfort and practicality ensures that the Moorings 60 offers a liveable and well-appointed sanctuary at sea.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Moorings 60, or its Morgan 60 counterpart, often commend its solid construction and overall seaworthiness. The robust fiberglass hull requires minimal maintenance during the sailing season, a significant advantage for those undertaking long cruises or managing a charter vessel. The generous dimensions and heavy displacement contribute to a comfortable motion, making it a preferred choice for those prioritizing stability and a smooth ride over outright speed. Many appreciate the exceptional accommodations and ample storage, which are ideal for extended living aboard or accommodating multiple guests. As a classic vessel from the early 1980s, these yachts offer significant potential for refit and customization, allowing new owners to modernize systems and personalize the interior while retaining the core qualities of a well-built cruiser.