Moody 37 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Moody 37 begins in the mid-1980s, emerging from a shipyard with a nearly two-century history of marine craftsmanship. Moody Yachts, originally established in 1827 as a repair yard, had transitioned significantly into yacht production by the mid-20th century, embracing GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) construction for efficiency and broader market appeal. The Moody 37, with its production run from 1985 to 1987, reflects this era of the company's evolution, where sturdy GRP hulls became standard. The vessel was designed by Robert Clark, a naval architect known for his elegant sloops and contributions to Moody's earlier designs. While specific philosophical details for the Moody 37 are not extensively documented, Clark's general design principles often emphasized classic lines, seaworthiness, and good performance. Moody's own manufacturing ethos at the time focused on solid construction and comfort, ensuring their yachts were well-engineered and capable of handling challenging sea conditions. The Moody 37 was primarily offered as a fin keel version, but a bilge keel option was also available, providing versatility for shallower cruising grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Moody 37 is designed as a comfortable, fast, and stable cruising yacht. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 16.09, she presents as a moderately powered cruiser, suggesting a balanced performance profile. This ratio indicates that while she might not be a dedicated light-air racer, she possesses enough sail area to move well in various conditions without being overly burdened. Her ballast to displacement ratio of 0.40 is quite substantial, contributing significantly to her stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a good breeze and offer a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio of around 237.7 further categorizes her as a medium-displacement vessel, striking a compromise between the lighter, more agile performance cruisers and heavier, more traditional designs. This combination translates into a yacht that is reported by owners to be strong, well-ballasted, and forgiving to sail, offering a decent turn of speed and good balance. The center cockpit design, typical for many Moody models of this era, allows for all sail controls to be easily at hand, contributing to her ease of handling. Owners have often praised her stability and comfort in moderate to heavy weather.

Accommodations and Layout

The Moody 37 is renowned for offering spacious and comfortable accommodations, a hallmark of Moody's cruising yacht philosophy. The interior is typically finished with teak, contributing to a classic and warm aesthetic. A notable feature of the Moody 37's layout is its secure center cockpit, which leads to a well-arranged interior. The design includes a large owner's cabin aft, often described as "palatial," complete with a separate heads compartment. This aft cabin provides privacy and ample space for extended cruising or liveaboard situations. The main saloon usually features a generous U-shaped galley with extensive work surfaces, catering well to meal preparation while at sea. The forecabin typically offers two single berths that can be converted into a double. Owners also appreciate the decent cockpit locker space and the presence of a "passage cabin/workshop" which adds to the boat's liveability and practical utility. Ventilation is also noted as being reasonable, especially in the aft cabin.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners generally hold the Moody 37 in high regard, often praising its robust construction, comfortable motion, and forgiving sailing characteristics. The yacht is frequently described as a strong and stable vessel, well-suited for extended cruising and even liveaboard situations. Many appreciate the spacious aft cabin and the practical, uncluttered deck design, which keeps sail controls within easy reach. The center cockpit is often highlighted as a key benefit, providing a secure and comfortable space for helming and socializing.

However, like any vessel of its age, the Moody 37 may have some common considerations. Some owners note that issues related to the condition of the boat can arise due to its age. While the hull is described as solid hand-laid glass reinforced plastic, osmosis has been mentioned as a common problem in a significant percentage of Moodys from this era, a general issue for many GRP boats of the period rather than a specific fault of the 37 model. Despite these potential age-related maintenance items, the general consensus among owners points to the Moody 37 as a reliable and well-built cruising yacht that provides comfort and safety for its crew.