Morris 38 Information, Review, Specs

The Morris 38 emerged from a period of steady growth for Morris Yachts, founded in 1972 by Tom Morris with a vision for "Maine quality" yachts that offered pride of ownership and outstanding sailing performance. Introduced in 1985, the Morris 38 was a natural evolution of the popular Morris Justine 36, featuring an extended stern that enhanced its lines and performance. Naval architect Chuck Paine, a long-standing collaborator with Morris Yachts, aimed to create a design that offered no compromises, effectively delivering a "whole new design" by lengthening its predecessor.

Chuck Paine's design philosophy emphasized proper engineering, weight savings, enhanced performance, comfort, and safety, principles that are clearly embodied in the Morris 38. Built with solid fiberglass hulls and decks, the Morris 38 reflects Morris Yachts' commitment to robust construction and heirloom quality, a hallmark of their semi-custom boatbuilding approach where interiors were often tailored to the original owner's specifications.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morris 38 is characterized by a design optimized for comfortable and stable cruising, rather than outright racing. With a displacement of 15,602 pounds, a waterline length of 29.5 feet, and a total sail area of 672 square feet, the Morris 38 exhibits sailing characteristics well-suited for a variety of conditions. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 17.20 indicates a yacht with a balanced sail plan, capable of decent performance in lighter airs without being overly sensitive in stronger winds.

A Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.385 signifies a moderately stiff vessel, suggesting it will stand up well to a breeze and offer a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length ratio of roughly 271.3 classifies the Morris 38 as a moderate-to-heavy displacement cruiser. This contributes to its solid feel and stability offshore, aligning with the builder's reputation for creating reliable bluewater yachts. Owners often praise its sea-kindly nature, making for enjoyable passages. Its hull design, featuring a monohull fin keel shoal draft, contributes to its balanced handling and maneuverability. Some owners have opted for upgrades like in-boom roller furling mainsails to further enhance ease of short-handed sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layouts could vary due to Morris Yachts' semi-custom build process, the Morris 38 typically offers a well-appointed and thoughtfully arranged living space below deck. Morris Yachts is renowned for its exquisite joinery, quality materials, and understated elegance in interior finishes.

The general arrangement of a Morris 38 often includes a comfortable V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that can serve as sea berths, and a functional galley. Storage is generally ample, reflecting its design as a cruising yacht. Although specific headroom measurements are not consistently published, Morris interiors are designed to maximize space and offer a comfortable living environment for extended periods aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Morris 38 consistently laud its exceptional build quality and the enduring value of the yacht. The solid construction and the meticulous attention to detail during its creation are frequently highlighted as significant strengths. Many owners appreciate the yacht's ability to maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway, reinforcing its reputation as a capable and reliable cruiser. The overall ownership experience is often characterized by a strong sense of pride, supported by the reputation of Morris Yachts for crafting bespoke vessels that stand the test of time.