M52 (Morris) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The M52's genesis in 2009 marked a significant expansion of Morris Yachts' highly successful M-Series, which has seen over 100 boats built since 2004 [10,. In its creation, Morris Yachts collaborated with Sparkman & Stephens, a partnership that brought together Morris's dedication to hand-crafted quality and elegant aesthetics with S&S's renowned naval architecture. A core design objective for the M52, articulated by Cuyler Morris, was ease of handling, reflecting a desire to make sailing accessible and enjoyable for owners with limited time. This ethos aligns perfectly with Morris Yachts' long-standing tradition of building boats "one at a time, by Maine's finest craftsmen," ensuring robust construction and a meticulously finished product. The M52 was designed with input from existing Morris Yacht owners, further refining its appeal. An optional shoal keel was offered, providing versatility for various cruising grounds by reducing the maximum draft from 6.67 feet to 5.67 feet.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morris M52 is engineered for a balanced and exhilarating sailing experience. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 20.29, the M52 is well-powered for its size, suggesting excellent performance, particularly in lighter air conditions. This ratio places it firmly in the category of a performance-oriented cruiser. Its Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of about 0.334 indicates a solid level of initial stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a breeze while maintaining a comfortable motion. The Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of approximately 273.5 characterizes the M52 as a moderately heavy cruiser, balancing speed potential with a comfortable, seakindly ride.

Anecdotal reports confirm these interpretations, describing the M52 as "efficient, quick, and responsive," while also being "stable, sea kindly, and genuinely fun to sail". Owners and reviewers highlight its excellent balance and effortless tacking, making it a joy to maneuver even through numerous course changes. The M52's design prioritizes user-friendliness, with its sail plan noted as being as simple to control as smaller M-Series models like the M42 or M36. It offers enhanced windward sailing performance, especially in light air.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not universally published, the Morris M52 is known for its "stunning interior with full standing headroom," reflecting Morris Yachts' commitment to luxurious accommodations. The interior layout is thoughtfully designed to align with its purpose as an elegant coastal voyager and social vessel. The M52 offers flexibility with both two and three-cabin layouts, allowing owners to customize the interior to their specific cruising needs. Typical arrangements include a well-appointed salon, a functional galley, and comfortable sleeping berths, often in V-berth and quarter-berth configurations, though detailed specifics vary by chosen layout. Morris Yachts' reputation for exquisite joinery and meticulous finish quality extends throughout the M52's interior, featuring premium materials and a refined aesthetic. The focus on comfort and social interaction is evident, with the cockpit alone designed to comfortably seat eight adults around its teak table.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Morris M52 consistently express high satisfaction with their vessels, often citing its exceptional build quality and enjoyable sailing characteristics. One owner unequivocally stated it was "without question the best boat I've ever owned". The collaborative design process, which incorporated input from existing Morris Yacht owners, likely contributed to this high level of satisfaction. While comprehensive long-term owner reviews detailing common issues are not readily available in public forums, the overarching sentiment is one of appreciation for its solid construction, elegant design, and rewarding sailing performance.