Morgan 22

Description

The Morgan 22, designed by Charles Morgan and produced by Morgan Yachts from 1968 to 1984 with over 700 units built, exemplifies the trailblazing era of affordable, trailerable fiberglass daysailers and overnighters through its fin keel with weighted swing centerboard and transom-hung rudder configuration (draft 1 ft 9 in board-up to 5 ft 7 in down), enabling versatile shallow-water access for coastal club racing or family outings in bays like the Chesapeake or Florida ICW while delivering sprightly performance rooted in CCA influences. At 21 ft 6 in LOA with a 7 ft 11 in beam, 18 ft 6 in LWL, and featherweight 2,500-pound displacement (including 1,000 pounds of internal lead ballast), it sets 240 square feet of sail area in a fractional sloop rig, boasting a high sail area/displacement ratio of 18.5 for zippy light-air acceleration—PHRF around 240-255, hull speed of 6.04 knots, and low comfort ratio of 12.66 with a ballast/displacement of 40% for stiff initial stability but tenderness in gusts (capsize screening 2.30)—that points well upwind in 5-12 knots, planes on reaches with a balanced helm, and handles predictably in puffs thanks to its fine entry and low wetted surface, though it demands early reefing beyond 15 knots and vigilant board management to minimize leeway. Powered by a stern-mounted 4-6 HP outboard (no fixed well, 6 gallons fuel for 4-5 knot motoring), it tows easily behind a midsize car and maneuvers simply in harbors but lacks inboard reliability for passages; the compact teak-trimmed interior, with 5 ft 10 in headroom, sleeps four snugly via a forward V-berth, amidships dinette convertible to double with removable table doubling as a chart station, port galley nook (single-burner stove, sink, icebox), and portable head, offering utilitarian coziness for weekends but cramped quarters, minimal storage, and dated ventilation that benefit from modern cushions and dodger additions.