Cavalier 36 (Moody) Information, Review, Specs

The Moody Cavalier 36 entered production in 1970, with its brief run concluding in 1972, resulting in just eight vessels constructed. Designed by Alan F. Hill, a notable British naval architect, the Cavalier 36 utilized the same robust hull as the earlier Moody Halberdier. However, the Cavalier 36 distinguished itself with a redesigned deck and an aft cockpit, catering to those who preferred this layout over the Halberdier's often motor-sailer oriented design.

The hulls for the Cavalier 36 were molded by Marine Construction Ltd. (Marcon), a company founded by Eric White in 1964, known for its pioneering use of fiberglass in yacht building in the UK. Marcon quickly established a reputation for producing solidly constructed, traditionally styled small yachts, emphasizing seaworthiness and practicality. The finishing work on the Cavalier 36 was then carried out by A. H. Moody & Son Ltd., integrating their high standards of craftsmanship into these vessels. Alan F. Hill's design philosophy for such cruisers often focused on creating strong, reliable boats capable of handling challenging sea conditions, a characteristic evident in the long keel design of the Cavalier 36.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Moody Cavalier 36, with its long keel and heavy displacement, was engineered for stability and comfortable cruising rather than outright speed. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 12.38 is relatively low, indicating that the boat is likely to be underpowered in light wind conditions and will require a fair amount of breeze to achieve optimal speeds. Conversely, this heavy sail plan suggests excellent control and less twitchiness in stronger winds.

The Ballast to Displacement ratio, at around 0.417 (41.7%), is quite high. This substantial ballast contributes significantly to the Cavalier 36's stiffness and stability, enabling it to stand up to its canvas effectively in heavy weather and providing a comfortable, reassuring motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length ratio, an exceptionally high figure of approximately 414.5, further solidifies its identity as a very heavy, full-keeled offshore cruiser. This characteristic ensures a powerful, sea-kindly motion, making it a suitable choice for extended voyages where comfort and safety take precedence over speed. While a long keel design inherently provides excellent directional stability, it can make maneuvering in tight marina spaces more challenging due to increased turning radius and reduced responsiveness compared to fin-keeled boats. Anecdotal evidence suggests these solidly built cruisers are capable of a very reasonable pace in open seas and offer a comfortable motion.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior layout of the Moody Cavalier 36 was designed to provide comfortable accommodation for extended cruising, based on the Halberdier's well-known interior arrangement but adapted for the aft cockpit configuration. Typically, the layout would feature a conventional forepeak with two full-length berths. A head compartment, equipped with a shower, toilet, and basin, was usually positioned to port, with a wardrobe opposite on the starboard side.

Moving aft, the salon would offer generous seating and dining areas, likely convertible into additional berths. The galley, essential for cruising, would be well-equipped for its era, typically featuring a stove, sink, and storage. Given the boat's cruising orientation, emphasis would have been placed on robust construction and practical use of space. While specific details on materials like wood trim versus fiberglass are not extensively documented for this particular model, Moody yachts of this period generally featured a traditional, warm interior atmosphere, often utilizing good quality joinery. Storage would be ample for provisions and personal gear required for longer trips, and ventilation would be provided through deck hatches and portlights.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners considering a Moody Cavalier 36 often inquire about its maneuvering characteristics in marinas, given its long keel. While the long keel provides superior directional stability offshore, it naturally results in a larger turning circle and less immediate response when navigating confined spaces. However, owners of similar solidly built, medium-displacement Moody cruisers generally praise their seaworthiness and comfortable motion in open water. Despite the low production numbers, the enduring quality and design of Marcon-built hulls and Moody-finished yachts suggest that the few Cavalier 36 owners would likely appreciate its robust construction and capabilities as a serious cruising vessel.