Morgan Out Island 416 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Morgan Out Island 416 emerged during a period of significant growth and adaptation for Morgan Yachts. Following Charles Morgan's initial success with performance-oriented designs, the company pivoted to meet the burgeoning demand for comfortable cruising boats, epitomized by the original Out Island 41 in 1970. The 416, launched in 1981 and produced until 1985, succeeded the Out Island 415, notably featuring significantly greater sail area to improve its sailing characteristics.

Charley Morgan's design philosophy for the Out Island series emphasized creating yachts with capacious interiors and a no-nonsense, robust construction, making them well-suited for extended cruising and the demanding charter trade. A key aspect of the Out Island design was its shoal draft, allowing access to shallower waterways like the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) without compromising its seaworthiness. Throughout its production run, the Out Island 41 series, including the 416, saw numerous modifications, leading to variations in specific dimensions and interior layouts. While primarily offered as a ketch, some versions of the 416 were also rigged as cutters. Certain models even featured a "tall-rig" mast, standing 60 feet from the waterline with double spreaders, to further boost sail area.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morgan Out Island 416 is characterized by its heavy displacement and full keel, attributes that contribute significantly to its comfortable motion in a seaway. With a displacement of 27,000 pounds and a waterline length of 34 feet, its displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 307 indicates a heavy, traditional cruising yacht, prioritizing comfort and stability over high-performance sailing. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 33% suggests a moderately stable boat, typical for a dedicated cruiser designed to handle various conditions rather than to be exceptionally stiff for racing.

Its sail area to displacement ratio of about 15.5 indicates that while adequately powered, the 416 is not designed for blistering speed, especially in lighter air. Owners frequently note that the ketch rig configuration enhances comfort and stability, particularly when sailing downwind or on a broad reach, allowing for balanced sail plans. The boat's full keel and substantial beam provide a "super comfortable" experience underway. However, a common characteristic of full-keel vessels like the Out Island 416 is challenging maneuverability in reverse due to significant prop walk and the keel's influence on steering. Despite being described as "slightly under powered," the Morgan Out Island 416 is generally considered a "reasonably stable / stiff" vessel with good righting capability. Its design also earned it a comfort ratio of 34.89 and a capsize screening formula of 1.85, reinforcing its designation as a comfortable and safe offshore cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

The Morgan Out Island 416 is renowned for its expansive interior, a hallmark of the Out Island series designed for liveaboard comfort and extended cruising. The center cockpit design is a key feature, allowing for a generous aft-master suite, typically featuring a double berth, and a forward V-berth guest cabin. While specific interior layouts varied across the production run, owners consistently praise the "amazing space" offered by the 416.

The interior spaces are generally laid out with "smart & ample storage," catering to the needs of cruisers carrying provisions for longer voyages. Common interior arrangements typically include a main salon with dinette seating, a functional galley, and a dedicated head compartment. Finish quality and material use, while varying, generally reflected the robust and practical nature of the Out Island line, often featuring wood trim and durable fiberglass surfaces. Details on maximum headroom are not explicitly available in provided data but given the design's emphasis on volume, comfortable standing room throughout much of the cabin is expected.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Morgan Out Island 416 consistently highlight its strengths as a comfortable and stable cruising platform. Its spacious interiors, particularly the aft cabin made possible by the center cockpit, are frequently praised, making it a popular choice for liveaboards and those undertaking extended voyages. The robust, full-keel construction is often cited as a major asset, providing a secure and comfortable motion even in challenging sea states. The shoal draft is another celebrated feature, offering access to numerous shallow anchorages and navigable inland waterways.

However, the Out Island 416 is not without its common points of discussion among owners. The most frequently mentioned challenge is its handling characteristics in reverse due to the full keel and prop walk, which can make docking maneuvers tricky. Some owners note that while capable of offshore passages, certain interior fit-outs might not be ideally suited for prolonged offshore work, particularly concerning specific arrangements of handholds and secure bracing points. Additionally, as with many boats of its vintage, the specific construction standards and initial fit-out could vary, leading to different experiences regarding long-term maintenance needs. Despite these considerations, the collective sentiment emphasizes the Out Island 416 as a dependable, spacious, and comfortable cruiser that continues to provide excellent value on the used boat market.