Morgan Out Island 37/372 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Morgan Out Island 37/372 is rooted in a pivotal period for Morgan Yachts, a company known for its evolution from performance-oriented designs to more volume-focused cruisers. The vessel was designed by Charles Morgan, a visionary in fiberglass yacht construction, who had already left an indelible mark on the marine industry with successful racing and cruising designs.

Launched in 1976, the Out Island 37/372 followed the immensely popular Out Island 41, signaling Morgan's continued commitment to this highly successful line of cruising boats. The design ethos behind the Out Island series emphasized comfortable, spacious interiors and a robust, no-nonsense construction, making them particularly well-suited for extended cruising and charter operations. The 37/372 is noted as being based on the Morgan Out Island 36, featuring a trunk cabin and bowsprit, with the 372 variant appearing to be quite similar, possibly differing only in interior layout. This suggests a continuous refinement of a proven hull design to meet the demands of the cruising market during its production run, which concluded in 1979.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morgan Out Island 37/372 exhibits characteristics indicative of a heavy-displacement cruising yacht, prioritizing comfort and stability over outright speed. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 12.69, she is considered relatively underpowered for light wind conditions. However, this lower ratio contributes to a more sedate motion in a seaway, making for a comfortable ride. The Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.416 is notably high, signifying a stiff and stable boat capable of standing up to significant wind and maintaining its sail plan. This high ballast ratio, combined with her full keel hull type, enhances her offshore capabilities and provides a sense of security in rougher conditions.

Furthermore, her Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 355.5 places her firmly in the category of heavy displacement cruisers. This substantial weight-to-length ratio indicates a boat designed for comfort and load-carrying capacity, rather than blistering speed. Owners of Out Island models, including the 37, often describe them as solid and forgiving boats with a comfortable motion underway. While not renowned for nimble performance, the long keel design and robust construction ensure a predictable and stable platform, albeit with a tendency for prop walk in reverse due to the full keel.

Accommodations and Layout

The Morgan Out Island 37/372 is celebrated for its generous interior volume, a hallmark of the Out Island series designed to maximize liveaboard comfort. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the focus on interior space suggests ample room below deck. Typical layouts for Out Island models emphasize spaciousness, often featuring a traditional V-berth forward, a large salon, and a functional galley. While detailed interior diagrams for the 37/372 are scarce, the larger Out Island 41, which shares a similar design philosophy, is known for its "no-frills" interior. This generally translates to practical, robust finishes, often with a blend of fiberglass and wood trim, designed for durability in a cruising environment. Owners of similar Out Island models frequently praise the ample storage and the potential for good ventilation through numerous opening ports, making them suitable for tropical climates.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Morgan Out Island 37/372, much like those of other Out Island models, often highlight its strengths as a proven liveaboard and cruising vessel. The boats are consistently praised for their solid fiberglass construction, which contributes to their durability and ability to withstand challenging conditions. Many consider them comfortable cruising boats, particularly appreciating the generous interior space for extended voyages. Owners frequently use terms like "solid" and "forgiving" to describe their handling characteristics.

However, the design's emphasis on stability and volume means that these boats are not known for their speed, especially in lighter winds. Some owners of the Out Island series note that while the full keel offers excellent tracking, it can lead to challenges with steering in reverse due to prop walk. Like many boats of its era, potential maintenance issues on older models might include the need to address original deck fittings for leaks or updating older systems, but significant structural problems are reported as rare. The enduring popularity of the Out Island series on the used boat market is a testament to their value as affordable, robust cruising platforms.