Moody 64 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Moody 64 emerged from a tradition spanning nearly two centuries, as Moody Yachts evolved from a repair yard to a builder revered for its sturdy, comfortable cruising yachts. During the early 2000s, Moody continued its ethos of prioritizing durability, robust construction, and seaworthiness in its designs. Designed by Bill Dixon of Dixon Yacht Design, the Moody 64 was specifically envisioned as a "crossover boat," meant to be powerful and capable of rapid passage times, yet designed for easy management by a crew of two through the intelligent use of power-furling gear and winches. This design philosophy underscored Moody's commitment to delivering high-quality sailing yachts that blended performance with ease of use. The vessel was equipped with a fin keel, known for providing splendid maneuverability, and a cutter rig, which is often favored for offshore sailing. A shallow draft version was also available, offering a draft of 6.5 feet compared to the standard 8.5 feet, with a slightly increased displacement of 69,080 pounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Moody 64 is engineered to deliver a blend of robust performance and stable handling characteristic of a serious bluewater cruiser. With a total calculated sail area of approximately 1,792 square feet and a displacement of 63,360 pounds, the Moody 64 boasts a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of around 17.88. This figure suggests a moderately powered vessel that performs capably across a range of wind conditions, balancing sail-carrying ability with comfortable motion rather than prioritizing extreme light-air speed.

Its Ballast to Displacement ratio, at approximately 0.347 (22,000 lbs ballast to 63,360 lbs displacement), indicates substantial initial stability. This solid ballast ratio contributes to a stiff boat capable of standing up to significant wind, ensuring a secure and comfortable ride even in challenging sea states. The Displacement to Length ratio, calculated at roughly 397.49 based on its 54.25-foot waterline, firmly places the Moody 64 in the heavy displacement category. This characteristic points to a yacht built for strength, comfort offshore, and significant load-carrying capacity, providing a powerful and momentum-holding motion through waves rather than nimble, light-displacement performance. Anecdotal accounts confirm it is a "remarkably powerful boat, fully capable of fast passage times" and "sails well." The fin keel design enhances maneuverability, a desirable trait for a yacht of this size.

Accommodations and Layout

The Moody 64 is celebrated for its exceptional and voluminous accommodations, designed to offer luxurious liveability for extended cruising. The interior layout typically features multiple cabins, with configurations often including a superb aft owner's stateroom, a spacious VIP double stateroom, and a comfortable twin cabin, in addition to a forward focsle suitable for crew or additional guest use. Some layouts can accommodate up to nine berths across five cabins.

The design emphasizes "one-level living," with the aft cockpit seamlessly merging with an expansive saloon to create a cohesive and open living space. Given its significant length overall of just over 63 feet, the Moody 64 provides ample headroom throughout the interior. The design includes substantial fresh water capacity, totaling 363 US gallons (1374 liters), supporting long periods away from shore. The finish quality often reflects Moody's commitment to traditional joinery and robust materials, offering a luxurious yet practical environment for bluewater voyaging.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently praise the Moody 64 for its solid construction and seaworthiness, which aligns with Moody's long-standing reputation for building reliable bluewater cruisers. Many appreciate its ability to perform well on long passages while providing a high degree of comfort and stability. The design, particularly its powerful sail plan and easily managed systems, is often highlighted as a significant strength, allowing a couple to handle a yacht of this size efficiently.

However, as with any complex vessel, certain aspects may be noted. One specific concern identified in reviews is the positioning of autopilot controls and other instruments on the binnacle, which could require reaching through the wheel spokes, potentially posing a minor inconvenience during operation. Overall, the consensus among those familiar with the Moody 64 points to a yacht that admirably fulfills its promise as a capable, comfortable, and well-built offshore cruiser.