Morris 28 Linda Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Morris 28 Linda's creation unfolded during a period when Morris Yachts, founded by Tom Morris in 1972, was solidifying its reputation for building hand-crafted sailboats with an unwavering commitment to quality. Tom Morris's philosophy, that "every boat should assure pride of ownership and outstanding sailing," profoundly influenced the company's output. Chuck Paine's design for the Linda 28 aimed to produce a vessel that was both nimble and seaworthy, capable of satisfying discerning owners who appreciated both performance and comfort. Built "one at a time, by Maine's finest craftsmen," each Morris 28 Linda benefited from the builder's meticulous attention to detail and traditional boatbuilding ethos. Due to a high degree of owner customization offered during the build process, many variations exist in the standard details of these vessels, including cockpit configurations and interior layouts.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morris 28 Linda is rigged as a masthead sloop and features a long keel with a cutaway forefoot, a design choice that provides excellent directional stability while maintaining good maneuverability. Her sailing characteristics are consistently praised by owners, who note her stable ride and responsive handling.

Interpreting her performance ratios reveals a well-balanced design for her intended purpose. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 14.62, the Linda 28 is a moderate performer, suggesting she will deliver respectable speeds in a range of conditions without being overly sensitive in heavy air. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio (B/D) of around 43.4% indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a good breeze and providing a comfortable motion offshore. The Displacement to Length ratio (D/L) of 291.80 places her firmly in the category of a moderate to heavy cruiser, underscoring her robust construction and seakindly nature. This combination of a long keel, solid build, and balanced rig makes the Morris 28 Linda a confident and predictable boat to sail, particularly appreciated by those valuing comfort and stability over outright racing performance.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite her compact length overall of 28 feet, the Morris 28 Linda offers a surprisingly comfortable and well-appointed interior, characterized by the outstanding fit and finish synonymous with Morris Yachts. The interior typically features rich wood accents and a thoughtfully laid-out, albeit compact, arrangement. Owners had considerable input during the construction phase, leading to variations in the internal configuration. Common interior arrangements might include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees, a galley area, and a head. Some configurations offered a quarter berth or a larger navigation station to port, showcasing the custom nature of these builds. The overall impression is one of quality and comfort, providing a welcoming refuge after a day on the water.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Morris 28 Linda consistently laud her solid construction and the overall "Morris quality" that permeates every aspect of the boat. The robust build contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, making her a trusted companion for cruising. While generally praised for her sailing characteristics, some owners note that she may not be the fastest boat under sail or power, and can be slowed by small following seas, suggesting a focus on comfort and stability rather than pure speed. Owners seeking a high-quality, good-looking, and stable cruising boat often find the Morris 28 Linda to be an exceptional choice. The enduring appeal lies in her classic design, seakindly nature, and the bespoke craftsmanship inherent in every Morris yacht.