Keeping a safe lookout.

[Resolution]

And perhaps the 45Lb CQR an 300 foot of chain up front

Of course the delta's flat sides give a much better radar reflection, when heeled appropriately........

 

[Angele]

Of course the delta's flat sides give a much better radar reflection, when heeled appropriately........

Ah yes, but don't forget to fit it in raincatcher orientation.

 

[[163233]]

He was standing on his tip toes at the helm try to see other craft and swimmers in front of him.

Why didn't he just rig the bosun's chair from the bimini with a couple of bungies so he could steer at a sensible height?

 

[rogerthebodger]

Why didn't he just rig the bosun's chair from the bimini with a couple of bungies so he could steer at a sensible height?

Better from a crow's nest

Using a remote control

 

[[163233]]

Very slick. I know I've had a few days when I could've really used the "Wind Less" button...

I was thinking more...

 

[geem]

So you removed a fixed Hallberg-Rassy type glass screen because it salted up and replaced it with a super-duper crystal clear plastic sprayhood, which you now look either around or over.

Bizarre.

No I didnt. I replaced it because the aluminium frame had corroded. Since we were heading for the tropics we didnt want the constraint of a fixed front window as ventilation would be poor. For us the sprayhood works better in the Tropics. If I ever sail in the UK again we may convert back to a fixed spray dodger but we would have to change the design to create some decent ventilation. Our fixed dodger had a glass section in the middle but perspex at the sides that were curved. The perspex was no better than your average sprayhood window for visibility.
There are sprayhood window materials that offer exstemely good visibility. We specified this when we had it made. Four years later the visibilty is still better most sprayhoods I have seen.

 

[DJE]

Our default settings are hood down at sea and up in harbour. Better access to the mainsail (we still use sail ties) and the coachroof winches with it down. But mostly we drop it because the view of the waves, passing birds, etc is better and it just seems to improve the overall experience of being at sea. We're not such purists that we won't put it up in bad weather though.

 

[dom]

Our default settings are hood down at sea and up in harbour. Better access to the mainsail (we still use sail ties) and the coachroof winches with it down. But mostly we drop it because the view of the waves, passing birds, etc is better and it just seems to improve the overall experience of being at sea. We're not such purists that we won't put it up in bad weather though.

That's why I went for just a hatch cover, which I rig if it's wet or bumpy: it's easy to see around and keeps the companionway dry. Uphill, or far offshore the Full Monty is of course far superior, the trouble is in chocka South UK waters one always seems to be keeping an eye on something or other.

 

[DJE]

The question I'm curious about, which unfortunately one can't answer without a control, is whether your commendably high radar vis was due to the Echomax as opposed to some whizzy system operated by the UKBF.

It's no good trying to hide they will always find you in the end.

 

[dom]

It's no good trying to hide they will always find you in the end.

Nah, I'm currently working on Ireland's response to marine stealth. But yes, at half time it is 2:0 to the UKBF

Edit: on a serious note, the more eyes the better. Ch16 will rarely be appropriate to report something suspicious so here are their details:

UK Border Force:

Tel: 0300 123 7000
In an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the police.

Contact Form
https://www.gov.uk/rep...​

 

[GHA]

" Here lie the bones of Mike O'Day, who died maintaining his Right Of Way;

He was right, dead right, as he sailed along, but now he's as dead as if he'd been wrong "

If he knew the col regs he'd still be here.

 

[dancrane]

Watching a newish 50 odd feet Moody design yacht leaving a berth...the guy at the helms view ahead was almost totally obstructed by the yachts cabin superstructure in front of him.

I come late to this interesting thread, and if my question has been covered already, I apologise...but oughtn't we know the design the OP referred to? Is it one of these?

I should think the tint on those massive windows, makes them impenetrable from the cockpit, forward...more obstructive than any sprayhood. And I like wheelhouses.

For a laugh, here's the slightly bigger Moody 54 deck saloon at dusk; the helmsman has organised 'Mood-lighting', to eliminate any possibility of seeing anything, ahead.

 

[maby]

When I first saw pictures of that Moody DS, I thought it was stupid and pig-ugly - but then we spent a couple of weeks moored up next to one and it rather grew on me. I agree that the after-dark image with the lights on is silly and just done for the publicity brochure, but the visibility from the helm through the lounge windows is a lot better than you would think.

If it weren't so horribly expensive, I would have seriously considered one!

 

[dom]

When I first saw pictures of that Moody DS, I thought it was stupid and pig-ugly - but then we spent a couple of weeks moored up next to one and it rather grew on me. I agree that the after-dark image with the lights on is silly and just done for the publicity brochure, but the visibility from the helm through the lounge windows is a lot better than you would think.

Strange thing taste - I saw one of those Moodys at the boatshow and it wasn't my thing at all.

Also had a look at the Sense which I seem to recall you have: seems perfect as a warm weather mono, shamelessly optimised for living as opposed to the Noah's Arc charter offerings :encouragement:.

 

[lw395]

Looks like you can stand outboard of the wheel and get a pretty good view down the side of the boat.
Any boat of this sort of size, it's not unknown to have to move around to get 360 degree vision, particularly at close quarters.
Can be an issue when singlehanded, but you learn to check the blind spots.
I think good sailors become very aware of what's in their blind spots and subconsciously know to keep checking them.
With a crew, you use their eyes and judgement and a bit of teamwork.
I'd expect most couples who have sailed together for a few years to have no problem with a boat like that.

 

[flaming]

When I first saw pictures of that Moody DS, I thought it was stupid and pig-ugly - but then we spent a couple of weeks moored up next to one and it rather grew on me. I agree that the after-dark image with the lights on is silly and just done for the publicity brochure, but the visibility from the helm through the lounge windows is a lot better than you would think.

If it weren't so horribly expensive, I would have seriously considered one!

I've sailed one, and against my expectations I really liked it. Definitely very different, but if I was looking for a long term cruiser I'd certainly at least book another test sail.

 

[maby]

Strange thing taste - I saw one of those Moodys at the boatshow and it wasn't my thing at all.

Also had a look at the Sense which I seem to recall you have: seems perfect as a warm weather mono, shamelessly optimised for living as opposed to the Noah's Arc charter offerings :encouragement:.

As I said, it was a slow conversion - that Moody is a funny looking thing but we were moored next to one for a couple of weeks, got to know the owner and see the boat "up close and personal", and it did grow on me.

We do have the Sense and love it. Not just a "warm weather mono" - it is a very comfortable boat for the depths of winter with such big windows - on short, wet December days when the interior of most yachts would be close to pitch black, we still have light and can enjoy the day.

 

[[163233]]

Looks like it's fairly easy to see over the top unless you're a short-arse.

Cuban heels perhaps?

 

[dancrane]

Oh, I want to see Cuban-heeled Sperry Topsiders. :biggrin-new:

Doubtless anyone of reasonable height can peer (somewhat uncomfortably) over the roofline...but I was thinking the illumination in the cockpit would have blinded the helmsman.

I'm slightly surprised the designer didn't go the whole hog, and move the deck saloon back a couple of yards, to make room for a fair-weather cockpit behind the mast...

...that would free up loads of headroom in an enormous aft cabin behind the deck saloon...and if the spray grew intolerable up forward, the boat could be helmed from inside.

 

[Angele]

...and if the spray grew intolerable up forward, the boat could be helmed from inside.

He or she can ......

Key Features of the Moody 54DS Interior

One level living between cockpit and saloon – perfect for extended off shore cruising
All the comforts of a luxurious apartment
Handcrafted finish
Choice of layouts
Climate control
Panoramic views from the saloon
Interior helm position
Luxurious suites.