Launched in 1977, this traditional cruising sailboat embodies the classic American cruiser design philosophy of the late 1970s. Morgan Yachts built the Out Island 30 as a capable coastal and short-range offshore cruiser, featuring a long keel configuration that provides excellent tracking and directional stability in varied sea conditions.
The boat's substantial displacement of 9,500 pounds, combined with 3,000 pounds of ballast, creates a stable platform that handles weather well and provides a comfortable motion underway. With a comfort ratio of 29.18, the Out Island 30 delivers the steady, predictable sailing characteristics that cruising sailors appreciate for extended passages. The capsize screening formula of 1.73 indicates good stability margins for offshore work.
Her masthead sloop rig with 375 square feet of sail area offers straightforward sail handling, while the fiberglass construction ensures durability with reasonable maintenance requirements. The long keel design, while not optimal for racing, excels in tracking ability and provides protection for the propeller and rudder when exploring shallow cruising grounds.
This design suits sailors seeking a traditional, seaworthy cruiser capable of comfortable coastal exploration and occasional offshore passages, prioritizing stability and comfort over racing performance.
SA/Displacement
Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
13.42
Ballast/Displacement
Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
Displacement/Length
Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
277.04
Comfort Ratio
Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
29.18
Capsize Screening Formula
The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.73
Hull Speed
Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions.
6.68 kn
S# (Speed Number)
The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
1.61
Pounds/Inch Immersion
Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline.
812.68 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc)
Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure.
13.43
