MORGAN 42-1
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 42 ft |
| LWL | 30.5 ft |
| Beam | 11.5 ft |
| Draft | 5.5 ft |
| Displacement | 19,000 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 49.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 16.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 43.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 17.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 16.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 819.5 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 408.4 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 694.2 sq ft |
About the MORGAN 42-1
See MORGAN 42-2 for more details including differences between earlier and later versions.
The Morgan 42-1 is a classic heavy-displacement cruiser designed by Charles Morgan and built by Morgan Yachts (USA) in 1968. With a displacement of 19000.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 33.44, it offers a stable, motion-dampened ride characteristic of its era's bluewater designs.
- Best for:
- This vessel is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and those seeking a comfortable, stable passage-making boat, though its age and specific maintenance needs require a dedicated owner.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.73 and a D/L ratio of 298.96, the Morgan 42-1 possesses strong inherent stability and heavy displacement suitable for offshore passages, provided the hull integrity is sound.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other heavy-displacement fin-keel sloops from the late 1960s such as the Tartan 42 or O'Day 42, sharing similar beam (11.5 ft) and displacement characteristics that prioritize sea-kindliness over raw speed.
Direct variant of the MORGAN 42-1
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.8 | 5.1 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 60° | 4.1 | 5.4 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.2 | 7.2 | 7.2 |
| 75° | 4.2 | 5.5 | 6.4 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| 90° | 4.1 | 5.5 | 6.4 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.0 |
| 110° | 4.1 | 5.5 | 6.6 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.3 |
| 120° | 3.9 | 5.4 | 6.5 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.4 | 8.7 |
| 135° | 3.4 | 4.8 | 6.0 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 8.7 | 9.3 |
| 150° | 2.9 | 4.1 | 5.2 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 8.2 | 8.8 |
| Beat VMG | 2.5 | 3.4 | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Run VMG | 2.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.8 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the MORGAN 42-1 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 42ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
1 reported issues across 1 systems for the MORGAN 42-1, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MORGAN 42-1? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 1 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Which engine powers your MORGAN 42-1?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Westerbeke — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the MORGAN 42-1
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…