Morgan Out Island 36 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Morgan Out Island 36 are defined by its generous 12-foot beam and a shallow 3’11” draft. With a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio typically hovering in the moderate-to-heavy range and a relatively low sail area-to-displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 13.5, the boat requires a stiff breeze to find its groove. It is, by all accounts, a "middle-of-the-road" performer that excels on a reach but struggles when asked to tack through narrow angles. Because of the long, shallow keel, the boat exhibits significant leeway when beating into the wind, a trait Charles Morgan openly acknowledged as the trade-off for the ability to gunkhole in the shallow waters of the Bahamas and the Florida Keys.

Under power, the Out Island 36 is generally reliable, originally equipped with mid-sized diesel engines like the Perkins 4-108 or Westerbeke units. Handling in tight marinas can be challenging due to the windage caused by its high freeboard and the lack of a deep "bite" from the keel. However, once at sea, the boat’s motion is predictable and relatively soft. It does not "slam" in a head sea as much as flatter-bottomed modern cruisers, though it can be wet in choppy conditions due to its blunt bow. Owners frequently report that the boat feels exceptionally safe and "stiff," rarely healing past 15 degrees even when over-canvassed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The hallmark of the Out Island 36 is its "walk-through" center cockpit layout. Unlike smaller center-cockpit designs of the era that required "walking over" the deck to reach the aft cabin, the 36 features a narrow interior passageway—usually housing the engine access and a workbench—that connects the main salon to the master stateroom. This layout provides a level of privacy rarely found in 36-foot vessels. The aft cabin typically features a large double berth and a dedicated vanity, while the forward V-berth serves as a comfortable guest suite.

The main salon is cavernous for a boat of this vintage, boasting nearly 6'4" of headroom. The U-shaped galley is positioned to starboard, designed for use at sea with deep sinks and ample storage. Throughout the production run, Morgan experimented with various wood finishes; early models featured significant teak joinery, while later "Catalina-era" versions moved toward lighter liners and more modern laminates. Sibling models built on similar principles include the smaller Out Island 33 and the larger Out Island 41, the latter of which shared the same design DNA but offered a second head and even greater fuel and water capacities for long-range voyaging.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach an Out Island 36 with a focus on structural longevity rather than cosmetic upgrades. As a child of the 1970s fiberglass boom, the boat is overbuilt in terms of hull thickness but susceptible to era-specific degradation.

• Deck Delamination: The decks are typically cored with plywood or balsa. High-stress areas around the chainplates and stanchions are prone to water intrusion, which can lead to soft spots. A thorough percussion test with a phenolic hammer is essential.
• Compression Post: The mast is deck-stepped, supported by a wooden compression post located behind the bulkhead. Over decades, water leaking through the mast boot can rot the base of this post, leading to a "settling" of the deck and rigging slackness.
• Fuel Tank Integrity: Many Out Islands were fitted with aluminum or iron fuel tanks beneath the cabin sole. If these have been sitting in bilge water, they are likely corroded. Replacement often requires cutting into the fiberglass floor, a significant labor expense.
• Chainplates: The original stainless steel chainplates are buried behind cabinetry. Because they are difficult to inspect, they are often neglected. Look for "bleeding" rust stains on the interior bulkheads as a sign of crevice corrosion.
• Rudder Port: The rudder is large and exerts significant force on the stuffing box and bearing. Check for excess play in the steering system and leaks around the rudder post while the boat is in the water.

Community & Resources

The Morgan Out Island series benefits from one of the most robust owner networks in the United States. The Morgan Yacht Owners Association serves as the primary technical repository for the model, offering original blueprints and a deep archive of "work-around" solutions for common maintenance tasks. Additionally, because many of these boats were built under the stewardship of Catalina Yachts in later years, some technical support and parts overlap can be found through Catalina’s extensive dealer network.

The Verdict

The Morgan Out Island 36 is a quintessential coastal cruiser that trades aerodynamic efficiency for unparalleled interior volume. It remains a top choice for liveaboards and budget-conscious cruisers who prioritize comfort over the clock.

Pros:

• Exceptional Privacy: The center-cockpit/aft-cabin layout is superior to most boats in this size class.
• Shoal Draft: A 3’11” draft opens up cruising grounds in the Bahamas and Chesapeake Bay that are inaccessible to deeper keels.
• Massive Storage: Designed for the charter trade, it has more locker space than many 40-foot racing yachts.

Cons:

• Upwind Limitations: The boat will not point high and suffers from significant leeway in light winds.
• High Windage: Maneuvering in a crosswind requires practice and potentially a heavy hand on the throttle.
• Aging Systems: Most examples on the market require significant updates to wiring, plumbing, and tankage.