Moody 52 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Moody 52 in 1976 marked a significant offering from A.H. Moody & Sons, a builder with a rich heritage dating back to 1827. While Moody had already embraced Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) for its production yachts, the 52 continued their ethos of building durable, capable cruising vessels. The design was entrusted to the esteemed firm of Laurent Giles & Partners, with Jack Laurent Giles credited as the naval architect. Laurent Giles designs are often characterized by their elegant lines, emphasis on stability, and proven offshore capabilities, aligning perfectly with Moody's philosophy of constructing yachts for safety and comfort in demanding sea conditions. The Moody 52 was specifically designed as a classic deck saloon cruising yacht, emphasizing comfortable interiors and blue water capabilities. Given its limited production run of just seven units, the Moody 52 did not undergo significant model variations or "Marks" during its build period, with some interior layouts potentially differing between individual builds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Moody 52, with its long keel and masthead ketch rig, is inherently designed for stability, comfort, and reliable passage-making rather than outright speed. Her sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 13.33 indicates she is a heavy cruiser, suggesting that while she may not be a contender in light winds, she will be powerful and comfortable when the breeze picks up. The ketch rig offers versatility, allowing for easier handling and a balanced sail plan, particularly beneficial for long distances and diverse wind conditions.

Further underscoring her stability and offshore prowess is her ballast to displacement ratio, which stands at an impressive 0.40. This high ratio signifies a stiff and stable yacht, capable of standing up to significant wind without excessive heeling, a crucial attribute for comfortable extended cruising. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 325.2 categorizes the Moody 52 firmly as a heavy displacement vessel. This translates to a comfortable motion in a seaway, with the boat's mass helping to smooth out the ride. While a long keel provides excellent directional stability, contributing to a straight course, it also means a larger turning circle compared to boats with fin keels, requiring more space for maneuvering in tight quarters.

Accommodations and Layout

Although specific comprehensive interior diagrams for the Moody 52 are not widely available due to its limited production, information suggests a spacious and well-appointed interior consistent with its role as a bluewater cruiser. The design typically features a large master suite with an en-suite "wet head" (shower and toilet in one compartment), and a second "wet head," indicating ample privacy and facilities for extended trips. The galley is described as "well set out" with good refrigeration, essential for provisioning on long voyages. As a deck saloon yacht, the Moody 52 likely offered generous headroom, contributing to a more open and livable interior. Given Moody's reputation for traditional joinery and robust construction, the interior finishes would have emphasized quality wood trim and durable materials, reflecting the builder's commitment to comfort and longevity. Ample storage would have been a priority for a vessel designed for long-distance cruising, complementing the substantial water and fuel capacities of 360 gallons each.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Moody yachts, in general, consistently praise their solid construction and robust build quality, often describing them as "tanks" due to their durable fiberglass hulls. The Moody 52, with only seven units ever built, is an exceptionally rare vessel, making widespread owner reviews or discussions of common problems specific to this model difficult to find. However, the overall Moody philosophy emphasizes seaworthiness, comfort, and reliability, attributes that owners typically value highly for offshore sailing. The inherent stability provided by the long keel and substantial displacement is often a key strength cited by owners of similar Moody models, providing a reassuring motion in rough seas. Potential weaknesses or common issues would likely align with those of any yacht of this vintage, such as the need to inspect original systems and fittings. Due to the limited production, the tight-knit community of Moody owners might be the best resource for specific insights into this particular model.