Morgan Out Island 41 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Morgan Out Island 41 in 1971 marked a significant shift in Morgan Yachts' design philosophy, moving from performance-oriented racer-cruisers towards more voluminous and comfortable cruising vessels. Charles Morgan, a "founding father of fiberglass" in the marine industry, conceived the Out Island series to meet the burgeoning demand for spacious boats, particularly for the charter market, where nearly half of the approximately 1,000 units built were initially destined. This pragmatic response to market demands shaped the Out Island 41's emphasis on interior volume and robust construction.

The Out Island 41 underwent numerous modifications throughout its production life, leading to variations in dimensions and interior layouts. While typically rigged as a sloop, a ketch option was also available, offering a reduced overall mast height. Early models were commonly powered by Perkins 4-108 or Westerbeke 4-107 diesel engines, with later versions featuring Perkins 4-154. Following Catalina Yachts' acquisition of Morgan Yachts in 1984, production of the "Out Island 41 Classic" continued for several years, often equipped with a Yanmar diesel engine. A rare keel/centerboard model was also offered, further illustrating the adaptability of the design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morgan Out Island 41's design characteristics reflect its cruising intent, providing a stable and comfortable motion rather than exhilarating speed. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 13.68, the boat is considered relatively heavy for its sail plan, suggesting that while it handles heavier air well, its performance in light winds may be modest. The Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.333 (33.3%) indicates a moderate level of stiffness, allowing it to stand up to a decent breeze without excessive heel. The Displacement to Length Ratio (DLR) of approximately 310.15 firmly places the Out Island 41 in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser, consistent with its long-distance and liveaboard capabilities.

Anecdotal reports suggest the Out Island 41 offers acceptable performance from close-hauled to broad reaching, though it can be "disappointing sailing to windward." Its full keel contributes to a "super comfortable" motion underway, providing a stable ride in various sea states. However, a common characteristic noted by owners is challenging maneuverability in reverse, where "prop walk beats rudder every time," making close-quarters handling under power a skill to master.

Accommodations and Layout

Designed with an emphasis on living space, the Morgan Out Island 41 is highly regarded for its expansive accommodations. Most models feature a popular center-cockpit configuration, which allows for two private staterooms: a V-berth stateroom forward and a spacious master stateroom located aft. The interior typically boasts a generous salon and galley area, providing ample room for entertaining and daily living. Owners frequently praise the "stacks of room" and "amazing" space offered by the design, making it a favored choice for liveaboards.

The layout typically includes two full heads with showers, enhancing comfort and convenience for longer voyages or when hosting guests. The galley's exact placement varied throughout the production run, sometimes located to port and other times to starboard, reflecting the numerous modifications the design underwent. While specific maximum headroom figures are not always consistently cited, owners generally report good headroom throughout the interior. The overall finish quality often prioritizes durability and practicality, aligning with its robust, no-nonsense design ethos.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Morgan Out Island 41 generally share mixed but often very positive reviews, highlighting the boat's enduring strengths for its intended purpose. Many consistently praise its "very sound" structural integrity, noting that even with age, significant structural problems are rare. The boat is frequently lauded for its generous tankage for both fuel and water, coupled with a large horsepower engine (often a Perkins diesel), which provides reliable motoring capabilities. Its "super comfortable" motion in a seaway and its immense interior volume make it a highly desirable liveaboard vessel.

However, common weaknesses noted include its somewhat pedestrian sailing performance, particularly its "disappointing" ability to sail to windward. Its design, which prioritized space and robustness for the charter trade, means it's not a performance cruiser. The full keel, while contributing to comfort, can make handling in reverse challenging due to significant prop walk. Despite these characteristics, the Morgan Out Island 41 maintains a strong following among cruisers and liveaboards who value its solid construction, comfortable motion, and exceptional interior space over high sailing speeds.