Maxi 38 or Moody 38

[Airscrew]

Doing some research, as we all do, on the next yacht.
We are recent sailors, hence the request for more experienced views.
My better half has now agreed that this sailing lark is good fun, and we should do more.

A relatively large (standing room) and comfortable aft cabin is a primary choice, with which I am agreed.
But I would like a yacht that performs 'better than average' in the following areas:

Performance to windward
Ability to track, without wandering or trimming
Speed in light winds
Stability downwind

Storage and tankage are less critical, as for us a 'long' trip (from the Solent) would be northern France, Cornwall/Scillies, Netherlands or similar.

Lots written on Maxi 34 and 1000 (have sailed both), 1050, 1100, 1200. But almost nothing on the 38 (including on the MOA site and documents).

So any experience please on Maxi's esp the 38+, or Moody 38.
Or other yachts that should be under consideration (mid to late '90s and 60k or 70k GBP).

And yes, after doing my homework, I will look to try them.

Thanks.

 

[Pasarell]

I have a Moody so am biased, especially where living accommodation is concerned. SWMBO would never go to an aft cockpit boat and give up our aft cabin. Mine is a 44 so I can't comment exactly on a 38 but they are not greyhounds. Apart from that mine performs very well indeed in all conditions, is responsive and a delight to sail. If you want more from 38 owners then go on the Moody owners website (https://moodyowners.org/) where there is a forum for questions such as yours. You will get plenty of feedback from 38 owners, all of it impartial and unbiased!

 

[Martin_J]

And you might get a slightly biased view from Jimi (on this forum) and myself.. another Moody owner.

Jimi from this fora asked a similar question a few years ago. We took him for a sail and he went and put an offer in for an s38 the following week.

The Moody s38 does however have an aft cockpit (like the Maxi yachts and unlike most Moody yachts) but as to the 'wouldn't give up the aft cabin' comment.. The s38 single aft cabin version has a King size bed, has standing room and the cabin stretches the full width of the boat.

Locker space is enough for dinghy, outboard, fenders, ropes.. huge... Separate liferaft locker as well

I did look at the Maxi and dozens of other boats.. As Pasarell says.. The Moody might not be quick in a light wind as many lighter boats... and might not point as high as some more modern designs.. but the skeg hung rudder, ability to track nicely in a straight line, build quality, stability .. and just sheer comfort sold me on the Moody.

 

[prv]

But I would like a yacht that performs 'better than average' in the following areas:

Performance to windward
Ability to track, without wandering or trimming
Speed in light winds
Stability downwind

Storage and tankage are less critical, as for us a 'long' trip (from the Solent) would be northern France, Cornwall/Scillies, Netherlands or similar.

I don't know either of the specific boats, only the marques in general. I co-own a Maxi but not a 38.

I've no reason to doubt the Moody's ability in tracking or stability, but overall I think this set of priorities tends to point towards the Maxi.

This isn't just a case of "my boat is always best" - if I was going longer distance I would absolutely choose the Moody. Ariam feels distinctly lightweight for ocean work and both fuel and water tankage are somewhat limited. But your intended use matches mine pretty closely and I think she's a good boat for that.

On the other hand, maybe don't rule out either (they're both good boats) and go by what specific examples are available? A nicely sorted Moody at a knock-down deal will be better than a tired Maxi priced unrealistically, and vice versa.

Pete

 

[Martin_J]

I agree with prv above..

Try and spend some decent quiet time on both.. (with no broker sitting behind you making you feel like you can't openly discuss what you're thinking)..

Try to picture yourself sailing it... relaxing on board... entertaining.. and maintaining it.. Enjoy the search - Enjoy visiting many locations looking (I only went as far as Malaga when looking)

 

[Motor_Sailor]

Make sure you nearly 'need' a 38.

The Moody 38 is a brilliant liveaboard long term cruiser for a couple who want to have another couple stay from time to time. The aft cabin and saloon seating are its strong suits, but the galley is not overly large and its performance to windward especially in light winds is not remarkable.

It's also big to handle, with big sails and high freeboard, etc.
Just check that a 34 or 36 foot of anything wouldn't meet your requirements better.

 

[Concerto]

Airscrew.

Have you considered the Westerly Typhoon?
https://wiki.westerly-owners.co.uk/index.php?title=Typhoon_37

It meets all of your sailing requirements.

Not sure what you mean by comfortable aft cabin as any yacht about 38ft is going to be like a palace after a Centaur.

Currently there is a nice looking Typhoon in Torquay that was built in 1991 for sale atr £39,950. So plenty of change to do improvements from your budget.
http://www.onemarine.co.uk/boat/sailing-yachts/westerly-typhoon-37/

 

[Hacker]

That link suggests that it is sold

 

[Pavalijo]

As a two aft cabin S38 owner I can say that she is ideal for our summer liveaboard needs. We use the second aft cabin as our “garage”.
The OP may not need to carry as much stuff as we do and so a single aft cabin may be acceptable. I would suggest that he gives consideration to cockpit size as I have found that centre cockpit cockpits can be a little on the small side.
I know that Maxis were on our radar and we looked around the odd one but I can’t for the life of me remember how the layout compares!

 

[Airscrew]

I don't know either of the specific boats, only the marques in general. I co-own a Maxi but not a 38.

This isn't just a case of "my boat is always best" - if I was going longer distance I would absolutely choose the Moody. Ariam feels distinctly lightweight for ocean work and both fuel and water tankage are somewhat limited. But your intended use matches mine pretty closely and I think she's a good boat for that.

Pete

Its a small world Pete.
I read about Ariam only today, a Maxi 34 from Roger Moon, with the keel refit.
And yes, I keep hanging around there, and yes, he has the 38...

 

[ashtead]

Would be interested to see the views of others on prices of 2 named makes. I have this completely unscientific view that for a given budget you might find a newer or fresher Moody compared to a Maxi? Clearly choice might also be driven by availability and desire to travel to view. Good luck with your search . We have always enjoyed our aft cockpit Moody. I would be looking for a vessel with a bow thruster and avoiding any in mast reefing which might influence choice but a number of other extras are worth factoringwhen considering as add ons at 38 ft don't come cheap eg cockpit tent or suchlike.

 

[Graham376]

Lots written on Maxi 34 and 1000 (have sailed both), 1050, 1100, 1200. But almost nothing on the 38 (including on the MOA site and documents).

We've had the predecessor to the 38, the 376, for 15 years and done a lot of miles. Sailing performance is very similar if not identical but internal layout is slightly different with more modern aft cabin and walk through heads in the cc38. I think the 38 also has the option of shallow draught scheel keel, which we like. Searching on the 376 should get more results and PBO or YM did a used boat test many years ago. Owners Association is excellent with lots of info and even production drawings for many models.

 

[Airscrew]

Airscrew.

Have you considered the Westerly Typhoon?
https://wiki.westerly-owners.co.uk/index.php?title=Typhoon_37

It meets all of your sailing requirements.

Not sure what you mean by comfortable aft cabin as any yacht about 38ft is going to be like a palace after a Centaur.

Currently there is a nice looking Typhoon in Torquay that was built in 1991 for sale atr £39,950. So plenty of change to do improvements from your budget.
http://www.onemarine.co.uk/boat/sailing-yachts/westerly-typhoon-37/

Interesting. Thanks.
It had me dive for the Westerly Story, with a good summary of each model.
It hasnt got the sort of aft cabin we are looking for, but it does appear to be a solid performer. Possibly the best Dubois yacht in the range.
And a couple available at present...

 

[D&T]

You might want to try Facebook, Maxi have their own group, which is fairly active and there are a number of Maxi 38 owners on there. Maxi Yachts of Sweden.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1401496746799321/

 

[Piddy]

YM did a used boat test many years ago. Owners Association is excellent with lots of info and even production drawings for many models.

That was our boat in 2000, which we still own. Snooks took some lovely pictures and Simon Jenks wrote some nice things about her. After nearly 20 of ownership, I think I know just about every deficiency and issue but still love her and love sailing her.

 

[jonic]

More Bias here

We loved our Moody 38. Took her to the Caribbean, up the East Coast of the States and even through the French Canals -plus the Western Med. We had the shoal draft version too and raised two children on her.

Brilliant boat for it.

 

[fastjedi]

I assume you are thinking Moody 38CC, rather than S38?
Which Moody 38? The S38 sounds like a better fit to your requirements as it is quicker / lower cockpit.
Should be easy to find a nice 38CC (163 built) …. S38's are a bit harder to find (60 built). The Solent branch is very active and a pro for Moody ownership.
The Maxi will be faster / more fun to sail, especially when compared to a 38CC. Harder to find a nice Maxi, especially as some have been raced hard.