Moody 30 Information, Review, Specs

The Moody 30 entered production in 1975, continuing the legacy of A. H. Moody & Sons, a builder with roots stretching back to 1827. The company, which had embraced GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) construction, was by this time renowned for its robust and comfortable cruising yachts. Designed by Angus Primrose, who was instrumental in shaping many of Moody's successful production cruisers, the Moody 30 shares the distinctive high-volume hull style, complete with flared bows, seen across his designs for the brand. Primrose's design philosophy for this era aimed to produce reliable and predictable vessels that appealed to yachtsmen and women seeking a trustworthy cruiser. Production of the Moody 30 continued until 1979, with 162 units built during its run. While later models like the Moody 31 saw distinct MkI and MkII variations, extensive search did not reveal similar significant design changes or "Marks" for the Moody 30 itself.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Moody 30, with its design focused on comfortable cruising rather than outright racing, exhibits characteristics indicative of a stable and forgiving vessel. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.68, she is not designed for blistering light-air performance but provides a steady ride. Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.364 suggests a moderate level of stiffness, enabling her to stand up to a reasonable breeze without excessive heeling. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of approximately 205.7 places her in the category of a moderately heavy cruiser, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway. Owners have described the Moody 30 as offering good performance and being a reliable and predictable boat to sail. Many appreciate her safe cockpit and a design that prioritizes comfortable cruising over pure speed. These attributes align with Moody's overarching design philosophy of building seaworthy yachts capable of handling challenging sea conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its 30-foot length, the Moody 30 is noted for offering excellent accommodation, capable of comfortably housing up to six individuals. While specific headroom details are not provided in the specifications, typical layouts for cruisers of this era often feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert into berths, and a quarter berth aft, providing flexible sleeping arrangements. The galley would typically be situated along one side of the salon, often equipped with a stove, sink, and icebox. A dedicated head compartment is standard, offering privacy. Moody yachts from this period are generally known for their quality construction and traditional joinery, utilizing warm wood finishes to create a classic and inviting interior atmosphere. Owners frequently highlight the practical and comfortable layout, which makes it a suitable vessel for family cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Moody 30 generally express high satisfaction with their vessels, often praising their solid construction and robust feel. The yacht is frequently described as a very good all-around cruiser, appreciated for its reliability and predictable handling. It is considered an economical choice for a small family cruiser, offering good value.

However, like many boats of its vintage, the Moody 30 can present certain recurring maintenance considerations. Some owners have noted issues with water ingress, particularly around the coachroof and deck fittings, requiring careful re-bedding. Additionally, corrosion at the base of steel components has been identified as a potential issue, similar to other Moody models of that era. Despite these common age-related concerns, the active community of Moody owners often provides support and advice for addressing such maintenance, underscoring the enduring appeal and community surrounding these classic cruisers.