Morgan Out Island 33
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About the Morgan Out Island 33
Designed by Charles Morgan and first launched in 1973, this 33-footer represents the classic American cruising yacht philosophy of the early 1970s. Morgan Yachts built this masthead sloop with traditional long keel configuration, emphasizing seaworthiness and comfort over racing performance. The Out Island 33's substantial 14,500-pound displacement and deep 5,000-pound ballast create excellent stability for coastal and offshore cruising. Her long keel design provides exceptional tracking ability and a forgiving motion in heavy seas, though at the expense of maneuverability in tight quarters. The moderate sail area of 522 square feet and conservative sail-area-to-displacement ratio make her well-suited for shorthanded sailing and less experienced crews. With a comfort ratio of 28.63, this yacht prioritizes motion comfort over speed, making extended passages more pleasant for the crew. The capsize screening formula of 1.94 indicates good stability characteristics for offshore work, while the theoretical hull speed of 7.03 knots reflects her cruising-oriented design. Morgan's Out Island series gained recognition for solid fiberglass construction and practical layouts. These boats appeal to sailors seeking traditional sailing characteristics, proven seaworthiness, and the ability to handle varying conditions with confidence rather than speed.
Market Price Estimate
Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$19,500 – $19,500
typical asking price
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
- Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
- Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
- Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
- Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
- Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
- Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall)
33.00 ft / 10.06 m
LWL (Waterline Length)
27.50 ft / 8.38 m
Beam
11.83 ft / 3.61 m
Max Draft
3.92 ft / 1.19 m
Displacement
14,500.00 lb / 6,577 kg
Ballast
5,000.00 lb / 2,268 kg
Ballast Type
Lead
Sail Area (Reported)
522.00 ft² / 48.50 m²
Headroom
6.33 ft / 1.93 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type
Long Keel
Rigging Type
Masthead Sloop
Construction
FG
Designer
Charles Morgan
Builder
Morgan Yachts (USA)
First Built
1973
Related Sailboats
["Morgan Out Island 33 Ms" · "Irwin 33" · "Newport 33" · "Endeavour 33" · "Alajuela 33"]
Owner Reviews
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Known Issues & What to Watch For
The deck-to-hull joint on early Morgan Out Island models was bonded with a polyurethane bedding compound and through-bolted at wide intervals, making it prone to weeping and separation. Water intrusion along this joint can lead to hidden core rot in the balsa-cored deck.
1973–1978 models
The balsa core used in the deck construction is highly susceptible to saturation and rot, particularly around chainplates, stanchion bases, and deck hardware. Core sampling or moisture metering of the deck is essential on any example of this boat.
The long keel on early Out Island 33s is attached with mild steel keel bolts that are prone to corrosion and weeping rust stains in the bilge. These bolts are difficult to inspect fully without removing interior joinery and should be carefully assessed by a surveyor.
1973–1977 models
Chainplate knees and backing plates are often inadequately bonded to the inner hull liner, and the chainplate slots in the deck are frequently poorly sealed, allowing chronic water intrusion into the deck core and surrounding laminate.
Morgan used a one-piece molded interior liner that, over time, separates from the hull shell, creating voids that trap moisture and are impossible to properly rebond without major interior demolition.
The teak and holly plywood sole is prone to delamination and rot if any water has found its way into the bilge area regularly, which is common on boats of this era with marginal thru-hull and stuffing box maintenance histories.
The chainplate backing structure was not always glassed adequately to the hull, and under sustained offshore load the chainplates can work loose from their mounts. This is a known concern on Morgan production boats of this period.
Many Out Island 33s of this vintage were fitted with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine, which has well-documented carburetor, ignition, and fuel system vulnerabilities. A significant number have been converted to diesel; confirm engine type and condition before purchase.
1973–1978 models
Original wiring on Morgan boats of this era was typically undersized aluminum or low-grade copper that has often been added to over the decades in non-standard ways, creating fire hazards. The entire electrical system on older examples frequently requires complete rewiring.
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Performance Ratios
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
14.1
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.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
34.48
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
311.26
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
28.63
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
1.94
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.
7.03 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
1.44
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.
1,162.42 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.
14.09
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height)
40.50 ft / 12.34 m
J (Foretriangle Base)
13.50 ft / 4.11 m
P (Mainsail Luff)
35.50 ft / 10.82 m
E (Mainsail Foot)
14.00 ft / 4.27 m
SA Fore
273.38 ft² / 25.40 m²
SA Main
248.50 ft² / 23.09 m²
SA Total (100%)
521.88 ft² / 48.48 m²
Est. Forestay Length
42.69 ft / 13.01 m
Mast Height (DWL)
46.25 ft / 14.10 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make
Perkins
Engine Model
4-108
Engine Type
Diesel
Fuel Capacity
50 gals / 189 L
Water Capacity
70 gals / 265 L
How It Compares
vs. Endeavour 33, Irwin 33, Newport 33
This boat
Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Morgan Out Island 33 ★
Endeavour 33
Irwin 33
Newport 33
LWL
Morgan Out Island 33 ★
Endeavour 33
Irwin 33
Newport 33
Beam
Morgan Out Island 33 ★
Endeavour 33
Irwin 33
Newport 33
Displacement
Morgan Out Island 33 ★
Endeavour 33
Irwin 33
Newport 33
Ballast
Morgan Out Island 33 ★
Endeavour 33
Irwin 33
Newport 33
Sail Area
Morgan Out Island 33 ★
Endeavour 33
Irwin 33
Newport 33
Performance
PHRF Rating
(lower = faster)
Morgan Out Island 33 ★
Endeavour 33
Irwin 33
Newport 33
SA / Displacement
(higher = more powerful)
Morgan Out Island 33 ★
Endeavour 33
Irwin 33
Newport 33
Ballast / Disp
(higher = stiffer)
Morgan Out Island 33 ★
Endeavour 33
Irwin 33
Newport 33
Comfort Ratio
(higher = more comfortable offshore)
Morgan Out Island 33 ★
Endeavour 33
Irwin 33
Newport 33
Capsize Screening
(lower = safer)
Morgan Out Island 33 ★
Endeavour 33
Irwin 33
Newport 33
Displacement / Length
(lower = lighter)
Morgan Out Island 33 ★
Endeavour 33
Irwin 33
Newport 33
Hull Speed
Morgan Out Island 33 ★
Endeavour 33
Irwin 33
Newport 33
Speed Number
(higher = faster)
Morgan Out Island 33 ★
Endeavour 33
Irwin 33
Newport 33
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