West Indies 36 (Morgan) Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the West Indies 36 emerged from Charles Morgan's enduring passion for boatbuilding, leading him to establish Heritage Yacht Corp. in Clearwater, Florida, in 1976. After leaving Morgan Yacht Corporation in 1972, Morgan founded Heritage with a renewed commitment to producing both sailing yachts and trawlers, embodying his deep understanding of naval architecture and marine craftsmanship. The West Indies 36 was a product of this new venture, leveraging the advancements in fiberglass construction that Morgan had been instrumental in popularizing.

Designed as a cruising yacht, the West Indies 36 reflects Charles Morgan's characteristic design philosophy, which prioritized a blend of performance and practical seaworthiness., 4] While primarily built as a cutter, the model was also available in a staysail ketch configuration, offering versatility to owners. Only about 40 units of the West Indies 36 were built, making it a relatively rare sight on the water today. Some sources suggest it shares design elements or was scaled down from larger Morgan designs, hinting at a shared lineage within Morgan's broader portfolio.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morgan West Indies 36 is recognized for its capable sailing performance and solid handling characteristics. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 16.85, the vessel presents a balanced profile, suggesting good all-around performance without being overly biased towards either light-air prowess or heavy-air endurance. This moderate ratio indicates it can perform respectably across a range of wind conditions.

Its high Ballast to Displacement ratio of approximately 0.41 indicates a particularly stiff and stable boat. This substantial ballast contributes significantly to the West Indies 36's ability to stand up to a breeze and maintain an upright attitude, inspiring confidence in heavier seas. Furthermore, with a Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 231.6, the boat falls into the category of a moderate displacement cruiser, striking a balance between the lighter, more performance-oriented designs and heavier, more traditional cruising yachts. This translates to a comfortable motion in a seaway while still retaining respectable speed.

Anecdotal reports from owners frequently describe the West Indies 36 as a "tank" due to its robust construction, yet surprisingly fast for its displacement. Owners have noted its ability to sail well in light winds and praise its stability and good righting capability. The combination of its deep keel and centerboard further enhances its upwind performance and overall stability, making it a reliable choice for various cruising grounds.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts of the Morgan West Indies 36 are not extensively documented in broad public reviews, its design as a cruising yacht implies a focus on comfortable and functional living spaces suitable for extended periods aboard. Information from owners suggests the interior, while not necessarily boasting high-end "joinery queen" finishes, offers a "raw, bulky, thick, strong, solid feel," consistent with its durable construction.

Typical for a vessel of its era and purpose, the interior likely features a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a galley for meal preparation, and a dedicated head compartment. Owner reports mention upgrades such as interior cushions, stainless steel ports, and reverse cycle air conditioning, indicating efforts to enhance liveability. The emphasis on solid construction suggests practical, robust materials were used, designed for durability in a marine environment.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Morgan West Indies 36 consistently commend the vessel for its solid construction and seaworthiness. Many describe it as a "super solid boat" that feels robust underfoot. Despite its moderate displacement, owners are often surprised by its sailing performance, noting that it can be "fast" and sails "great in light winds." The stability and good righting capability are frequently highlighted as positive attributes, contributing to a secure and comfortable experience at sea.

While there isn't a widespread list of "common problems," some discussions allude to the original fiberglass layup being "crudely laid up" in terms of finish, though the thickness and strength of the hull are generally not questioned. Owners have also undertaken upgrades such as replacing original chainplates and mast steps with stainless steel, indicating potential areas for maintenance or improvement on older vessels. The limited production run of around 40 units means that finding active owner communities specifically dedicated to the West Indies 36 can be challenging, with support largely relying on general marine maintenance and repair networks.