Morgan Out Island 49 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Sailing a Morgan Out Island 49 is an exercise in momentum rather than agility. With a displacement-to-length ratio that firmly places it in the "heavy cruiser" category—clocking in at approximately 47,000 lbs—the 49 requires a stiff breeze to overcome its significant inertia. The hull features a long keel with a protected propeller and a massive rudder, a configuration that ensures exceptional tracking and a dampened motion in a seaway. According to design critiques found in historical records from the era, the boat is "stiff," meaning it resists healing, providing a sense of security for nervous passengers or offshore crews.

The sail area-to-displacement ratio is relatively low, reflecting its role as a motor-sailer hybrid. It is most comfortable on a reach; however, the shoal draft and lack of a deep fin keel mean that windward performance is mediocre. In a blow, the ketch rig allows for a versatile "jib and jigger" configuration, which keeps the boat balanced and manageable without the need for frequent reefing of the mainsail. Anecdotal evidence from veteran cruisers suggests that the 49 is happiest under power or motor-sailing when the wind falls below 12 knots. Its heavy hull provides a "sea-kindly" motion, absorbing the impact of chop that would toss lighter, modern production boats.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Out Island 49 is where the model truly shines, offering a "great room" feel that was revolutionary for its time. The cabin is characterized by its immense width and a layout that maximizes privacy for the owners. The primary draw is the aft master stateroom, which is separated from the forward guest quarters by a walk-through galley or a dedicated navigation station area, depending on the specific year of manufacture. This aft cabin often features a king-sized berth and a private head with a dedicated stall shower—a luxury rarely seen in 1970s-era vessels.

The main salon is cavernous, featuring a large U-shaped dinette and enough floor space to mimic a small apartment. Because many 49s were utilized in charter service, variations in cabin configuration exist; some models feature two forward v-berth cabins while others utilize a single, more palatial guest suite. The use of teak cabinetry and high-capacity storage lockers reflects its intended use for extended periods away from the dock. While the 49 is the core model, it is a direct evolution of the Out Island 41 and served as the hull foundation for the later Morgan Out Island 51. The 51 is essentially a stretched 49, adding a larger aft deck and sometimes an integrated swim platform, but the two share the same "beamy" DNA.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Morgan Out Island 49 must approach the vessel with an eye toward the structural realities of 1970s fiberglass construction.

• Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this era, the Out Island 49 utilizes a balsa-cored deck. Water intrusion around stanchions, handrails, and the heavy ketch rig chainplates often leads to soft spots. A thorough percussion test or moisture meter reading is mandatory.
• Chainplate Integrity: The chainplates are a known "gotcha" for the Morgan line. They are often glassed into the hull or hidden behind cabinetry, making inspection difficult. Over decades, stainless steel fatigue and crevice corrosion can occur unseen, necessitating a difficult and expensive extraction and replacement.
• Fuel and Water Tanks: The original tanks were often made of aluminum or iron and were glassed into the hull structure or placed deep beneath the cabin sole. After 40+ years, these tanks are frequently at the end of their lifespan. Replacement often requires significant "surgery" to the interior joinery.
• Osmotic Blistering: Early Morgan hulls are known for being overbuilt and "thick," but they are susceptible to hull blisters. While rarely structural, a haul-out inspection is necessary to determine the extent of gelcoat repair needed.
• Propeller Shaft Alignment: Due to the long keel and the distance from the engine to the prop, maintaining shaft alignment can be a challenge if the engine mounts have settled or if the hull has flexed over time during improper blocking.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Out Island 49 often find technical support through the Morgan Yachts Owners Group and specialized regional associations like the Morgan 382 Owners Group, which, while model-specific, shares much of the brand's technical heritage and Charles Morgan's design nuances. Technical wikis and owner-curated sites often house digitized versions of the original factory manuals and wiring diagrams, which are essential for maintaining the complex plumbing and electrical systems found on the larger 49-foot hulls.

The Verdict

The Morgan Out Island 49 is a purpose-built "sea-home" that excels at providing a stable, voluminous platform for tropical cruising and liveaboard life. It is not a boat for the sailor who enjoys "tweaking" sail trim or winning regattas, but for those who value a shallow draft and a massive master suite, it remains a high-value classic.

Pros:

• Incredible Volume: Interior space rivals that of modern 55-footers.
• Shallow Draft: At 4' 6", it can enter harbors and gunkholes inaccessible to most boats of its size.
• Stability: A heavy, predictable motion that reduces fatigue on long passages.
• Ketch Rig: Provides numerous sail combinations for easy short-handed handling.

Cons:

• Poor Pointing: Will not sail close to the wind, often requiring the engine to make headway to windward.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Potential for major "surgeries" involving tanks, decks, and chainplates.
• Sluggish in Light Air: Requires significant wind or engine power to move its 23-ton mass.