The search results provide good information for most sections.
Summary of findings:
- Introduction:
- Model: Moody Excel 34.
- Builder: Prout & Sons (a deviation from the main Moody builder, Marine Projects).
- Designer: Bill Dixon.
- Production: 1999-2001.
- Reputation: Known for quality construction (typical Moody ethos), comfortable and forgiving sailing. Described as a "modern Bill Dixon designed classic".
- History and Design:
- Produced for a short run, 1999-2001.
- Built by Prout & Sons, not the usual Marine Projects for Moody. This makes it a "relatively rare model" and "an odd ball".
- Designer Bill Dixon is mentioned in the builder article as prolific for Moody in the later fiberglass era, known for volume, comfort, and sailing performance. Moody's general ethos: safety, comfort, robust construction, seaworthiness.
- No specific "philosophy" found for this specific model, but Bill Dixon's general approach for Moody aligns (volume, comfort, performance).
- No significant variations (MkI, MkII) found for the Excel 34 itself; other Moody 3x models have variations.
- Sailing Performance and Handling:
- Ratios calculated: SA/D ≈ 13.38, Ballast/Disp ≈ 33.78%, D/L ≈ 242.26.
- Owners describe it as sailing "beautifully" and being "extremely comfortable and forgiving".
- Fin keel, skeg-hung rudder.
- Accommodations and Layout:
- "Slightly more spacy hull design".
- Often a three-cabin layout comprising a twin berth cabin forward.
- "no contemporary convenience has been spared".
- No specific headroom mentioned in or search.
- One owner mentioned checking rudder lip seals can leak into lockers under the rear double bunk. This implies a rear double bunk/cabin.
- Interior details will need to be synthesized from general "review" results. It's safe to assume a typical cruising yacht layout for a 34-foot boat of its era.
- Owner's Perspectives:
- Owners praise it as sailing beautifully, extremely comfortable and forgiving.
- A common issue mentioned: rudder lip seals can leak into lockers under the rear double bunk.
- Relatively rare model, only about 20 built by Prout & Sons.
- "Dont think the build quality was as good" from Prout compared to Marine Projects. This is a critical point for owner perspective.
Now I can proceed with generating the article.
Ratio Interpretation:
- SA/Disp (13.38): A lower value, suggesting it's not a light-wind flyer but rather a more conservative, easily driven hull in moderate conditions. It won't be overly tender and will handle a breeze well.
- Ballast/Disp (33.78%): A respectable percentage, indicating good initial stability and stiffness for a cruising boat of its size, though not exceptionally stiff (which might be expected of a more performance-oriented design). It suggests a comfortable motion in a seaway.
- Disp/L (242.26): This falls into the moderate cruiser category (between 200-300), indicating a solid, capable cruising boat that blends some performance with comfort and load-carrying ability. It's not a lightweight racer, nor an exceptionally heavy traditional boat.
Let's refine the language and structure.