Moody 41/419 info/experiences?

Kelpie

Kelpie

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We've recently viewed a Moody 346 as well as a 37, and are quite keen to go down this route for our next boat. The next size up in the Moody range offers an additional double cabin, which seems like a good idea for a potential liveaboard family.
Are they trying to squeeze too much into the boat? The forecabin on the 37 was as small as I'd like to go, how are the berths on the two forward cabins on a 41 or 419?
Any other thoughts on e.g. Motion at sea, handling, etc?
 
They are all much of a muchness - just bigger or smaller. Same basic concept, same designer. Bit like BMWs, buy them by the yard!

If you are looking for space for your money then the older Primrose design 39 and 40 have a lot going for them. Not as sophisticated as the later boats in terms of fit out but typically half the price - although being older condition may be more of an issue.
 
I looked at several Moodys (or should that be Moodies?) in my quest for my ideal boat, offered on two, but ended up buying new. Still like them though.

My view on the question is that a modest increase in length (eg, 37-40) buys a lot more space. That said, the characteristics of that c/c design mean a small, high cockpit compared to an a/c design, steeper companionway, and smaller saloon. But you gain a superb aft cabin. I'd suggest you look at several

Some Moody interiors (cherry especially) seem to have aged terribly badly, even on boats that had been out of the sun and were only just into their second decade. So maybe look for teak.
 
Tranona said:
They are all much of a muchness - just bigger or smaller. Same basic concept, same designer. Bit like BMWs, buy them by the yard!

If you are looking for space for your money then the older Primrose design 39 and 40 have a lot going for them. Not as sophisticated as the later boats in terms of fit out but typically half the price - although being older condition may be more of an issue.
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The problem with the Primrose designs that I've seen is the galley is down the walkway, whereas the Dixon designs of 37ft+ have a brilliant u shaped galley, which is a real selling point for us.
 
Kelpie said:
The problem with the Primrose designs that I've seen is the galley is down the walkway, whereas the Dixon designs of 37ft+ have a brilliant u shaped galley, which is a real selling point for us.
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That is correct, however the galley is two sided - that is there is a worktop inboard as well as the cooker and sink outboard. Pros and cons of each. Saloon and nav area are also different with the nav desk in the middle of the boat. The later boats of course learn from the earlier ones which were really the first of the wide bodied centre cockpit boats.

Perhaps was thinking more of your earlier budget as the bigger boats are much more money both to buy and maintain.
 
I own different Moody's for over 25 years ,After not owning a Moody for nine years , we sold our Dufour and when back to Moody 42 , great liveaboard boat the CC may not seen big but you can seat six in the cockpit and if your socIalise it easy to make conversation while people are sitting on the cabin top on the stern ,
.

Re the wood work ages in side , our looked petty bad and had some water damage where hatch leak , over this winter I lightly rub it down , used a teak stained where it worn badly the used a satin vanish , you can't tell the difference where there still very good original wood and where it's been done .
 
GrahamM376 said:
Marina berths can also be 30% dearer for being in >12m bracket.
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Of course and a lot of other things are more expensive for a 41' as opposed to a 37, but the op is not expecting to use marinas much (according to his previous long thread) and is more interested in space for his family. As usual it is a trade off, you either live with the space restrictions to keep the cost down or relax the restrictions and pay the extra cost.
 
Tranona said:
Of course and a lot of other things are more expensive for a 41' as opposed to a 37, but the op is not expecting to use marinas much (according to his previous long thread) and is more interested in space for his family. As usual it is a trade off, you either live with the space restrictions to keep the cost down or relax the restrictions and pay the extra cost.
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what a lot of people don't take in concentration when living full time on a boat how much space you really need to be comfortable. two people and a cat on a 42 foot boat and we just about manage , every bit of space is taken up,unlike people who come out just for a few months we have to carry not only all our worldly goods but tools and spare part extra anchors chain the list goes on .
 
Tranona said:
Of course and a lot of other things are more expensive for a 41' as opposed to a 37, but the op is not expecting to use marinas much (according to his previous long thread) and is more interested in space for his family. As usual it is a trade off, you either live with the space restrictions to keep the cost down or relax the restrictions and pay the extra cost.
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Well remembered :) If we end up marina hopping, we're going to run out of money. I know that the running costs of a 41 vs a 37 will be higher, but I don't think it will be prohibitive. Slightly bigger rig/sails, a bit more diesel, a wee bit more antifoul... Set against that the much greater stowage/tankage allowing us to stock up with bulk buys, and carry folding bikes rather than hiring, etc etc...

Having viewed a 37, we've come away thinking that it would be enough space, but very much a minimum. And I remember how we once felt the same about our current 33ft boat, so I am wary of outgrowing the 37. The extra space offered by the 41 seems to make it a true 'forever boat'.

Next step is to view some aft cockpit boats, for comparison, but we are very taken with the cc layout...
 
Be sure to get a proper test sail before buying, not everyone enjoys the cockpit position, be a shame to buy and then find you did not like it.
 
Sybarite said:
One generation of Moodys had skeg problems. Best to be aware just in case.
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Said to be the older Primrose design.

With no dis-respect to yourself I have only seen this on chat forums and never spotted any direct evidence. Till evidence appears I have deep suspicions that this has been repeated so often it has become a "known fact".

I remember back in the day someone advertised for about a year in YM trying to find people who had trouble with Moody rudder arrangements. I don't recall any outcome though.
 
silver-fox said:
Appreciate the input Tranona.

Is there any evidence that you are aware of?
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Not something I can lay my hands on, but believe there was a court case originally. I do know (or knew 30+ years ago) a 39 that did have its skeg rebuilt. Remember it because I bought an engine off the owner who told me about it. Not a big deal to him, though.
 
I sailed a Moody 41 from Barcelona to Nice last autumn:


I was very impressed. They are lovely looking yachts, they sail very well and they are extremely spacious and comfortable. A great choice for a liveaboard.

Pete
 
@Halcyon lovely video, lovely boat, but that's not the one I'm talking about- I've got my eye on the much older 1980s centre cockpit 41. I don't want to even ask what the one in your video would cost :0
 
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