Morgan Out Island 30 Information, Review, Specs

The Morgan Out Island 30 began production in 1977. It emerged during a pivotal era for Morgan Yachts, when the company, under the influence of its founder Charles Morgan, was transitioning from a focus on performance-oriented racer-cruisers to more volume-centric cruising designs. This shift was largely catalyzed by the immense popularity of the larger Out Island 41, which set a precedent for spacious, no-frills cruising boats, 7, 8]. The Out Island 30, therefore, was conceived with a similar philosophy: to provide maximum interior comfort and a robust, forgiving platform for extended time on the water.

Morgan Yachts, renowned for its pioneering use of fiberglass, constructed the Out Island 30 with a solid fiberglass hull and deck. The design features a long keel, contributing to its reputation for stability and a comfortable motion offshore. While Charles Morgan's early designs for the company blended performance with cruising comfort, the Out Island series, including the 30, emphasized a more relaxed cruising experience, focusing on livability over competitive racing capabilities. There is no widely documented evidence of significant variations (like MkI/MkII) during its production run, which reflects a consistent design ethos for the model.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morgan Out Island 30, with its long keel and displacement of 9,500 lbs, is characterized as a heavy displacement cruiser, known for a stable and comfortable motion in various sea states. Its design prioritizes comfort and load-carrying capacity over agility or upwind performance. Owners generally find the boat handles well downwind, a characteristic for which the Out Island series is well-regarded. However, its long keel and design bias towards comfort mean it does not excel at sailing close to the wind or in light air.

Under power, the Morgan Out Island 30, typically fitted with a Universal-Atomic 4 gasoline engine, is capable of moving efficiently at speeds between 6 to 7 knots. The boat's hull speed is calculated at 6.68 knots. This makes it a reliable vessel for motoring when the wind conditions are not favorable for sailing or for maneuvering in tight quarters.

Accommodations and Layout

The Morgan Out Island 30 is celebrated for its surprisingly spacious interior, a hallmark of the Out Island series. While specific maximum headroom is not provided in the detailed specifications, the design prioritizes livable volume. The typical interior arrangement includes a comfortable forward V-berth, providing sleeping quarters for two. The main salon features a dinette to port, which can convert into additional sleeping space for two, and a galley running fore and aft along the starboard side. An additional adult can be accommodated in a starboard quarter berth.

The galley, with its fore and aft configuration, is functional at the dock, though some owners note it can be challenging to use when the boat is heeled on a reach. Storage capacity throughout the boat is adequate for a vessel of its size, complementing its cruising intentions. The focus on interior volume and practical layout underscores its role as a comfortable cruising sailboat, suitable for extended periods aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Morgan Out Island 30 generally praise its robust and durable construction, a testament to Morgan Yachts' building quality of that era. The boat is often described as a "very sound boat" structurally, with few significant problems directly related to its build quality even after many years. Its comfortable motion in a seaway is consistently highlighted as a strength, making it a favored choice for cruisers who prioritize stability over speed. The generous interior space and affordability in the used boat market are also frequently cited advantages, appealing to those seeking a liveaboard or extended cruising platform without a large initial investment.

However, the design's focus on comfort and interior volume means some compromises in sailing performance. Owners often note that the Out Island 30 is not an upwind performer and struggles to sail well above a close reach. Common considerations for prospective buyers of older models, typical of any vintage boat, include potential maintenance needs such as re-bedding original deck fittings due to leaks or addressing access issues, such as a stern lazarette that can be difficult to access. Despite these minor points, the strong community of owners and the boat's enduring presence on waterways worldwide speak to its overall enduring appeal and functional design.