MORRIS 46
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 45.92 ft |
| LWL | 34.5 ft |
| Beam | 13 ft |
| Draft | 5.5 ft |
| Displacement | 23,500 lb |
| Ballast | 8,629.2 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.9 kn |
About the MORRIS 46
Later documents indicate a ballast of 8,280 lbs. A "stretched" version of a Morris 44 which enabled a larger lazarette locker fitted abaft the cockpit coaming. LOA for the 44: 44.5 ft.
The Morris 46 is a rare, heavy-displacement cruising sloop designed by Chuck Paine & Associates and built by Morris Yachts between 1994 and 2007, with only 14 hulls produced. Its substantial 23500.0 lb displacement and 31.45 comfort ratio reflect a design prioritizing stability and seakeeping over speed.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced coastal and offshore cruisers who value a quiet, stable ride and are willing to manage a low-production vessel with limited parts availability.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 1.82 and a robust 23500.0 lb displacement, the Morris 46 is well-regarded for bluewater cruising due to its inherent stability and proven offshore pedigree.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 40 and Island Packet 40, as they share similar heavy-displacement characteristics and cruising-oriented layouts from the same era.
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° | 3.9 | 5.2 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| 60° | 4.2 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 7.9 |
| 75° | 4.3 | 5.8 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 8.2 | 8.3 |
| 90° | 4.3 | 5.8 | 6.8 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.1 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 8.7 |
| 110° | 4.2 | 5.8 | 6.9 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.6 | 9.0 | 9.5 |
| 120° | 4.1 | 5.6 | 6.8 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.7 | 9.3 | 9.8 |
| 135° | 3.6 | 5.0 | 6.2 | 7.1 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 8.4 | 9.1 | 10.0 |
| 150° | 3.0 | 4.3 | 5.4 | 6.3 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.5 | 9.2 |
| Beat VMG | 2.4 | 3.4 | 4.1 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Run VMG | 2.6 | 3.7 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 7.7 | 8.2 |
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 45.92ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
7 reported issues across 6 systems for the MORRIS 46, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MORRIS 46? 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 7 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 46?
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Used sails that fit the MORRIS 46
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