Morgan Out Island 37/372 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Morgan Out Island 37 is not a yacht for the light-wind aficionado or the buoy racer. With a displacement of approximately 15,000 to 18,000 pounds (depending on the year and load) and a relatively modest sail area, its Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio typically hovers around 14, placing it firmly in the "heavy cruiser" category. According to editorial analysis from SpinSheet Magazine, the boat is famously "tender" initially but stiffens up significantly once it reaches 15 to 20 degrees of heel.

Handling is characterized by the massive full keel, which provides exceptional tracking in a straight line but results in a wide turning radius and a notorious difficulty in backing under power—a common trait for full-keel vessels with a large wetted surface. The boat’s "shoal draft" design (drawing less than 4 feet) makes it a favorite for Florida and Bahamas cruising, though this comes at the cost of upwind performance. The Out Island 37 will rarely point closer than 50 degrees to the wind without significant leeway. However, in a heavy blow, the boat’s high "Comfort Ratio" becomes apparent; it provides a stable, predictable motion that minimizes fatigue for a short-handed crew.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The "Out Island" moniker is synonymous with interior volume. The 37-foot hull was revolutionary for its time, offering the kind of living space usually reserved for 42-footers. The original Out Island 37 features a center-cockpit layout that creates a distinct separation between the main salon and the aft owner’s cabin. In the earliest iterations, the aft cabin was only accessible via the cockpit, a layout often referred to as a "split-cabin" design.

The introduction of the Morgan 372 in the mid-1980s solved the primary complaint of the original model by adding a walkthrough below decks, connecting the navigation station to the master stateroom. The 372 also benefited from the influence of Catalina Yachts, which introduced more refined cabinetry, better ventilation via overhead hatches, and a more ergonomic galley. Both models utilize a "U-shaped" galley and a large dinette that can convert into a double berth. The sibling models include a ketch-rigged variant of the 37, which offers more versatility in sail handling for blue-water passages, though the sloop rig remains more common for its simplicity and slightly better windward performance.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a vintage Out Island 37 with a focus on structural longevity. High-signal technical areas for inspection include:

• Fuel Tank Integrity: The original black iron or aluminum fuel tanks were often glassed into the hull or placed beneath the cabin sole without proper drainage. Over decades, moisture causes "pitting" and eventual failure. Replacing these tanks frequently requires cutting the cabin sole.
• Chainplate Corrosion: On the original 37s, the chainplates are often difficult to access. Leakage from the deck can lead to crevice corrosion that is invisible from the surface but catastrophic under load.
• Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this era, the Morgan used a balsa or plywood core for the decks. Poorly bedded stanchions and hardware often lead to water intrusion. "Soft spots" around the mast step or the windlass are common findings.
• Osmotic Blistering: Morgan hulls from the 1970s are known for thick laminates but are also prone to "osmosis" blisters. While rarely structural, they can be an expensive cosmetic fix.
• The "372" Rudder: On the later 372 models, the rudder post and its support structure should be checked for play, as the steering linkage was updated from the original 37 design and requires specific maintenance.

Community & Resources

The Morgan Out Island series benefits from one of the most robust owner networks in the United States. The Morgan Yacht Owners Group serves as a vital repository for technical manuals, original brochures, and DIY "walkthrough" conversion guides for the older 37 models. Owners often share modifications for improving the "weather helm" of the boat, which can be a factor when carrying too much headsail in heavy air.

The Verdict

The Morgan Out Island 37 / 372 is a purpose-built "coastal liveaboard" that excels at providing a stable platform for a couple or a small family. It is a slow, methodical sailor that prioritizes the destination over the journey.

Pros:

• Exceptional Volume: More interior living space per foot than almost any contemporary in its price bracket.
• Shoal Draft: Ideal for exploring the Chesapeake Bay, Florida Keys, and the Bahamas.
• Structural Heft: A heavily built fiberglass hull that provides a sense of security in rough seas.
• Privacy: The center-cockpit layout offers excellent separation between the master cabin and the guest V-berth.

Cons:

• Pointing Ability: Poor upwind performance; frequently requires motor-sailing to reach windward destinations.
• Maneuverability: Difficult to handle in tight marinas due to the full keel and lack of "prop wash" over the rudder in reverse.
• Aged Systems: Early models require significant investment in tanks, wiring, and chainplates to be sea-ready.