Morgan Out Island 51 Buyer's Guide
In the pantheon of production cruising boats, few designs spark as much dockside debate as the Morgan Out Island 51. Designed by Jack Cory and Charles Morgan and produced by Morgan Yacht Corp. from 1974 to 1981, this substantial center-cockpit staysail ketch was intended as an upscale, family-oriented bluewater cruiser and charter vessel, evolving from the popular Out Island 41. The yacht carries a reputation it does not deserve; many sailors think of it as something of a tub, a glorified houseboat with masts. The reality is a roomy, capable cruiser that performs decently, especially when reaching, and one that offers a staggering amount of interior volume for its length. For a buyer willing to look past the “tubby” aesthetic, the OI 51 represents a unique value proposition in the used market—a true long-distance liveaboard with the feel of a much larger vessel.
Layouts on the Used Market
The Morgan Out Island 51 was built around a voluminous teak interior, and the used market reflects its dual-purpose origins as both a private yacht and a charter platform. Owner three-cabin layouts are the more common on the used market, but both are available; ex-charter examples are common. The standard arrangement features up to 8 berths across an aft master suite, forward guest cabin, and convertible saloon, served by dual heads and an expansive U-galley.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Because these yachts have been cruising for decades, the equipment list on any given OI 51 is a direct reflection of its ownership history. On the used market, boats are commonly fitted with an inverter, a bimini, hot water, a dodger, a swim platform, and a chartplotter. You will often see a washing machine tucked into the cavernous interior, a testament to the boat’s long-range liveaboard aspirations. Owner upgrades vary widely, but you can expect to sometimes find a watermaker, air conditioning, heating, solar panels, a spinnaker, a dedicated freezer, dinghy davits, radar, an autopilot, or a life raft among the inventory. The original 85 hp Perkins diesel is the standard powerplant, and its condition is far more important than the presence of any single accessory.
What to Inspect
A thorough survey is essential, and there are several critical areas to focus on beyond the typical aging systems. The rig is a complex, divided affair; the Morgan Out Island 51 is a ketch-rigged cutter with a total of 18 stays and shrouds. The standing rigging wire diameters range from 7/16-inch for the forestay and main uppers, to 3/8-inch for the lowers and split backstays to 5/16-inch for the mizzen shrouds. This robust but intricate network means a full rigging inspection, including the chainplates and their attachment points, is non-negotiable. The hydraulic steering system also demands a careful check for leaks, fluid condition, and ram integrity, as it is a wear item that can be costly to overhaul.
The hull is a fiberglass keel/centerboard design with a variable draft from 5.16 to 10.33 feet. The centerboard mechanism is a key inspection item; the pennant, sheaves, and pivot pin must be examined for wear, and the trunk should be sounded for moisture. The boat’s large tankage—300 gallons of fuel and 265 of water—is a major asset for cruising, but the tanks themselves can be nearing the end of their service life and should be inspected for corrosion and leaks. Water intrusion around the many deck penetrations is a common issue on any boat of this vintage, and the OI 51’s expansive deck area warrants a comprehensive moisture meter survey.
Availability and the Buyer’s Takeaway
The Morgan Out Island 51 had limited production, and surviving examples—many with charter-fleet histories—are sought after on the used market, appearing primarily in the United States and Denmark. The buyer for this boat is someone who prioritizes living space and comfort over windward performance, and who understands the value of a boat that was designed from the keel up to be a self-sufficient home on the water. Before you commit, a short checklist will serve you well:
- Verify the centerboard operation and condition.
- Survey the entire standing rigging, with a focus on the 18 stays and shrouds.
- Assess the hydraulic steering system for leaks.
- Inspect the fuel and water tanks for corrosion.
- Determine the original layout to distinguish owner versions from ex-charter boats.
- Conduct a detailed moisture survey of the decks and cabin house.
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Morgan Out Island 51. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 5 rows
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 25 | 1 | $ 140,000 | — |
| Feb 26 | 3 | $ 49,999 | -64.3% |
| Apr 26 | 1 | $ 49,999 | 0.0% |
| May 26 | 1 | $ 49,999 | 0.0% |
| Jun 26 | 4 | $ 199,000 | +298.0% |
Where they're listed
Morgan Out Island 51 listings appear across 2 countries. United States has the most listings with 9 (90.0%), followed by Denmark.
Country view
10 listings · 2 countries| Country | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $ 89,000 | 9 | 5 | 90.0% |
| Denmark | $ 121,437 | 1 | 1 | 10.0% |
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
8 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan Yachts 461/462 | 46.5' | $ 74,900 | 41 | 9 |
| Morgan Out Island 41 | 41.25' | $ 39,000 | 36 | 14 |
| Morgan Yachts Morgan 44 | 44' | $ 95,000 | 25 | 9 |
| Morgan Out Island 41 Classic | 41.25' | $ 71,900 | 13 | 6 |
| Catalina Morgan 45 | 45.25' | $ 40,000 | 11 | 9 |
| Morgan Out Island 51You are here | — | $ 105,179 | 10 | 6 |
| Morgan Yachts 452 | 45' | $ 49,900 | 10 | 1 |
| Morgan Out Island 416 | 41.25' | $ 27,400 | 8 | 4 |