Moody 31 Mk II Sailboats for Sale

Layouts on the Used Market

The Moody 31 Mk II carries a six-berth layout in a three-cabin arrangement that is more ambitious than the boat's waterline length might suggest. Forward, a dedicated forecabin holds two single berths — a private space that gives the boat genuine family-cruising credentials. The saloon provides two bench settee berths flanking the centreline, with the forward-facing chart table to port and the galley to starboard. Aft of the galley, a separate aft cabin accommodates two singles arranged in a V-formation with a double conversion, making it equally suited to a couple or two crew members.

On the used market, examples turn up predominantly in this standard six-berth configuration; there is little variation in the accommodation plan from hull to hull, which simplifies comparison shopping considerably. The bilge-keel variant shares the same interior but offers the shallower draft that appeals to tidal estuary sailors and those without access to deep-water berths — bilge-keel examples are broadly available alongside the fin-keel majority and are worth considering seriously if shallow anchorages or drying moorings are part of your cruising picture.

Equipment and Common Upgrades

A chartplotter is commonly fitted on used examples, as is an autopilot — both largely standard additions by previous owners who used the boat for extended coastal and offshore passages. Heating systems appear frequently, reflecting the boat's strong UK and northern European following where a diesel cabin heater makes the shoulder seasons genuinely liveable. Spinnaker equipment is often present, either a symmetric spinnaker or an asymmetric setup, pointing to an active racing or performance-cruising background in a good proportion of the fleet.

Solar panels appear on a meaningful share of listings, typically a modest panel or two added by owners who wanted to reduce reliance on the engine for battery charging during extended stays at anchor. Radar is a periodic owner addition, more common on boats that have seen offshore passages than on coastal day-sailors. A bimini or spray dodger combination is a frequent owner upgrade that significantly improves the cockpit's habitability on passages, and these are worth treating as a bonus rather than an expectation. Gennakers and electric winches appear occasionally, usually on boats that have been campaigned more actively or upgraded by performance-minded owners. A life raft and swim platform each turn up on some examples, the latter being a logical companion to the sugar-scoop transom that defines the Mk II hull.

What to Inspect

The GRP hull is generally sound but merits the same osmotic blister investigation any fibreglass boat of this vintage requires. Have a surveyor probe the topsides and underbody for osmosis before committing — the extent and depth of any blistering will determine whether you face a cosmetic job or a more involved epoxy barrier treatment.

The Volvo Penta 2003 diesel is a well-proven unit with a long track record in British cruising, but engines from this production era are now well into their working lives. Check service history carefully, look for evidence of regular impeller and heat-exchanger maintenance, and commission an engine trial under load. Gear shift and throttle cables on older examples can become stiff or sticky and are worth budgeting to replace.

The masthead rig is straightforward and parts are not exotic, but the standing rigging should be assessed on any boat that has not had a recent replacement — chainplates in particular deserve attention, as they pass through the deck and any long-standing weeping at those penetrations can indicate hidden corrosion or core moisture ingress. Inspect the mast step and partners for signs of movement or water tracking.

Below decks, check the keel bolts and the area immediately surrounding the keel sump for any sign of weeping, staining, or flexible sealant that has been worked repeatedly. The fin keel provides good manoeuvrability but the keel-to-hull joint should be dry and tight. The bilge-keel variant requires the same check at both attachment points. Teak cockpit and interior trim common to British production boats of the period may show its age; it is largely cosmetic but can signal how well the boat has been maintained overall.

The forward-facing chart table — one of the Mk II's defining improvements — is worth checking for any water ingress from the nearby companionway or deck fittings; this area can accumulate moisture in older examples that have not had their deck hardware resealed.

Availability and Buyer's Takeaway

The Moody 31 Mk II is most widely available in the United Kingdom, where the boat was built and where it has always been most at home. The Netherlands and Ireland account for a steady secondary supply, and examples appear in the Greek charter and private market with reasonable regularity — unsurprising for a robust, easily handled cruiser suited to Mediterranean island hopping. North American examples are rarer but not unheard of.

The pool is large enough that a patient buyer can afford to wait for a well-maintained, well-equipped example rather than settling for the first available hull. Given the standardised layout and mechanical package, comparison shopping is straightforward: focus your attention on maintenance history, rig condition, and engine hours rather than hunting for unusual specification differences between hulls.

Pre-purchase checklist:

• Commission a full out-of-water survey with specific attention to osmotic blister depth and extent
• Engine trial under load; verify impeller, heat exchanger, and raw-water cooling history
• Inspect standing rigging age and chainplate condition at deck penetrations
• Check keel bolts and keel-to-hull joint for weeping or movement
• Assess deck hardware seals, especially around the companionway and chart table area
• Confirm bilge-keel or fin-keel variant suits your intended marina and anchorage access
• Verify autopilot, chartplotter, and any heating system are functional
• Check life raft service date if one is included in the sale