Morgan Out Island 51 Information, Review, Specs

This vessel is recognized for its "no-frills, center-cockpit standard" and is considered a roomy, capable cruiser, particularly proficient when reaching.

History and Design

The Morgan Out Island 51 was in production from 1974 to 1981. Her design falls squarely within Morgan Yachts' Out Island series, which represented a shift in the company's focus towards volume-oriented cruising yachts. Charles Morgan, a "founding father of fiberglass" in the marine industry, played a key role in the company's embrace of this material for mass production. The Out Island series, including the 51, was conceived to provide comfortable, spacious interiors and a robust, no-nonsense design, making them ideal for extended cruising and charter operations. The emphasis was firmly on interior volume and comfort, rather than outright speed.

The Morgan Out Island 51 was specifically designed as a comfortable blue water cruiser. While initially available as a keel/centerboard configuration, a fixed keel option was also offered. In 1981, the model evolved into the Morgan Out Island 512, indicating a continuation of the successful design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a displacement of 46,000 lbs and a sail area of 912.75 sq ft, the Morgan Out Island 51 exhibits characteristics typical of a heavy displacement cruiser. The sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) calculates to approximately 11.41. This relatively low ratio suggests that the Out Island 51 is not a light-air performer, but rather a powerful vessel designed to handle heavier winds and provide a comfortable motion offshore. Her ballast to displacement ratio (Ballast/Disp) is approximately 0.26. This indicates that the boat relies significantly on its hull form for initial stability, contributing to a softer ride in a seaway.

Anecdotal reports suggest that the Out Island 51 is a capable cruiser that performs decently, particularly when reaching. Its substantial weight and full hull form contribute to a stable platform, though it will not be as nimble or close-winded as lighter, more performance-oriented designs. The option of a centerboard, when lowered, enhances upwind performance and reduces leeway, while raising it allows for a shoal draft, ideal for exploring shallower waters.

Accommodations and Layout

The Morgan Out Island 51 is renowned for its expansive interior, prioritizing living space and comfort for long voyages or liveaboard use. Typical layouts feature a three-cabin, two-head configuration, providing ample privacy and facilities. The salon is notably spacious, often enhanced with custom cabinetry and interior trim, creating a comfortable living area. A full interior tour would typically reveal a V-berth forward, a generous salon, a well-appointed galley, forward and aft heads, and a private aft cabin. The overall design emphasized functionality and robust construction, aligning with the "no-frills" ethos of the Out Island series, ensuring durability over lavish finishes.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Morgan Out Island models, generally, praise their solid construction and the remarkable amount of space they offer. The 51, in particular, is appreciated for its voluminous interiors and comfortable cruising characteristics, often available at an affordable price point on the used market. Many owners value these vessels as sturdy platforms for extended voyages and liveaboard situations.

However, the Out Island series, including the 51, sometimes faces a reputation that some owners feel is undeserved, often related to perceived performance limitations. Like many boats of its era, potential issues such as osmosis in the fiberglass hull have been noted, though strategies exist for managing such conditions. Overall, owners generally highlight the Out Island 51's liveability and robust build as its primary strengths.