Morgan Out Island 49 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Morgan Out Island 49 emerged from a period when Morgan Yachts, under the influence of its founder Charles Morgan, was pivoting towards more volume-centric cruising designs. While Charles Morgan initially gained fame for performance-oriented racer-cruisers, the immense success of the Out Island series, beginning with the Out Island 41 in 1970, reshaped the company's identity. The Out Island 49, introduced six years later in 1976, embodied this shift, focusing on comfortable and robust platforms ideal for extended cruising and charter operations. It is noted as a somewhat rare model, possibly sharing the same mold as the Morgan Out Island 50/51, reflecting its place within the larger Out Island family. Buyers had the option of rigging the Out Island 49 as either a sloop or a ketch, offering versatility in sail plans. The ketch rig, in particular, is often preferred for its ease of handling due to smaller, more manageable sail areas.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morgan Out Island 49's design prioritizes comfort and stability over blistering speed. With a displacement of 43,000 pounds and a waterline length of 43 feet, its displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 540 signifies a very heavy displacement vessel, characteristic of traditional, full-keel cruisers. This contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, making it well-suited for offshore passages. The boat's sail area to displacement ratio, around 11.89, is relatively low, indicating that while she can certainly sail, she is not designed for light-air performance or competitive racing. Instead, she will provide a steady and predictable ride, especially in stronger breezes, rather than being tender.

Equipped with a long keel and a single rudder, the Out Island 49 is known for its directional stability. This long keel, combined with a significant beam, contributes to a super comfortable experience underway. However, common to many full-keeled designs, owners may find that the boat exhibits limited steering control in reverse, with prop walk often dominating rudder influence.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Morgan Out Island 49 is a hallmark of the Out Island series' design philosophy: maximizing space and comfort for extended living aboard. While specific headroom dimensions for the 49 are not provided, the series is renowned for its generous interior volume, allowing for ample space for up to eight people. The layout typically features interior finishes crafted from teak, a common and durable material used in many yachts of its era. Owners of similar Out Island models consistently praise the impressive space offered below deck, which is a primary draw for cruisers and liveaboards. This focus on interior volume means a layout designed for practical living, likely incorporating comfortable sleeping berths, a functional galley, and adequate salon space for dining and relaxation.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Morgan Out Island models, including the 49, frequently commend their robust and solid construction, often noting their durability over decades of use. These vessels are generally considered structurally sound, with significant structural problems being rare even at an advanced age. The comfortable motion in a seaway, largely attributed to their full keel and heavy displacement, is a consistent strength highlighted by owners.

However, like many boats of their vintage, some common issues have been noted across the Out Island series. These can include water intrusion leading to soft spots in deck cores, which, while typically cosmetic, require diligent repair. Additionally, the potential for osmosis, although its severity can vary, is a consideration for older fiberglass vessels. Despite these potential maintenance items, the enduring popularity of the Morgan Out Island 49 and its brethren on the used boat market speaks to their fundamental design strengths and their continued appeal as comfortable, spacious, and affordable cruising platforms.