Moody 28 Twin Keel Information, Review, Specs

The Moody 28 Twin Keel entered production in 1985 and was built for a brief but impactful period until 1987, with approximately 70 units constructed. Designer Bill Dixon envisioned the Moody 28 with a focus on delivering speed, sailing performance, comfort, strength, and stability, all wrapped in a modern and attractive aesthetic for its era. As the smallest of Dixon's designs for Moody, it was a testament to the builder's ability to instill their renowned qualities into a more compact package.

During the 1980s, Moody Yachts, with its nearly two-century legacy, maintained a steadfast commitment to exceptional engineering and quality. Having transitioned to Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) construction in earlier decades, the company leveraged modern manufacturing techniques while upholding its core philosophy of building reliable bluewater cruisers. The Moody 28 was offered with both a twin keel configuration, as highlighted in this model, and a fin keel option, with owners often finding similar sailing characteristics between the two. The twin keel design, in particular, provided the added benefit of shallow water access, appealing to cruisers exploring estuaries and tidal areas.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Moody 28, despite its compact size, exhibits the characteristics of a well-behaved cruising yacht. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.73, she is designed for comfortable cruising rather than outright racing, indicating a moderate performance in lighter winds and a solid, manageable feel as the breeze increases. Her ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.408, suggests a good degree of stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a decent blow without excessive heeling.

Further reinforcing its cruising credentials, the Moody 28 features a high displacement to length ratio of approximately 539.37, placing it firmly in the heavy displacement category for its length. This contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, characteristic of traditional, robust cruisers. Owners generally praise the Moody 28 as a stable and forgiving yacht that handles well, even for less experienced sailors. Its masthead sloop rig provides a straightforward and efficient sail plan, contributing to ease of handling. Maneuvering under power is also noted as very good.

Accommodations and Layout

The Moody 28 offers a surprisingly roomy interior for a yacht of its size, showcasing modern styling that was well-received in its time. The layout is designed to maximize comfort and utility, typically featuring six berths distributed across three cabins. This includes a forward V-berth, a main saloon with convertible settees, and a dedicated double berth in an aft cabin, a significant achievement for a 28-foot vessel.

The interior arrangement commonly includes a head (bathroom) located athwartships, spanning the beam of the boat between the main saloon and the forward cabin, which helps create a sense of separation and offers a generous space for its function. While the maximum headroom is not explicitly documented, some owners of similar height (e.g., 5'10") note that while standing fully upright might be just possible, there could be an inclination to stoop in the saloon. The galley is typically compact but functional, though some owners note a relatively small amount of cupboard space compared to larger models. The deck and cockpit are designed to be uncluttered, facilitating easy movement around the boat. The construction quality is solid, typical of Moody, with traditional joinery likely featuring prominently in the interior finish., 11]

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently commend the Moody 28 for its solid build quality and stability, particularly appreciating its forgiving nature and good handling characteristics, making it suitable for single-handing or a couple. The spacious accommodations for a boat of its length are often highlighted as a significant advantage, particularly the separate aft cabin. Its ability to handle well under engine power is also a recurring positive comment.

However, like any yacht of its vintage, the Moody 28 may present a few common maintenance considerations. Owners have noted potential issues such as corrosion at the base of the steel compression post, hairline cracks that can develop around the twin keels, and general wear and tear on the original Volvo Penta 2000 series engine. Some also mention that the main hatch can feel flexible when stood upon. Despite these potential concerns, the overall sentiment among owners remains positive, with many praising the Moody 28 as a dependable, comfortable, and enjoyable cruising yacht.