Morris 30 Leigh Information, Review, Specs

The Morris 30 Leigh began its production run in 1979, with a limited number of 19 hulls built by Morris Yachts. Designed by Chuck Paine, who is renowned for his ability to merge traditional lines with modern performance, the Leigh 30 shares design similarities with another Paine creation, the Victoria 30. During this era, Morris Yachts, under the leadership of founder Tom Morris, was dedicated to hand-crafting sailboats "one at a time, by Maine's finest craftsmen," a commitment evident in the robust single-skin fiberglass hull of the Leigh 30. The company embraced fiberglass construction while maintaining its high standards of finish, ensuring lasting quality. While specific variations like a MkI or MkII are not widely documented, it is noted that the interiors were often customized, leading to slight layout differences among individual boats.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morris 30 Leigh is characterized by a masthead sloop rig and a graceful canoe stern, which, combined with a performance-oriented underbody and long keel, contributes to its commendable sailing characteristics. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.07, the Morris 30 Leigh offers moderate performance in lighter winds, suggesting it moves well even when the breeze is subtle. Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.48 indicates a very stable and stiff vessel, capable of standing up to a significant amount of wind and providing a comfortable motion offshore. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 319.88 places it firmly in the category of a heavy cruiser, indicative of a robust build and solid feel in a seaway. Owners have often praised the Leigh 30 as a "great light air boat," a quality attributed to its relatively low wetted surface area and a refined, taller, narrower keel design.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior headroom figures are not readily available, the Morris 30 Leigh was designed to offer comfortable cruising accommodations, particularly for a vessel of its size. The internal layout could vary somewhat between boats due to the custom nature of many Morris builds. However, typical arrangements would likely include a V-berth forward, a head, a main salon, a galley, and potentially quarter berths, reflecting a classic cruising boat setup. Descriptions suggest a "cozy cabin and kitchen area". True to Morris Yachts' reputation, the interior would feature exquisite joinery and a meticulously finished aesthetic, utilizing quality materials for a luxurious feel. The boat has a water capacity of 38 US gallons (144 liters) and a fuel capacity of 18 gallons, suitable for coastal cruising and extended weekends.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Morris 30 Leigh generally express high satisfaction, frequently describing it as a "wonderful boat". The overall build quality receives consistent praise, aligning with Morris Yachts' excellent reputation in the industry for robust construction. While specific widespread recurring problems for the Morris 30 Leigh are not prominently cited, owners of these vintage vessels, like one who operates an original Westerbeke W13 engine, often discuss general maintenance typical of older boats, occasionally seeking community advice on engine upkeep. The fact that some hulls were sold for owner completion, finished to a high standard, also points to the discerning nature of the owners who value the Morris Yachts' legacy. The community of Morris owners often shares a strong appreciation for the unique qualities of their yachts.