1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 vs 1979 Morgan 45 — Comparison
1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43
1979 Morgan 45
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 | 1979 Morgan 45 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Wauquiez | Morgan |
| Year | 1992–2000 | 1979–1985 |
| Type | Ketch | Ketch |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Jean-Marie Finot | Charlie Morgan |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.11 m (43.0 ft) | 13.72 m (45.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 4.11 m (13.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 11,793 kg (25,999 lbs) | 13,154 kg (29,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 82.0 m² (883 ft²) | 80.0 m² (861 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 65 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 300 L (79.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 450 L (118.9 gal) | 530 L (140.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 and 1979 Morgan 45 represent two takes on ketch-rigged sailing. The 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 is a 1990s design by Wauquiez from France, while the 1979 Morgan 45 is a 1970s offering from Morgan from USA. The 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 was penned by Jean-Marie Finot. The 1979 Morgan 45 was designed by Charlie Morgan.
In terms of size, the 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 measures 13.11m (43.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 1979 Morgan 45 at 13.72m (45.0ft) with a 4.11m beam. The 1979 Morgan 45 is 0.61m longer than the 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43. The 1979 Morgan 45 displaces approximately 12% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.08 and 82.0 m² of sail area. The 1979 Morgan 45, with an SA/D of 14.58 and 80.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The 1979 Morgan 45 has a comfort ratio of 22.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.70. The ballast ratios are 40.4% for the 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 and 37.9% for the 1979 Morgan 45, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 450L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The 1979 Morgan 45 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 530L water and 300L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1979 Morgan 45 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1992 Wauquiez Amphitrite 43 · 1979 Morgan 45