Moody 36 S Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Moody 36 S can be traced to 1981, with its production run concluding in 1983. During this period, Moody Yachts, with a heritage dating back to 1827, had firmly established itself as a leading builder of robust and comfortable cruising yachts. The company, which transitioned from traditional timber to GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) construction, was known for prioritizing durability and craftsmanship.

The Moody 36 S was specifically developed as an aft-cockpit variation of the broader Moody 36 line. Bill Dixon, who would become a key designer for Moody during the fiberglass era, shaped the lines of the 36 S, contributing to Moody's reputation for yachts that offered a blend of volume, comfort, and sailing performance., 5] While specific design philosophies for the 36 S are not widely detailed, Dixon's broader approach often focused on creating well-engineered vessels that could handle challenging conditions, aligning perfectly with Moody's core identity of building reliable bluewater cruisers., 6] Records indicate that a choice of deep or shallow fin keel was available for the Moody 36 models, suggesting potential variations in draft for the 36 S as well.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a total sail area of approximately 662 square feet and a displacement of 14,700 pounds, the Moody 36 S boasts a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of around 17.70. [3, This figure suggests a moderately powered vessel, indicating that she is unlikely to be a light-air speedster but will perform capably and accelerate well in a moderate to strong breeze. Her ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.36 (36%) further underscores her stability and stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a good deal of wind without excessive heeling. [3,

Measuring 36.0 feet Length Overall (LOA) with a 30.0-foot waterline (LWL), and a displacement of 14,700 pounds, the Moody 36 S has a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of roughly 243. This categorizes her as a moderately heavy cruiser, suggesting a comfortable and predictable motion in a seaway, rather than the quick, jerky movements of lighter designs. Owners have anecdotally praised the Moody 36's ability to handle unpleasant weather very well, highlighting her seaworthiness and reassuring behavior in challenging conditions. Her fin keel and skeg-hung rudder contribute to good directional stability and control under sail.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures for the Moody 36 S are not readily available in detailed specifications, Moody yachts of this era are generally recognized for providing ample interior volume and comfortable living spaces. The 36 S, being an aft-cockpit version, notably features two double quarter cabins, a significant advantage for a boat of its size, maximizing sleeping capacity.

The interior layout typically includes a comfortable saloon, often featuring well-crafted wood trim that contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere. A functional galley, usually located along one side of the saloon or at the base of the companionway, provides practical amenities for cruising. A forward V-berth cabin typically serves as the primary sleeping area, complementing the aft quarter berths. The head compartment, commonly located to port or starboard, would include a marine toilet and a basin. Ample storage is a hallmark of Moody designs, with various lockers and cupboards throughout the cabins and saloon, catering to the needs of cruising sailors. Ventilation is generally managed through deck hatches and portlights.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Moody 36 S and similar Moody models from the era often commend their solid construction and robust build quality, which instills confidence in offshore passages. The design is frequently lauded for its comfortable motion in a seaway and its overall seaworthiness, making it a favored choice for extended cruising by couples or small families. While no pervasive, fleet-wide common problems are widely reported for the Moody 36 S, like any vessel of its age, individual boats may exhibit issues typical of their vintage, such as original deck fittings requiring re-bedding. The strong community of Moody owners, often connected through associations, provides a valuable resource for advice and support regarding maintenance and ownership experiences.