Morgan M33 vs. an out islander
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The Morgan Out Island models of boats started with a 28-footer and went into the 40+ foot range. They at one time were the most popular charter boat in Florida and the Bahamas because they were so large and comfortable below. But, like most floating condos, they didn't sail all that well (not bad, but not great) and with some models tacking was so dubious that you had to turn the engine on to tack. Charley Morgan, back in the 70's designed a series of other Morgan sailboats that started with the Morgan 22 and went up from there. The Morgan 22 was a very fast little boat and took a lot of MORC trophies back in the day. Other boats ran into the 40-foot range - all decent sailing boats, often with shoal keels and centerboards (which was required in the skinny waters of Florida). This class of boats may have included a Morgan 33, but I don't recall. Morgan did build a couple of racing boats called the Morgan 33T and Morgan 36T. They were fin keel boats with pinched ends (quarter and 3/4 tonners, I believe) with IOR mainsails. If you are looking for comfort at the expense of some sailing performance, the OI is for you. For something that sails better, but not as comfortable below (but not bad) the regular Morgan boats are fine and if you want to race, the 33T is the Morgan to have (unless you go with the more modern designs from the boards of Nelson Marek, but they were 36 and 45-footers). Catalina now makes modern Morgan Yachts.
As Barnacle Bill said, the vessel is an "Out Island". There is a vessel known as an Islander, but no Out Islander. The Out Island series was produced in lengths of 28,33,36,41,and 51. With their shoal draft and stays fitted to chain plates outside the hull, Their ability to point to windward is less than a performance designed boat, but despite Barnacle Bill's comments, I would not agree that any Out Island would require an engine start for tacking. Those that have difficulty tacking a boat with a keel contiguous with the rudder are often more accustomed to the pivoting capabilities of a fin keel design or they may be sailing with the headsail overpowering their main in light air. Certainly, the techniques for tacking a heavy displacement full keel vessel will not transfer from a light weight fin keel boat. Catalina's design of the Morgan Out Island "Classic" changed the keel design to more easily allow someone with less experience to tack these boats and they did improve some performance traits. As an owner living aboard and cruising 33' and 41' Morgan Out Islands from 1973 to present, I would draw attention to the following to look for when looking at an Out Island to purchase:
1. Look of hairline cracks at the port/starboard seam of the rudder laminates that are a prelude to separation and failure. A rebuild and a fiberglass tabbing of the seam may be necessary.
2. Inspect the mast step for corrosion.
3. Inspect the back up plate for the headstay at the stemhead for corosion or separation.
4. Soft spots in the deck core are common due to water intrusion. This is a cosmetic, not a sructural problem, but a rigorous repair.
5. Be wary of any hull deck joint damage and separation on the older OI series where the hull-deck joint is at the rubrail rather than the less vulnerable toe rail.
Take care and joy, Aytthya crew
1. Look of hairline cracks at the port/starboard seam of the rudder laminates that are a prelude to separation and failure. A rebuild and a fiberglass tabbing of the seam may be necessary.
2. Inspect the mast step for corrosion.
3. Inspect the back up plate for the headstay at the stemhead for corosion or separation.
4. Soft spots in the deck core are common due to water intrusion. This is a cosmetic, not a sructural problem, but a rigorous repair.
5. Be wary of any hull deck joint damage and separation on the older OI series where the hull-deck joint is at the rubrail rather than the less vulnerable toe rail.
Take care and joy, Aytthya crew
Morgan 33: http://www.sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_ID=1319
The Morgan 33 was a CCA influenced racer/cruiser - good sailing performance, decent interior. Deep draft fin keel.
Morgan Out Island 33: http://www.sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=1409
The Morgan Out Island 33 was a non-racer full accomodation cruising boat - weak sailing performance, great room below, and very comfortable. Long, shallow full-keel (no centerboard)
Morgan 33T: http://www.sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=1622
The Morgan 33T was an IOR influenced racer with minimal accomodations. Deep draft fin keel.
Tom Scott, Morgan 30 Whimsy
The Morgan 33 was a CCA influenced racer/cruiser - good sailing performance, decent interior. Deep draft fin keel.
Morgan Out Island 33: http://www.sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=1409
The Morgan Out Island 33 was a non-racer full accomodation cruising boat - weak sailing performance, great room below, and very comfortable. Long, shallow full-keel (no centerboard)
Morgan 33T: http://www.sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=1622
The Morgan 33T was an IOR influenced racer with minimal accomodations. Deep draft fin keel.
Tom Scott, Morgan 30 Whimsy
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