Morris 32 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Morris 32 falls within a significant period for Morris Yachts, a company founded in 1972 by Tom Morris with a vision for hand-crafted sailboats. From 1979 to 1989, the Morris 32 was a key offering in their lineup, benefiting from the company's established reputation for quality and the gradual embrace of fiberglass construction for efficiency and consistency. Designer Chuck Paine aimed for a balanced hull with a roundish midsection, a deeply V-ed forefoot, and a distinctive spoon bow. Paine considered the Morris 32 a successful design, even stating that a feature he developed on an earlier boat worked so well he decided to incorporate it into the Morris 32. The design emphasis was on solid construction and a dependable, seakindly motion, aligning with Morris Yachts' commitment to building luxury bluewater yachts and comfortable family cruisers "one at a time, by Maine's finest craftsmen." The Morris 32 was typically offered as a masthead sloop, providing a straightforward and effective sail plan.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morris 32 exhibits characteristics of a capable and stable cruiser, rather than a light-air speedster. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.20, she is moderately powered, suggesting decent performance across a range of conditions but not designed for extreme light-air acceleration. Her ballast to displacement ratio of about 0.41 indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a good breeze and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio, around 284.29, positions the Morris 32 as a relatively heavier boat for her size, indicative of a robust, traditional cruising design built for comfort and safety over outright speed. The hull features very balanced diagonals and a skeg-hung rudder, contributing to directional stability and a predictable helm. Anecdotal reports suggest a solid, well-behaved boat under sail, offering a confidence-inspiring ride.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Morris 32, while not featuring groundbreaking layouts, is known for its well-balanced design, bright finishes, and beautifully crafted wood trim, adhering to Morris Yachts' reputation for exquisite joinery. The layout is practical and functional, typically including a V-berth forward, a head that spans the beam of the boat, a U-shaped galley with a large single sink, and a comfortable saloon with a table that can fold up against the bulkhead to maximize space. The boat offers three good sea berths, making her suitable for coastal cruising or short offshore passages. The engine, a Volvo Penta MD2002 diesel, is conveniently located under the companionway. While exact headroom is not specified in all documentation, the overall impression is one of a comfortable and thoughtfully arranged living space, consistent with the builder's focus on maximizing interior volume and quality of materials. Owners often praise the flexibility of the interior, with some choosing to eliminate one of the two standard pilot berths to customize the space.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Morris 32 for its exceptional build quality and the renowned craftsmanship characteristic of Morris Yachts. It is often regarded as among the "best built 30-35 footers ever envisioned," embodying the pinnacle of downeast Maine boatbuilding. Owners appreciate the robust construction and the comfortable, seakindly motion in various conditions. While specific common problems are not widely reported as design flaws, like any boat of its vintage, ongoing maintenance is expected, with some examples meticulously cared for by knowledgeable yachtsmen over decades. The strong sense of pride of ownership is a recurring theme, reflecting Tom Morris's original vision for his boats.