MORRIS 51
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 51 ft |
| LWL | 45 ft |
| Beam | 14.25 ft |
| Draft | 5.58 ft |
| Displacement | 35,000 lb |
| Ballast | 11,700.5 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 9.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 64.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 18 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 58 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 18.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 18 ft |
| Mainsail | 1,159.9 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 580.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 986.9 sq ft |
About the MORRIS 51
The Morris 51 is a rare, heavy-displacement cruising sloop designed by Chuck Paine & Associates and built by Able Marine, with only 11 hulls constructed in 2003. Its substantial 35000.0 lb displacement and 33.6 comfort ratio reflect a design prioritizing stability and seakeeping over speed.
- Best for:
- This vessel is best suited for experienced bluewater cruisers who prioritize offshore safety and comfort, as evidenced by the high prevalence of watermakers, bow thrusters, and robust sail inventories among owners.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 1.75 and a displacement-to-length ratio of 171.47, the Morris 51 is inherently stable and well-suited for offshore passages, a capability reinforced by owner reports of extensive bluewater equipment installations.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other Chuck Paine designs like the Morris 40 or 36, as well as heavy-displacement production cruisers from the early 2000s such as the Hallberg-Rassy 42 or Swan 42, due to its similar emphasis on structural integrity and offshore capability.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the MORRIS 51 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 51ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
15 reported issues across 9 systems for the MORRIS 51, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MORRIS 51? 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 15 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
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your MORRIS 51?
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: Yanmar, Volvo, Westerbeke, Perkins — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the MORRIS 51
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…