1981 Morris Leigh 30 Boat in Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 US
Leigh 30
1 Engine (Beta)
30 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
JOURNEY is a very nice example of the popular Chuck Paine designed Morris built Leigh 30 and has benefited from excellent care from her original owner and continuous updating over the years. Originally sailed on Lake Michigan, her owner eventually moved her to Southwest Harbor where she has been the last 25 years. Used summers and stored inside every winter has kept her looking younger than her years. Some of the more significant updates include:
- New 20HP Beta engine installed in 2015 with shaft, cutlass bearding, dripless stuffing box and Max Prop
- New exhaust system 2015
- New Garmin chartplotter and radar in 2024
- New running rigging in 2025
- Full rigging inspection by Indalo Marine in 2025
- North Sales replaced in 2012 and inspected, serviced and cleaned annually
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, JOURNEY is well suited for both blue water cruising and afternoon sails. She is very clean and has been well maintained by her original owner and is well worth a trip for anyone looking for a high quality small sailing yacht. She is currently stored inside on her custom trailer, ready for her next adventure. She comes with a custom trailer with racks for the spars that making her easy to move and store.
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 w/cut away forefoot, attached rudder, propeller aperture.
- Bronze seacocks and through-hulls, copper ground strap.
- Large bilge sump.
- Dark Green hull with Whale stripe and boot stripe and red bottom
Deck:
- Balsa-cored hand-laid fiberglass.
- Molded bulwarks with integral midship chocks and natural teak cap rail provide security on deck underway.
- Stainless steel bow and stern pulpits, stanchions and single lifelines with gates port and starboard.
- Single uncoated lifeline (replaced 2011. An additional set of coated upper and lower lifelines are available.
- Bronze opening portlights on cabin sides and front provide excellent natural light and ventilation
- Painted aluminum overhead opening hatches provide additional light and ventilation.
- Varnished teak eyebrow, handrails and companionway sliding hatch
- Custom stainless steel stem fitting with integrated bow roller for anchor and chocks
- Bronze Herreshoff style bow and stern and midship cleats
- Bronze fairleads on toe rail for stern lines and hawsepipe in bulwark midships for spring line
Cockpit:
- Cockpit w/varnished teak seat backs.
- Varnished teak companionway hatch and drop boards.
- Varnished teak framed screens for companionway
- Edson helm pedestal with stainless steel helm guard and engine shift and throttle controls
- Edson stainless steel wheel
- Removable access for lazarette locker
- Sail locker on port
ACCOMMODATIONS:
JOURNEY is finished below deck with white bulkheads and overhead, varnished mahogany trim and siding along hull. Cushions are 4" foam with dark green Ultrasuede.
V-berth forward has a drop-in filler to form a double berth. There is storage in lockers above and drop-face lockers below. A forward-facing port with screen brings in the breeze when at anchor, along with an overhead hatch and two opening side portlights with screens.
Next aft to port is the enclosed head with an open hanging locker opposite to starboard. Marine manual head and an oval stainless steel sink in white countertops. The opening portlight with screen provides light and ventilation and there is storage outboard and a mirror on the aft bulkhead.
The main cabin has settee berths port and starboard with storage lockers and shelves above. Mahogany Saloon table folds down from bulkhead. Aft to starboard the quarter berth converts in a well thought out and simple arrangement to become a chart table with storage below.. Electronics and additional storage above and outboard.
The galley is to port, with a gimbaled Gas Systems two burner CNG stove with oven. Large Fridge with Sea Frost engine driven system, storage, and abundant counter space. Stainless sink is supplied by freshwater foot pump.
Ventilation from 9 opening bronze ports (all with screens), 2 overhead hatches with screens. There are two framed screens for the companionway. Additional light from dome lights as well as a light strip along bottom of cabin sides providing soft mood lighting below.
MECHANICAL:
- Betamarine 3 cylinder 20hp diesel engine (2015)
- Upgraded engine panel with water temp, tach, voltmeter and oil pressure (visible from helm) (2015)
- Exhaust system replaced 2015
- 1" stainless steel prop shaft (2015)
- New cutlass bearing 2015
- New dripless shaft seal 2015
- 3 Bladed feathering Max Prop (2015)
- 15 gallon Fiberglass fuel tank
- 15 gallon Bladder holding tank
- 35 gallon Nauta bladder water tank
- Espar diesel heater
- CNG system for stove with extra tank
ELECTRICAL:
- (2) Napa Performer Group 26 batteries new in 2022
- Charging via engine alternator
- Electrical panel with battery switch, volt meter and breakers for DC loads
- 12v dome lights throughout and LED light strips under side decks
- Nav lights with deck and steaming light
- Anchor with tricolor
- 30 Amp shore power connection with cord (powers one 110v outlet)
ELECTRONICS & NAVAGATION:
- Garmin 943xsv color MFD on pivoting ram mount at companionway (2025)
- Garmin 18" Fantom radome (2025)
- West Marine VHF580
- Datamarine depth display and Signet Speed log display on companionway bulkhead
- Plastimo 4" binnacle mounted compass
- JVC AM/FM/CD player with speakers in main cabin
SPARS & RIGGING
- Aluminum keel-stepped mast with stainless steel standing rigging
- (2) Lewmar 40 bronze 2-speed self-tailing primary winches
- (2) Lewmar #10 halyard winches on mast
- North main sail (2012)
- North 135% tri-radial genoa with Harken roller furling (2012).
- North G-AP2 .75 oz gennaker (2008)
- Gleason Sails cruising spinnaker
- Sails inspected, serviced and cleaned annually
- Harken MKIII headsail furler
- Rigging and furler inspected and serviced by Indalo Marine 2025
- Harken main sheet traveler behind helm
- Spinnaker pole track on mast
- Spinnaker pole
SAFETY:
- CQR anchor with 25' chain and 300' rode
- Secondary Danforth anchor with 250 rode
- Horseshoe buoy mounted on stern rail
- (2) portable fire extinguishers
- Manual bilge pump in cockpit
- Automatic electric bilge pump with manual override
MISC.
- (2) fenders
- (4) docklines
- Seth Thomas Clock and Barometer mounted on bulkhead
- Teak outboard mount on stern rail
- Minuteman custom trailer with rack for spars
- Sunbrella covers for main sail, handrails, hatch, mast boot
- Cockpit cushions with Sunbrella covers
- Radar reflector
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 7/18/26 | Initial price | $85,000 |
Overview from around the web 1981 Morris Leigh 30
Customers have shared a variety of positive feedback about the 1981 Morris Leigh 30, highlighting its impressive craftsmanship and sailing performance
Many owners appreciate the classic design and elegant lines that define this beautiful vessel. Sailors often commend the boat’s stability and responsiveness on the water, making it a joy to navigate in different weather conditions. The spacious and thoughtfully laid-out interior provides comfort during extended trips, with well-designed living spaces that cater to both relaxation and functionality. The quality of materials and attention to detail in the construction have also been frequently mentioned, with many customers noting the durability of the boat over the years. Enthusiasts love the timeless charm of the Morris Leigh 30, which blends both tradition and performance, making it a popular choice among cruising aficionados. Overall, feedback suggests that the 1981 Morris Leigh 30 is an outstanding option for those seeking a reliable, well-built sailboat that stands the test of time.
Made For
The 1981 Morris Leigh 30 is an ideal choice for sailing enthusiasts who appreciate classic craftsmanship combined with modern functionality. Designed for both seasoned sailors and newcomers, this vessel caters to individuals or families looking for a dependable and stylish boat for coastal cruising or weekend escapes. With its spacious interior and comfortable amenities, the Morris Leigh 30 is perfect for those who want to enjoy leisurely outings on the water. The design emphasizes safety and stability, making it suitable for less experienced sailors while still offering the performance and handling that seasoned mariners demand. Coupled with a reputation for durability and ease of maintenance, this boat is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a reliable vessel that blends timeless aesthetics with practical design. Whether you are planning day trips, longer voyages, or simply relaxing at anchor, the 1981 Morris Leigh 30 is a versatile companion for your nautical adventures.
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