Morgan Out Island 28 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Morgan Out Island 28 falls within a pivotal period for Morgan Yachts, marking a strategic shift in their production focus. From its inception in 1973, through its production run ending in 1976, the Out Island 28 embodied the company's move towards accessible, volume-centric fiberglass cruisers. This was a response to evolving market demands, moving away from the more performance-oriented racer-cruisers that had initially defined Charles Morgan's designs. While Charles Morgan's direct involvement with the company concluded in 1972, the Out Island series, including the 28-footer, continued to reflect his established design principles, which leveraged fiberglass construction for efficient mass production and emphasized robust, no-nonsense designs.

The Out Island series itself, starting notably with the legendary Out Island 41 in 1970, became synonymous with comfortable, spacious interiors, particularly favored in the charter trade and by cruisers. The Out Island 28, therefore, followed this successful formula, offering similar cruising amenities in a more compact package. The design is characterized by a shallow draft and a long keel, indicative of its cruising intentions. No significant variations such as MkI or MkII versions appear to have been extensively documented during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morgan Out Island 28 is recognized as a stiff-sailing vessel, designed primarily for comfortable cruising rather than high-speed performance. Its hull features a low aspect ratio and a full keel with a spade rudder, contributing to its stable and predictable motion, particularly suitable for near-coastal cruising. Owners often report that the boat exhibits minimal heeling, even in moderate winds, providing a comfortable experience on board. This design also lends itself well to downwind sailing, though it is generally not optimized for tight close-hauled performance. The focus of its design was to provide maximum accommodations and ease of handling, making it a popular choice for cruising grounds requiring shallower drafts.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Morgan Out Island 28 is notable for maximizing living space within its nearly 28.5-foot length overall. Reviews often highlight the generous interior volume, which offers accommodations typically found on larger vessels of its era. While specific headroom figures are not consistently reported, the design philosophy behind the Out Island series was to create ample living spaces. The typical layout would include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a galley area, and an enclosed head. The emphasis on interior volume makes it a sought-after design for those looking for a comfortable cruising or liveaboard platform, particularly in regions like Florida. The construction utilizes solid fiberglass for the hull and deck, ensuring durability, though interior finishes and materials would be typical of production cruisers from the 1970s.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Morgan Out Island 28 consistently praise its suitability as a comfortable and stable cruising boat. Many appreciate its robust construction, which, like other boats from Morgan Yachts, tends to hold up well over time with proper maintenance. The boat's spacious interior for its size is a frequently cited strength, making it a viable option for extended trips or even as a compact liveaboard. Its ease of handling and relatively shallow draft also make it particularly well-suited for cruising areas with depth restrictions.

However, common maintenance considerations, typical for boats of this vintage, may arise. Some owners of similar-era Morgan boats have noted that original deck fittings can occasionally develop leaks over time, necessitating re-bedding. Despite these potential age-related issues, the enduring presence of many Morgan Out Island 28s on the water speaks to their fundamental soundness and continued appeal among cruising enthusiasts.