VITA | Morris | Ocean Series 44

About

Overview

VITA is Hull #1 of the acclaimed Morris Ocean Series 44s—a design that proved so popular it later evolved into the Morris 46. Built to the extraordinary heirloom-quality craftsmanship of Tom Morris and designed by Chuck Paine, VITA was honored with Cruising World’s prestigious “Bristol Award” upon her debut. She was also the very first Morris to feature the high-performance Chuck Paine shoal-draft keel (5′-6″ draft), which became the benchmark keel for the builder.

Equipped with a Leisurefurl in-boom mainsail, carbon fiber mast, electric primary winches, and all sail controls led aft to the cockpit, VITA is exceptionally easy to handle short- or single-handed. Whether set up for offshore bluewater passagemaking or effortless afternoon day sailing, she is fully commissioned, impeccably maintained, and ready to set sail.

Key Features & Recent Upgrades

Hull & Deck Construction: Solid laminate quadraxial E-glass hull with vinylester resin, Awlgripped in Flag Blue with a white boot stripe. Cored E-glass decks with non-skid (repainted 2019), varnished teak caprails, and deep bulwarks for secure on-deck movement.

Modern Electrical Power: Upgraded BattleBorn Lithium-Ion house battery bank (2020), Magnum Sine inverter/charger with remote monitoring, and an 8kW Westerbeke marine diesel generator (approx. 700 hrs) with soundproofing.

Sail Handling & Rigging: Hall Spars carbon fiber double-spreader mast painted Snow White Awlgrip, rod rigging (replaced 2018), Leisurefurl boom, Schaefer roller-furling headstay, and Lewmar electric winches.

Recent Maintenance:

• Overhead hatch lenses replaced (2026)

• Sails inspected & serviced (2025/2026)

• Portlights refinished, re-bedded, and lenses replaced (2022)

• New freshwater pump & pressure tank (2024)

• New Sea Frost fridge compressor (2023)

• Re-bedded deck prisms (2024)

Accommodations & Interior

Finished in classic Herreshoff style with satin/high-gloss mahogany trim, raised-panel doors, and a teak-and-holly sole, VITA offers a warm and airy two-cabin layout:

• Main Salon: Features a U-shaped dinette to port with a large, fixed varnished mahogany table, settee opposite upholstered in rich blue leather, and extensive built-in bookshelf storage.

• Forward Cabin: Centerline double berth set behind a watertight bulkhead, private vanity with sink, hanging locker, and ample drawer storage.

• Quarter Cabin: Aft stateroom featuring a double berth with V-insert, hanging locker, dresser, and dedicated chart/gear storage.

• Galley: Large U-shaped galley equipped with twin stainless steel sinks, a 4-burner Broadwater propane stove/oven, and dual Sea Frost refrigeration/freezer compartments.

• Head: Spacious aft head featuring a separate stall shower, wet locker for foul weather gear, and Corian countertops.

Specifications

• LOA: 44′ 6″

• LWL: 34′ 6″

• Beam: 12′ 9″

• Max Draft: 5′ 6″ (Shoal Draft Paine Keel)

• Displacement: 23,500 lbs

• Ballast: 8,280 lbs

• Engine: Westerbeke 63B Fresh-Water Cooled Marine Diesel (63 HP, 1,640 hours)

• Tankage: Fuel: 80 gal | Water: 150 gal | Holding: 28 gal

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can VITA be managed easily by a single-hander or a couple?

A: Absolutely. With her Leisurefurl in-boom mainsail, electric winches in the cockpit, Schaefer headstay furler, and sail controls all led aft, shorthanded handling is straightforward and safe.

Q: What makes the Chuck Paine shoal-draft keel special on this vessel?

A: VITA was the first Morris yacht built with Chuck Paine’s custom shoal-draft keel design. With a modest draft of just 5′-6″, she gives you access to shallow harbors, bays, and thin-water anchorages while preserving excellent performance and stability under sail.

Q: What is the significance of VITA being “Hull #1”?

A: As Hull #1 of the Ocean Series 44, VITA served as the showcase for the model line—earning Cruising World’s “Bristol Award”. Her high build quality and proven performance led Morris Yachts to expand the model into the popular Morris 46.

Q: How is the electrical system equipped for off-grid cruising or extended voyages?

A: VITA is set up for high self-sufficiency, featuring an upgraded BattleBorn Lithium-Ion house battery bank (2020), a Magnum Sine inverter/charger, and an 8kW Westerbeke generator (~700 hours) with sound enclosure to run major systems away from the dock.

Not all boats listed online are listed with Wellington Yacht Partners, but we can work on your behalf. For more information on this vessel or to schedule a showing, please contact Wellington Yacht Partners by calling our office at (401) 683-6070.

VITA | Morris | Ocean Series 44

$325,000

Georgetown, ME, US