The Morgan Out Island 41 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Morgan Out Island 41 sailboat was designed by American naval architect Charley Morgan. It was built by Morgan Yachts, a company based in the United States. The production of this sailboat began in 1970 and continued until 1991, with over 1,450 units completed.

A Morgan Out Island 41 Sailboat at anchor

Published Specification for the Morgan Out Island 41 Sailboat

Keel & Rudder Configuration: Long keel with keel-mounted rudder
Hull Material: Fiberglass
Length Overall: 41'3" (12.57 m)
Waterline Length: 34'0" (10.36 m)
Beam: 13'10" (4.21 m)
Draft: 4'2" (1.27 m)
Rig Type: Masthead sloop (optional ketch rig)
Displacement: 24,000 lb (10,886 kg)
Ballast: 10,500 lb (4,763 kg)
Designer: Charley Morgan
Builder: Morgan Yachts
Year First Built: 1971
Year Last Built: 1991
Number Built: Over 1,450 units

Published Design Ratios for the Morgan Out Island 41
The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Based on the published design ratios provided for the Morgan Out Island 41 sailboat, we can make several observations about its theoretical sailing characteristics:

Sail Area/Displacement Ratio (12.0): A ratio of 12.0 indicates that the Morgan Out Island 41 is underpowered compared to more performance-oriented boats. It suggests that the boat will have moderate to lower sail power relative to its weight, which may result in slower acceleration and less agility, particularly in light wind conditions. This is typical for boats designed with cruising comfort in mind rather than racing performance.

Ballast/Displacement Ratio (33.3): A ratio of 33.3 suggests that the Morgan Out Island 41 has a moderate amount of ballast relative to its displacement. While boats with a ratio above 40 are considered stiffer and more powerful, the 33.3 ratio indicates that the boat should have reasonable stability but is likely designed with cruising comfort as a higher priority than stiffness. However, it’s important to note that this ratio alone doesn’t account for the distribution of the ballast. If the ballast is placed lower or further down the keel, stability could be enhanced despite the moderate ratio.

Displacement/Length Ratio (307): With a Displacement/Length Ratio of 307, the Morgan Out Island 41 falls into the "Heavy Displacement" category. This indicates that the boat has a heavier hull relative to its length. Such boats are usually more comfortable in heavy seas and offer a more stable platform for long-distance cruising but might lack the light wind performance and nimbleness of lighter displacement boats.

Comfort Ratio (34.9): The Comfort Ratio of 34.9 suggests that the Morgan Out Island 41 is designed as a moderate bluewater cruising boat. It should provide a reasonably comfortable ride in a variety of sea conditions, minimizing the jarring motions like pitching, rolling, or corkscrewing that can upset the crew. This ratio aligns with its designed purpose as a cruising sailboat aimed at providing a stable and comfortable platform for extended voyages.

Capsize Screening Formula (1.9): With a Capsize Screening Formula of 1.9, the Morgan Out Island 41 is considered suitable for ocean passages. The ratio indicates that the boat is less prone to capsizing in heavy seas, which is a crucial factor for bluewater cruising. The fact that the value is below the critical threshold of 2.0 reinforces its capability for handling offshore conditions.

Here's how to calculate the KPIs yourself - without having to wrestle with the mathematics...

Design Ratios: Notes of Caution...

The Sail Area/Displacement Ratio (SA/D): This ratio provides an estimate of the sail power relative to the boat's weight, which can indicate potential speed in various wind conditions. But it doesn't account for the efficiency of the sail plan, the rigging, or the skill of the crew. Real-world performance can vary significantly based on these factors.

The Ballast/Displacement Ratio (B/D): This ratio gives an idea of the boat's stability and stiffness, which is crucial for handling and safety. But it doesn't consider the distribution of the ballast or the hull shape, both of which can greatly affect stability. A high B/D ratio alone doesn't guarantee a stable boat if the ballast is poorly distributed.

The Displacement/Length Ratio (D/L): This ratio helps predict the boat's speed potential and its behaviour in different sea conditions. But it doesn't account for the hull design or the boat's overall weight distribution. Two boats with the same D/L ratio can perform very differently if their hull shapes are different.

The Comfort Ratio (CR): This ratio estimates the boat's motion comfort in a seaway, which is important for long passages. But it doesn't consider the boat's interior layout, which can also affect comfort. Additionally, personal tolerance to motion varies, so a boat that is comfortable for one person might not be for another.

The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF): This formula assesses the likelihood of a boat capsizing in heavy seas, which is critical for offshore safety. But it doesn't take into account the boat's handling characteristics or the skill of the crew. A boat with a low CSF can still capsize if poorly handled in severe conditions.

General Limitations

Static Nature: These ratios are static measurements and don't account for dynamic factors like wave action, wind gusts, or crew actions.

Simplification: They simplify complex interactions into single numbers, which can be misleading. Real-world performance is influenced by a multitude of factors that these ratios can't fully capture.

Context: The context in which the boat is used (e.g., coastal cruising vs. offshore racing) can greatly affect how these ratios should be interpreted.

In summary, while these ratios provide valuable insights into the theoretical performance characteristics of a sailboat, they should be used as part of a broader assessment that includes practical experience, sea trials, and expert advice.

This article was written with the assistance of Gemini, a large language model developed by Google. Gemini was used to gather information, summarize research findings, and provide suggestions for the content and structure of the article.