Morgan Out Island 33 MS Information, Review, Specs

The boat’s design is defined by its massive beam relative to its length—nearly 12 feet on a 33-foot hull—and a shoal draft of just 3 feet 11 inches. This configuration was a deliberate trade-off: by sacrificing some pointing ability, Morgan created a platform that could navigate the shallowest gunkholes in the Bahamas or Florida. The "MS" designation brought a taller, more protective deckhouse and often a larger engine package, catering to owners who expected to spend as much time under power as under sail.

Sailing Performance & Handling

To understand the handling of the Out Island 33 MS, one must look at its heavy displacement and low sail-area-to-displacement (SA/D) ratio. This is not a boat that "scampers" in light air; rather, it is a momentum-driven vessel that requires a stiff breeze to truly wake up. Because it was designed as a motor-sailer, the boat features a high displacement-to-length ratio, typically exceeding 300, which contributes to a very stable, albeit slower, motion at sea.

Owners often report that the 33 MS tracks well downwind thanks to its long, shallow keel, but it suffers from significant leeway when trying to claw off a lee shore in heavy weather. The motor-sailer configuration implies that the engine is a primary partner to the sails. Under power, the 33 MS is predictable and sturdy, though the high freeboard can make it prone to windage during low-speed docking maneuvers. The rig is usually a simple sloop or sometimes a ketch, designed for ease of handling rather than complex sail trimming.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Morgan Out Island 33 MS is where the model excels, offering living space that rivals many 40-foot boats of the same era. By utilizing the full 11-foot 10-inch beam throughout the midsections, Charley Morgan created an "apartment on the water" feel. The MS version differs from the standard Out Island 33 primarily in its pilothouse-style configuration, which provides an elevated view and protection from the elements, a feature highly prized by Northwest and Northeast sailors.

The layout typically features a large V-berth forward, a spacious main salon with a convertible dinette, and a galley that offers significant counter space for a 33-footer. Headroom is generous throughout, often exceeding 6'3", which was a revelation for the market in the mid-1970s. Sibling variants built on the same hull include the standard Out Island 33 (which lacks the MS’s sheltered helm and larger engine options) and the earlier Morgan 33, which was a more performance-oriented racer-cruiser with a narrower beam and different underbody.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Morgan Out Island 33 MS should focus on the structural realities of 1970s fiberglass construction. While the hulls are generally "bulletproof" solid glass, the decks were balsa-cored.

• Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this vintage, moisture can ingress through poorly bedded deck hardware, rotting the balsa core. Soft spots around the mast step and the cockpit sole are common "gotchas."
• Chainplate Inspection: The chainplates on many Morgan models were through-bolted to plywood bulkheads. Over decades, leaks at the deck joint can rot these bulkheads, compromising the rig's structural integrity.
• Fuel Tank Corrosion: Morgan often utilized aluminum or even iron fuel tanks tucked deep into the bilge. In the 33 MS, accessing these for replacement can be an arduous task, often requiring the removal of cabin sole sections or engine components.
• Rudder Play: The large, barn-door rudder is effective but puts significant stress on the gudgeons and bushings. Check for excessive "slop" in the steering system.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Out Island series benefit from a robust and active secondary market and a dedicated community. The Morgan Yacht Owners Group serves as a primary technical repository, offering digitized original brochures and wiring diagrams. Additionally, because many Morgan parts were standardized across the Out Island 33, 36, and 41 lines, technical advice from the larger Out Island 41 community is often applicable to the 33 MS.

The Verdict

The Morgan Out Island 33 MS is a "destination boat"—it is designed for those who care less about the speed of the transit and more about the comfort of the arrival. It remains one of the most affordable ways to acquire a liveaboard-capable vessel with true shoal-draft capabilities.

Pros:

• Exceptional Volume: Unmatched interior space for a 33-foot vessel.
• Shoal Draft: The sub-4-foot draft allows for exploration of thin-water anchorages.
• Sheltered Helm: The MS configuration provides excellent protection in cold or rainy climates.
• Robust Hull: Heavily built fiberglass construction that handles grounding well.

Cons:

• Languid Performance: Poor windward ability and slow in light air.
• Windage: High freeboard and deckhouse make it difficult to handle in tight marinas during high winds.
• Vintage Maintenance: Requires a buyer willing to address 50-year-old plumbing, wiring, and core issues.