1979 Morris Leigh 30
$69,500
Boat in Phippsburg, ME 04562 US
Built in 1979
Leigh 30
1 Engine (Westerbeke)
30 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
SURPRISE is the first Leigh 30 built and was beautifully finished off by Loomis Yachts in South Dartmouth, MA. She has benefited from several dedicated owners and has been extensively updated and improved by her current and previous owners with most of the work done by Front Street Shipyard. Used summers in Maine by her current and previous owner sand stored inside winters, she is in excellent condition, setting a standard for yacht maintenance. Recent upgrades are extensive and include new hull paint, Awlgripped decks, bottom stripped and barrier coated, new standing and running rigging, new sails, new electronics and much more.
The Leigh 30 grew out of the success of her little sister, the Frances 26. Her canoe stern and cutaway full keel and refined hull shape results in a hull that is easily pushed and comfortable in a seaway with a very balanced sail plan. Easily sailed short handed, SURPRISE is well suited for both blue water cruising and afternoon sails. She has been extensively updated and immaculately maintained by her current owner and is well worth a trip for anyone looking for a high quality small sailing yacht.
CONSTRUCTION:
Hull:
- Single skin hand-laid fiberglass with internal stiffeners and Philippine mahogany marine plywood bulkheads.
- Externally mounted lead keel and bronze keel bolts.
- Full length keel with cut away forefoot, attached rudder, propeller aperture.
- Bronze seacocks and through-hulls, copper ground strap.
- Large bilge sump.
- Snow White Awlgrip hull with Jade Mist Green whale stripe and boot stripe (2018).
- Bottom stripped and barrier coated with green bottom paint (2022); repainted spring 2025.
- Keel bolts re-torqued 2022.
Deck:
- Balsa-cored hand-laid fiberglass.
- Molded bulwarks with integral midship chocks and a varnished cap rail provide security on deck underway.
- Decks re-cored where needed and Awlgripped Oyster White with San Mateo Wheat painted nonskid (2019).
- All deck hardware removed and rebedded (2019).
- Stainless steel bow and stern pulpits, stanchions and double lifelines with gates port and starboard.
- Lifelines replaced 2018.
- Bronze opening portlights on cabin sides and front provide excellent natural light and ventilation (rebedded 2018).
- Stainless steel overhead opening hatches provide additional light and ventilation (new 2018).
- Varnished teak eyebrow, handrails and companionway sliding hatch.
- Custom stainless steel stem fitting with integrated bow roller for anchor and opening chocks (2000).
- Bronze anchor chain access fitting.
- Deck fitting for removable inner forestay.
- Bronze Herreshoff style bow and stern cleats.
- Bronze fairleads on cap rail for bow and stern lines.
Cockpit:
- Cockpit with varnished teak seat backs.
- Varnished teak companionway hatch and drop boards.
- Edson helm pedestal with stainless steel helm guard and engine shift and throttle controls (repainted 2018).
- Edson stainless steel wheel with varnished teak rim (new 2018).
- Winch handle holder on pedestal base.
- Varnished teak sail locker hatch on port side.
- Dedicated propane storage locker under helm seat with active propane tank in locker aft.
- Wichard folding padeyes for securing tethers.
- Dodger with opening center window (new 2019).
- Custom red cockpit cushions for all seating.
- Sunbrella binnacle and wheel cover.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
The accommodations are finished in Herreshoff style w/white bulkheads and satin-varnished mahogany trim and varnished pine hull sheathing. The cabin sole is solid varnished teak and holly. The trunk cabin liner is clad in varnished mahogany and the overhead is white paint.
Forward cabin:
- Vee berth with filler piece and green Ultrasuede cushions with 5” foam (new 2018).
- Varnished pine hull sheathing.
- Access door to chain locker/forepeak.
- Ample storage under vee berth in several separate compartments.
- One forward opening bronze portlight and opening overhead hatch (2018) provide natural light and ventilation.
- Hanging locker with shelf above and opening bronze portlight aft of vee berth on starboard side.
- Door (presently stored ashore) provides privacy from main cabin for forward cabin and head.
Head:
- Located aft of vee berth on port side.
- Raritan manual head (2000) with Y-valve for discharge to holding tank or overboard.
- Holding tank and head hoses replaced 2019.
- Storage outboard in locker.
- Opening bronze portlight.
Main Cabin:
- Port and starboard settees with storage lockers outboard and shelves above.
- Quarter berth aft to starboard with removable chart table (currently ashore).
- Force 10 propane cabin heater (2000).
- Varnished overhead handrails port and starboard.
- Six opening bronze portlights and a large overhead opening hatch (2018) provide light and ventilation.
- Screens for all portlights, hatches, and companionway.
- Varnished mahogany drop leave dining table stores folded against forward bulkhead.
- Cabin sole revarnished 2018.
- Overhead painted 2018.
- Interior painted and varnished 2019.
- Settee cushions green Ultrasuede with 5” foam new 2018.
Galley:
- S/S galley sink with hot and cold pressure water faucet and foot pump for salt or fresh water selectable with valves (pressure water faucet new 2019).
- Formica countertop with varnished mahogany fiddles.
- Top-loading insulated fridge with Sea Frost 12V holding plate refrigeration (new 2018).
- Force 10 2-burner propane stove with oven and broiler and cutting board cover (new 2020).
- Dish/storage locker with sliding smoked Lexan doors, pot lockers.
- Additional storage aft of fridge in drawers and shelf.
- Remote propane solenoid shut-off switch panel and gas alarm (solenoid new 2025).
MECHANICAL:
- 2000 Westerbeke model 20B2 18 HP diesel engine (1,215 hours as of July 2025).
- Major engine service 2018 – clean heat exchangers, service raw water pump, check and change belts and hoses as needed, service alternator and clean and paint engine.
- New stainless steel propeller shaft 2018.
- Cutlass bearing replaced 2018.
- New 3 blade Max prop installed 2018.
- Spurs line cutter installed on shaft 2018.
- New engine mounts 2022.
- Racor primary fuel filter.
- Groco bronze sea water strainer.
- Approximately 48 gallons fresh water in two bladder tanks under starboard settee (forward tank added 2019; aft tank replaced 2024).
- Fresh water pump (added 2018).
- Isotemp 4 gallon hot water heater under cabin floor (new 2025 – heats off engine).
- Circulator pump for hot water, new 2025.
- Hot and cold cockpit shower (2019).
- Electric automatic bilge pump (2019).
- Manual bilge pump in cockpit.
- Bronze through hulls with seacocks.
- Rule high water bilge alarm.
ELECTRICAL:
- Blue Seas 12V breaker panels.
- House battery bank of two Deka AGM 27 DC batteries (new 2024).
- Dedicated start battery added 2018.
- ProMariner ProSport 20 battery charger (added 2022 – plugs in with extension cord).
- Victron Argofet battery isolator.
- Solar panels mounted on dodger with charge controller (2018).
- Xantrex LinkLight battery monitor.
ELECTRONICS & NAVIGATION:
- Brookes & Gatehouse 7" Zeus 3 color chartplotter mounted at helm (2024).
- Furuno NavNet radar (not currently operational).
- Standard Horizon Matrix AIS/GPS VHF.
- Raymarine i70 instruments for wind, depth, water temperature and speed (2018).
- Raymarine i70 autopilot with wheel pilot drive (2018).
- Danforth Constellation binnacle compass (needs service)
- Navigation and steaming lights.
- LED anchor light (2018).
SPARS & RIGGING:
- Aluminum keel stepped single spreader mast by Metalmast.
- New 2024 airfoil spreaders.
- 1X19 stainless steel standing rigging (new 2018).
- Removable Dyneema inner forestay with keeper for conversion to cutter rig (2019).
- Harken MKIV headsail furler (new 2018).
- All running rigging replaced 2018.
- Harken mainsheet traveler (new 2018 and moved forward of dodger).
- Chainplates rebedded and underdeck supports reinforced 2018.
- Aluminum whisker pole with storage chocks on deck.
- Aluminum genoa sheet tracks on side decks and cap rails with adjustable blocks.
- Two reef lines run back to cockpit.
- Two varnished shroud rollers.
Winches:
- Two Barient chromed self-tailing primary winches on bronze winch bases.
- Barient 10 chromed winch on cabintop for main halyard.
- Barient 10H chrome winch on mast.
- Barlow 16 chrome winch on mast.
SAILS:
- North Main – 2019.
- North 130% Genoa – 2019.
- Sail cover.
- Lazy jacks for main - 2022.
- Asymmetrical spinnaker.
- Tanbark staysail - never used.
- Spinnaker halyard and masthead block presently ashore.
SAFETY:
- Carbon monoxide detector.
- Two safety harnesses.
- Lifesling2 mounted on stern rail.
- 22 lb Lewmar claw anchor with 20' of 3/8" stainless chain and 3/4" rode, new 2023.
- 12 lb Danforth anchor with chain and rode.
- Emergency tiller.
- Fire extinguishers.
- Horn.
- Removable folding boarding ladder.
- Edson single hanging step at gate for boarding from dinghy.
- Boathook.
- Magma propane grill with cover - mounts on stern rail - (grill needs ignitor and gas regulator).
- Docklines and fenders.
- Outboard motor mount for stern rail.
- Varnished teak flag staff, flag, and custom staff holder on stern rail.
- Custom padded holder in quarter berth for companionway drop boards.
- First aid kit; flares.
- Spare engine parts.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2/26/26 | Initial price | $69,500 |
1979 Morris Leigh 30 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1979 Morris Leigh 30
Customers have expressed their appreciation for the 1979 Morris Leigh 30 for its classic design and exceptional build quality
Sailors often highlight the boat's sturdy construction, which is ideal for both coastal cruising and offshore adventures. Many owners note the spacious cockpit and comfortable interior, which features well-thought-out layouts that maximize usable space. The combination of a traditional aesthetic with modern sailing performance is frequently praised, making it a favorite among both seasoned sailors and newcomers alike. Users also comment on the boat's stability and responsiveness under sail, which enhances the overall sailing experience. The Morris Leigh 30’s reputation for reliability has earned it a loyal following, with many owners cherishing their vessels for years. Overall, the feedback underscores the boat's reputation as a timeless classic that delivers a rewarding and enjoyable sailing experience.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The Morris Leigh 30, built in 1979, is a classic and well-regarded vessel in the world of sailing. Here's an overview of its strengths and weaknesses to help you evaluate whether it's the right boat for you:
Pros
Classic Design: The Morris Leigh 30 features a timeless and aesthetically pleasing design that appeals to traditional boat enthusiasts.
Quality Craftsmanship: Renowned for its solid construction, the Morris Leigh 30 boasts high-quality build standards, which contribute to its durability and longevity.
Stable Performance: With its moderate displacement and well-balanced hull, this model offers stable sailing performance, making it suitable for both novice and experienced sailors.
Comfortable Interior: Despite its compact size, the interior of the Morris Leigh 30 is designed to maximize comfort, featuring cozy sleeping quarters and a functional galley.
Good Resale Value: The Morris Leigh 30 is a sought-after model in the used boat market, often retaining better resale value compared to other similar vessels.
Versatile Usage: This boat is well-suited for coastal cruising and weekend getaways, making it a versatile choice for various sailing adventures.
Cons
Space Limitations: Like many boats of its size, the Morris Leigh 30 may feel cramped for larger crews or extended cruising, limiting the overall comfort.
Age Considerations: Being a 1979 model, potential buyers should be aware of the age of the vessel, which may require updates or maintenance of older systems and components.
Limited Speed: While it offers stable performance, the Morris Leigh 30 is not designed for racing and may not satisfy those looking for speed.
Maintenance Needs: Older boats tend to require more maintenance, and owners should be prepared for the upkeep that comes with a classic vessel.
Draft and Keel Design: The boat’s draft may limit access to shallower waters, restricting some potential cruising areas.
Made For
The 1979 Morris Leigh 30 is perfect for sailing enthusiasts seeking a well-crafted vessel that combines classic charm with exceptional performance. Designed for both novice and experienced sailors, this boat offers a stable and comfortable sailing experience, making it suitable for weekend cruisers or longer voyages. Its manageable size and thoughtful layout appeal to families and couples looking to explore coastal waters or enjoy leisurely days on the water. The Morris Leigh 30 features a balanced sail plan, ensuring easy handling in a variety of wind conditions, while its cozy interior provides a welcoming retreat after a day of sailing. With its sturdy construction and timeless aesthetic, this boat is ideal for those who appreciate craftsmanship and quality in a cruising yacht. Whether you’re planning to embark on adventures or simply unwind on the weekends, the 1979 Morris Leigh 30 is designed for memorable experiences on the water.
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Contact Gray & Gray Yachts about 1979 Morris Leigh 30
36 York St, York, ME, 03909
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