M42 (Morris) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Launched in 2007, the Morris M42 was a significant addition to the builder's acclaimed M-Series, designed to extend the excitement of their smaller models into a more substantial weekend cruiser. The collaboration with Sparkman & Stephens aimed to create a boat that evoked the classic lines of yachts from the 1940s while incorporating contemporary construction techniques and performance enhancements. Morris Yachts, known for its dedication to hand-crafted sailboats and robust construction, utilized infused composite hulls with Vinylester resin for the M42, ensuring both strength and consistency.

The design ethos centered on ease of handling and a sublime owner experience, allowing sailors to enjoy the M42 for spirited daysailing or short coastal cruises. Owners could choose between two distinct deck configurations: a standard cabin, distinguishable by eight port lights, or a short trunk cabin (M42 ST) featuring six port lights. Furthermore, the M42 was offered with multiple keel options to suit various sailing grounds, including a standard keel with a 5-foot 9-inch draft, a shoal keel drawing 5 feet, and a deeper keel option at 6.92 feet.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morris M42 delivers sailing characteristics that are both engaging and manageable. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.94, she exhibits good performance, particularly in lighter air, allowing for swift progress even when the breeze is gentle. Her ballast to displacement ratio of about 0.38 indicates a stable and stiff boat, capable of standing up well to a breeze and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. With a displacement to length ratio of around 269, the M42 falls into the category of a moderately heavy cruiser, suggesting a solid, seakindly ride rather than a lightweight racer.

Anecdotal evidence consistently praises the M42 for its exceptional ease of handling. The yacht is engineered for simplicity, reliability, and user-friendliness, often featuring a self-tacking furling jib and electric winches positioned within easy reach of the steering position. This makes the M42 particularly well-suited for single-handed or short-handed sailing, enhancing the pure joy of being on the water. Her deep, high-aspect ratio fin keel further contributes to rock-solid stability and an enhanced ability to carry sail efficiently.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its performance-oriented design, the Morris M42 offers surprisingly generous and thoughtfully arranged accommodations below deck. The interior layout is functional and airy, designed to maximize spaciousness, providing ample room for a cruising couple. Headroom is a comfortable 6 feet 3 inches, allowing most occupants to move freely throughout the cabin.

Stepping down from the cockpit, one finds an open interior plan that creates a welcoming and bright atmosphere with fantastic visibility. The typical arrangement includes a comfortable double berth forward, offering privacy and rest. Aft, the layout typically features a well-appointed head, which is both practical and accessible. Morris Yachts' reputation for exquisite joinery and meticulous finish is evident throughout the M42's interior, with details such as quarter-sawn teak decking in the cockpit sole hinting at the luxury and craftsmanship within. The focus is on a refined and comfortable experience, making the M42 suitable for weekend getaways and longer coastal explorations.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Morris Yachts, including the M42, consistently express pride in their vessels, often citing the solid construction, timeless design, and exceptional sailing performance as key strengths. The M42 is celebrated for its ability to deliver a refined sailing experience, combining classic beauty with modern functionality and ease of use. The meticulous attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship, hallmarks of Morris Yachts, contribute to a strong sense of ownership satisfaction and a shared appreciation among owners for these uniquely built boats.