Moody 45 DS

[Halcyon Yachts]

The new shape Moody 45 DS is so different to the old Moody designs it seems strange that it even has the same name tag. It was drawn by Bill Dixon but very much built by Hanse. To me it's a bit like the difference between the Austin Mini and the now BMW Mini. A completely different machine in everyway!

The look of the new Moody is quite striking. They are built to provide a huge living area and for comfort. What is very impressive though is that despite this potential design constarint they really do sail very well indeed.

We were lucky enough to be able to take one from La Coruna to Kiel. It was a fantastic trip, just shy of 1100 NM, on a very luxurious yacht!

I hope you enjoy the video and I'd love to know what you think of the new style Moody's?

Pete

 

[Fr J Hackett]

Nice video and a nice trip but the yacht seems to much like trawler yacht than a deck saloon and the patio doors ugh. Doesn't do it for me I am afraid.

 

[doug748]

I always enjoy the videos.

I must say, in the spirit of fraternal amusement, that you seem to rate all the boats you deliver. I don't blame you of course, sound commercial judgement, just say'in like.

The Moody seems very comfy, not perhaps best suited to the month of solid rain with short interludes of heavy drizzle that we are being treated to in the West Country just now. In such rustic conditions the cockpit would be as attractive as my back yard, I would draw the patio curtains.
I do like the high bulwarks, excellent things. Chart table nicely sited but would prefer the galley out of the way somewhere.
At least it is different. Visually it could struggle in the Tavistock kiss a pig competition.

 

[geem]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder as they say but that boat would never be a boat a row away from and look back and say 'what a lovely looking boat'. Patio doors? Half catamaran half, trawler yacht. I guess it's targeted at the med and Caribbean charter market

 

[Halcyon Yachts]

I always enjoy the videos.

I must say, in the spirit of fraternal amusement, that you seem to rate all the boats you deliver. I don't blame you of course, sound commercial judgement, just say'in like.

I think all boats are a compromise, and deciding what you are willing to compromise on is the first step towards finding a boat that you will be happy with... Because of this, all yachts have their good points. I don't think you could be in the yacht delivery industry without being able to appreciate each yacht on it's own merrits.

Pete

 

[Fr J Hackett]

I think all boats are a compromise, and deciding what you are willing to compromise on is the first step towards finding a boat that you will be happy with... Because of this, all yachts have their good points. I don't think you could be in the yacht delivery industry without being able to appreciate each yacht on it's own merrits.

Pete

Interesting though that the first 3 responses are all to one degree or another negative.

 

[Bobc]

I had a look around one of those a few years ago, and thought it would make an excellent cruising boat for a couple.

 

[sailor211]

Having looked at them in marinas and at the boat shows I think they have some merits . As always it depends on the type of sailing you do.

Did it sail well?

 

[photodog]

There’s nothing really new in this, you only have to look back at the Dufour Atoll 43 to see where they got this from...

 

[Fr J Hackett]

There’s nothing really new in this, you only have to look back at the Dufour Atoll 43 to see where they got this from...

But it didn't have Pati'O Doors

 

[wully1]

The patio doors and no bridge deck would put me off big time...

 

[geem]

The patio doors and no bridge deck would put me off big time...

I can see the patio doors putting people off, me included, but I never understand this desire for a bridgedeck. For most of the time youre sailing they hinder easy access to and from below. For example the Rival 38 is a bitch to climb over the bridgedeck. Surely if the weather turns a little threatening you simple install a washboard? It's basically a removable bridgedeck

 

[jwilson]

I can see the patio doors putting people off, me included, but I never understand this desire for a bridgedeck. For most of the time youre sailing they hinder easy access to and from below. For example the Rival 38 is a bitch to climb over the bridgedeck. Surely if the weather turns a little threatening you simple install a washboard? It's basically a removable bridgedeck

I seem to remember the 45DS has an integrated slide-up washboard arrangement - that 99% of the time stays hidden. I can see the attraction of the design for many people, though not a "pretty" boat.

 

[rotrax]

I seem to remember the 45DS has an integrated slide-up washboard arrangement - that 99% of the time stays hidden. I can see the attraction of the design for many people, though not a "pretty" boat.

We looked at it as a possibility but chose the Island Packet SP Cruiser as more suitable for our needs-easier on/off.

 

[Neeves]

We have had a cat for 20 year - we may be biased.

Most people spend most of their time at anchor, or in a marina. Those that sail to places unknown like to look at the scenery when they get there. This Moody offers comfort when not sailing and a view (in comfort, when at sea, and also when you arrive).

Many people spend a lot of time motor sailing - or simply motoring.

We have never understood the idea that spending oodles of cash also requires the best foul weather gear. Why not sail in comfort.


As a completely separate issue - why the aversion to patio doors?

I could never describe the Moody DS as a thing of beauty.

Jonathan

 

[KellysEye]

I wouldn't buy it has in mast furling, we sailed a Benneteau 50 in Antigua Sailing Week with in mast furling and it jammed.

 

[Tranona]

I wouldn't buy it has in mast furling, we sailed a Benneteau 50 in Antigua Sailing Week with in mast furling and it jammed.

What a load of rubbish. You base your statement on just one experience with a system that is less than good. Thousands of people own boats with in mast furling without any problems. For example,almost 100% of HRs over 40' have Selden in mast. Are they all wrong?

Have you ever wondered why others seem to have a low opinion of your opinions?

You can, of course order a 45DS with fully battened mainsail if you wish, so of course you can buy one.

 

[Daydream believer]

I am trying to decide if it was a film with a couple of pictures of a boat with a shed on the deck ( & little else about the yacht) or another blatant advert for Halcyon yachts.

 

[maby]

I was qute sceptical about them when I saw the early pictures but we were then parked up next to one for several months in a marina and we got the opportunity to get to know it better - I did warm to it quite a lot. We never did get the opportunity to sail it, so cannot comment on the handling, but it is a very practical living space. Quite expensive for the size - well, it is a Moody - but I could certainly consider one if the premium bonds came up!

 

[wully1]

I can see the patio doors putting people off, me included, but I never understand this desire for a bridgedeck. For most of the time youre sailing they hinder easy access to and from below. For example the Rival 38 is a bitch to climb over the bridgedeck. Surely if the weather turns a little threatening you simple install a washboard? It's basically a removable bridgedeck

What kind of a washboards would you need for the patio doors on the 45 DS then?

Im no ocean sailor and have had a wave in the cockpit inshore which didn’t get below because of the bridgedeck..I’d not like to be on a boat without one.