MORGAN 42-2
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 42 ft |
| LWL | 30.5 ft |
| Beam | 11.5 ft |
| Draft | 6 ft |
| Displacement | 18,500 lb |
| Ballast | 8,700.5 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 53 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 16.75 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 44.8 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 16.8 ft |
| FLforestay | 16.8 ft |
| Mainsail | 794.6 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 418.8 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 711.9 sq ft |
About the MORGAN 42-2
First 2 boats raced in the SORC of 1970, one owned by the designer. Some differences between the MORGAN 42-2 and the earlier version are as follows: The propeller is in front of skeg (instead of within a skeg cutaway), a slightly deeper keel, and slightly different rig. Diesel engine avail. as an option. Sloop or yawl. Thanks to 'windtoyiv' for updated information. Working SA: 820 sq.ft.
The Morgan 42-2 is a robust, heavy-displacement cruising sloop designed by Charles Morgan and built by Morgan Yachts (USA) in 1969. With a displacement of 18500.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 32.56, this vessel exemplifies the classic American bluewater cruiser ethos of the late 1960s, prioritizing stability and seakeeping over speed.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideally suited for experienced coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize safety, comfort, and heavy-weather capability over high-performance sailing metrics. Its substantial ballast of 8700.5 lb and low capsize ratio of 1.74 make it a stable platform for long-range passages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a D/L ratio of 291.09 and a proven history of ocean crossings, the Morgan 42-2 is highly capable for bluewater cruising, offering excellent motion comfort and stability in heavy seas despite its moderate SA/D ratio of 17.61.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Tartan 42 and the O'Day 42, which share similar heavy-displacement characteristics and masthead sloop rigs from the same era. These boats are comparable due to their focus on interior volume, structural robustness, and suitability for extended cruising rather than racing.
Direct variant of the MORGAN 42-2
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(2 certificates)
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° | 4.0 | 5.3 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.3 |
| 60° | 4.2 | 5.6 | 6.4 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 75° | 4.4 | 5.7 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 7.9 |
| 90° | 4.3 | 5.6 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 8.1 | 8.2 |
| 110° | 4.1 | 5.6 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.4 | 8.6 |
| 120° | 4.0 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.8 | 9.1 |
| 135° | 3.5 | 4.9 | 6.0 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 8.7 | 9.5 |
| 150° | 3.0 | 4.2 | 5.2 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 8.2 | 8.7 |
| Beat VMG | 2.6 | 3.5 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Run VMG | 2.5 | 3.6 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.4 | 7.9 |
Market Price
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 42-2, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MORGAN 42-2? 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 42-2?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Westerbeke — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the MORGAN 42-2
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