Morgan Out Island 33 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Morgan Out Island 33 entered production in 1973, emerging from Morgan Yachts at a time when the company, under its founder Charles Morgan, was pivoting towards designs prioritizing interior volume and cruising comfort over outright racing prowess. Charles Morgan, a "founding father of fiberglass" in the marine industry, initially made his name with performance-oriented designs. However, the immense popularity of the Out Island series, exemplified by models like the Out Island 41, demonstrated a pragmatic response to market demands for more spacious and robust cruisers.

The design philosophy behind the Out Island 33, consistent with its larger siblings, centered on creating a "no-frills, center-cockpit standard" that was ideal for extended cruising and charter operations. The boat features a full keel and a moderate draft, reflecting a design ethos for stability and comfortable motion in a seaway. Early models of the Out Island 33 were powered by a 30 hp Atomic 4 engine, though diesel options, such as the Perkins engine found in many models, became standard. While the core design remained consistent, anecdotal evidence suggests that Out Islands, including the 33, can be found with various interior layouts due to customization over their production run. A motorsailer version, the Morgan Out Island 33 MS, was also introduced around 1980.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 14.05, the Morgan Out Island 33 is characterized as a moderate to heavy displacement cruiser. This ratio suggests a vessel that prioritizes stability and load-carrying capacity over nimble light-air performance. The ballast to displacement ratio of roughly 0.34 further indicates a solid, stable platform, capable of standing up to a decent breeze without excessive heeling. Its displacement to length ratio of around 311 firmly places it in the heavy displacement category, signifying a yacht designed for a comfortable, steady motion rather than speed.

Owners generally describe the Out Island 33 as a boat that handles well, particularly in moderate to heavy seas, with reports indicating it "handled the 4 to 6 footers quite well." The full keel design contributes to excellent tracking and a comfortable motion offshore. However, this design characteristic, coupled with its substantial displacement, means the Out Island 33 is not a quick performer, especially when sailing close-hauled. Owners frequently note that while it "sails well," it struggles "to wind" and is "not to wind". This trade-off between upwind performance and a comfortable, stable ride is a common characteristic of full-keel, heavy displacement cruisers, making the Out Island 33 well-suited for off-wind passages and reaching.

Accommodations and Layout

The Morgan Out Island 33, in line with the series' reputation, was designed to maximize interior volume and provide comfortable accommodations for cruising. With a generous maximum headroom of 6.33 feet, the cabin feels open and inviting. While specific layouts can vary, a common arrangement typically features a large V-berth forward, providing a comfortable sleeping area, often accompanied by lockers for storage. A good-sized head is usually located to starboard, complete with a custom counter in some configurations. The main cabin traditionally includes a salon area, and in some iterations, a walkthrough hallway leading to an aft cabin, though this passage has been described as "pretty darn tight" on some models. The emphasis on spaciousness and liveaboard comfort makes the Out Island 33 a popular choice for those seeking a practical home on the water.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Morgan Out Island 33 generally praise its robust construction and its suitability as a liveaboard or cruising platform. The boat is often celebrated for its ability to handle adverse sea conditions with a comfortable motion. Its full keel and heavy displacement contribute to a feeling of security and stability, making it a reliable choice for offshore passages to its intended cruising grounds in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

However, some common themes emerge regarding potential drawbacks. While its solid construction is a strength, some owners have noted that the build quality of certain 1970s Morgan Out Islands should be carefully inspected, with one owner offering a strong, but singular, opinion that some were "poorly built". A consistent sentiment among owners is that the Out Island 33 is not a strong performer when sailing directly into the wind. This characteristic, while manageable for those prioritizing comfort and off-wind sailing, is an important consideration for potential buyers. Despite these considerations, the enduring presence of many Morgan Out Island 33s still actively cruising today speaks volumes about their fundamental durability and the satisfaction they provide to their owners.