MORRIS 38
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 37.42 ft |
| LWL | 29.5 ft |
| Beam | 11.58 ft |
| Draft | 5.5 ft |
| Displacement | 15,602 lb |
| Ballast | 6,000.5 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.3 kn |
About the MORRIS 38
Similar to JUSTINE 36 but with extended stern.
The Morris 38 is a robust cruising sloop designed by Chuck Paine & Associates and built by Morris Yachts (USA) in 1985. With a displacement of 15602.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 28.98, this vessel is engineered for stability and seakworthiness, though the exact total hulls built remains unconfirmed in available records.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideally suited for coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize a comfortable motion and substantial interior volume over high-speed performance. Its heavy displacement and fin keel configuration make it a strong candidate for couples or families seeking a safe, stable platform for extended passages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.86 and a D/L ratio of 271.31, the Morris 38 demonstrates strong offshore potential, supported by owner reports of watermaker and wind generator installations that indicate a fleet prepared for self-sufficient bluewater cruising.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Cal 40 and O'Day 38, which share similar displacement ranges and cruising-oriented designs from the mid-1980s. These boats offer similar interior layouts and heavy-displacement characteristics, making them direct competitors in the used market for buyers seeking a 38-foot cruiser.
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 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.7 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.6 |
| 60° | 5.0 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 6.9 |
| 75° | 5.1 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.4 |
| 90° | 5.2 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.6 | 7.8 |
| 110° | 5.2 | 6.3 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 8.4 |
| 120° | 5.1 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.5 |
| 135° | 4.6 | 5.7 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 8.2 | 8.8 |
| 150° | 3.9 | 5.0 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| Beat VMG | 3.0 | 3.7 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Run VMG | 3.4 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 7.0 | 7.5 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the MORRIS 38 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 37.42ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
5 reported issues across 4 systems for the MORRIS 38, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MORRIS 38? 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 5 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 MORRIS 38?
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Used sails that fit the MORRIS 38
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…