NORTHEAST HARBOR — Morris Yachts plans to bring to the luxury boat market an updated and streamlined version of its popular 48-foot, Ocean Series yacht to be marketed as the Ocean Series 48 GT.

Morris Yachts CEO Doug Metchick said Saturday night at the product launch event held at its Northeast Harbor boatyard that the new version of the Ocean Series 48 is “taking a proven design and really making it relevant for tomorrow’s buyer.”

Improvements now being engineered, he said, will enhance performance under sail, simplify sail handling and offer a new cockpit layout designed to improve access. Optional amenities will include a pull-out freezer and a compact washer/dryer system. The owner’s stateroom will include a glass, circular shower.

“This is really a new boat,” Metchick said. “The circular shower is a little Star Trek like, but it’s cool.”

Over 100 Morris employees and dozens of existing Morris owners and their passengers and crew participated over the weekend in three days of events commemorating the 40th anniversary of Maine’s oldest family-owned boat-building company.

Metchick said he expects the first Ocean Series 48 GT will be ready for sale next year.