Morgan Out Island 36 Ketch Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Out Island 36 Ketch is best described as a "steady motor-sailer" rather than a spirited performer. With a heavy displacement-to-length ratio and a relatively low sail area-to-displacement ratio, the boat requires a significant breeze—typically 12 knots or more—to truly wake up. The ketch rig provides a distinct advantage in heavy weather, allowing the skipper to sail under "jib and jigger" (headsail and mizzen), which keeps the center of effort low and the boat remarkably balanced.

The hull features a full-length keel with a heavily encapsulated ballast and a protected rudder, resulting in a draft of only 3'11". While this enables access to anchorages that deeper-draft vessels must avoid, it limits the boat’s ability to point high into the wind. Owners often report that the boat "crabs" to leeward if pushed too hard on a beat. However, on a reach or a run, the heavy hull provides a sea-kindly motion, absorbing the impact of choppy seas far better than lighter, modern fin-keel boats. According to editorial analysis from SpinSheet, which highlights the design DNA shared across the Out Island series, the series' primary virtue is its "forgiving nature" and "upright" stability.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Out Island 36 Ketch is where the model truly shines, often feeling more like a 40-foot vessel. Because of its generous 12-foot beam, the "Great Room" feel of the main salon is a hallmark of the design. The cabin usually features a large U-shaped dinette to port and a long settee to starboard, providing seating for six or more adults.

A critical distinction of the Out Island 36 is its "walk-over" center-cockpit layout. Unlike modern center-cockpit yachts that feature an internal passageway to the aft cabin, the early 36 models required crew to exit the main cabin and cross the cockpit to enter the private aft stateroom. This configuration provides maximum privacy for two couples, as the cabins are physically separated by the cockpit engine room. The aft cabin typically features two large berths and its own head, a luxury rarely found on 36-foot boats of this vintage. The galley is generally located in the main cabin, offering sufficient counter space and storage for extended coastal hops.

The Out Island 36 Ketch shared its hull with its sibling, the Out Island 36 Sloop. While the sloop rig is slightly more efficient upwind and features less rigging clutter, the ketch remains the more iconic choice for those valuing the classic "bluewater" look.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach an aging Out Island 36 with a focus on structural integrity and system updates. While the hulls are notoriously thick—often described as "bulletproof" fiberglass—they are not without common maintenance requirements.

1. Deck Delamination: Like many boats of the 70s, the Out Island 36 used a plywood or balsa core in the decks. Over time, water intrusion around stanchion bases or the chainplates can lead to soft spots. A thorough "tap test" or moisture meter reading is essential during survey.
2. Encapsulated Ballast: The iron or lead ballast is glassed into the keel. If the boat has suffered a hard grounding, water can seep into the keel structure, potentially causing the iron to swell and crack the fiberglass skin.
3. Chainplate Inspection: On several Morgan models, the chainplates were glassed into the hull-to-deck joint. This makes them difficult to inspect for crevice corrosion. Buyers should look for signs of rust bleeding or "weeping" along the interior cabinetry where the chainplates are located.
4. Propeller Cavitation: Because the propeller is tucked directly behind a very thick full keel, water flow can be turbulent. This often results in significant "prop walk" when backing into a slip and can cause a "thumping" vibration at higher engine RPMs.
5. Perkins 4-108 Maintenance: Many 36s were powered by the venerable Perkins 4-108 diesel. While incredibly durable, these engines are known for oil leaks, particularly from the rear main seal.

Community & Resources

The Morgan legacy is supported by a dedicated network of owners who value the brand's rugged American construction. The most prominent resource is the Morgan Yacht Owners Group, an active community that shares technical manuals, original brochures, and advice on refitting the Out Island series.

The Verdict

The Morgan Out Island 36 Ketch is an ideal choice for a liveaboard couple or a young family looking for a sturdy, spacious coastal cruiser on a budget. It sacrifices speed and windward performance for an interior volume and shallow-water capability that few modern boats can match.

Pros:

• Shallow Draft: At less than 4 feet, it is a premier choice for the Bahamas and coastal Florida.
• Interior Volume: Offers living space comparable to much larger, more expensive vessels.
• Sturdy Construction: Heavy fiberglass scantlings provide a sense of security in rough weather.
• Privacy: The "walk-over" aft cabin provides excellent separation for guests or children.

Cons:

• Sluggish Performance: Poor light-air performance and limited upwind ability.
• "Walk-Over" Inconvenience: Moving between cabins during rain or at night requires going outside.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Buyers must be prepared to address 50-year-old systems and potential deck core issues.