Moody 33 Mk I Buyer's Guide
Shopping the brokerage market for a Moody 33 Mk I means looking at the opening generation of a centre-cockpit cruiser that Marine Projects built from 1973 until the Mk I gave way to the Mk II in 1976. Angus Primrose's design was the first Moody aimed at mass production, and 242 were completed as Mk I boats. The Mk I is identifiable by specifics below that separate it from later sisters.
Layouts on the Used Market
Owner three-cabin layouts are the more common on the used market, but both are available; ex-charter examples are common. Yachtsnet records that the Mk I carries a central hatch to the aft cabin and a heads compartment that runs the full width of the boat, with basin and WC on opposite sides, while the galley sits opposite the dinette. The later Mk II moved that hatch offset to port, shifted the galley aft, and narrowed the heads with basin and WC both to starboard — so a central hatch and full-width heads confirm a true Mk I. Aft cabins in either generation hold two single berths and substantial storage, reached via the cockpit.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Commonly fitted gear on these boats includes autopilot, chartplotter, solar, bimini, and teak decks. For buyer consequence, the solar and autopilot clusters speak to independent power and easier short-handed steering, while the bimini and teak decks bear on cockpit comfort and ongoing deck maintenance. Often-seen additions such as a spinnaker or asymmetric spinnaker, dinghy davits, and a swim platform extend sailing range and stern utility; a short-handed setup and radar appear on many as well. Less common owner upgrades include heating, inverter, wind generator, and AIS — worth noting if a specific hull lacks them and you need winter or offshore capability.
What to Inspect
The Mk I's aft-cabin access is through a central hatch in the cockpit sole — confirm it opens cleanly and the surround is not cracked or soft, since a failed hatch lets water straight into the aft berths. The full-width heads with basin and WC on opposite sides is a Mk I signature; check the sole and liner for staining that would reveal past leaks. At a viewing, lift the forward cockpit sole panel to confirm the diesel is mounted below the cockpit and the panel frame is not rot-damaged, since major work also needs the binnacle-bearing aft section removed. Most boats still run the original 35 bhp four-cylinder Thorneycroft, a reliable plant, but confirm the specific unit rather than assuming.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
These yachts turn up across the United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, Greece, Croatia, and Thailand. Before committing, run through a short checklist:
- Confirm central aft hatch and full-width heads to verify Mk I status.
- Lift the cockpit sole panels; check for softness around engine access.
- Verify the engine is the original Thorneycroft or equivalent diesel.
- Inspect teak decks for recurring caulking failure if fitted.
- Test autopilot and solar charging if relied upon for short-handed use.
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Moody 33 Mk I. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 12 rows
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 25 | 1 | $22,276 | — |
| Aug 25 | 2 | $15,000 | -32.7% |
| Sep 25 | 3 | $24,179 | +61.2% |
| Oct 25 | 1 | $18,482 | -23.6% |
| Jan 26 | 1 | $34,446 | +86.4% |
| Mar 26 | 1 | $18,548 | -46.2% |
| May 26 | 1 | $13,779 | -25.7% |
| Jun 26 | 2 | $22,495 | +63.3% |
| Jul 26 | 2 | $20,709 | -7.9% |
| Aug 26 | 1 | $17,223 | -16.8% |
| Sep 26 | 3 | $19,873 | +15.4% |
| Oct 26 | 1 | $23,841 | +20.0% |
Where they're listed
Moody 33 Mk I listings appear across 5 countries. United Kingdom has the most listings with 7 (58.3%), followed by Greece and Ireland.
Country view
12 listings · 5 countries| Country | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $18,548 | 7 | 4 | 58.3% |
| Greece | $20,150 | 2 | 1 | 16.7% |
| Ireland | $21,269 | 1 | 0 | 8.3% |
| New Zealand | $44,902 | 1 | 1 | 8.3% |
| Thailand | $34,446 | 1 | 0 | 8.3% |
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
11 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westerly 33 | 33.27' | $ 26,626 | 46 | 8 |
| Moody 31 Mk II | 30.75' | $ 32,260 | 38 | 9 |
| Moody 31 Mk I | 30.75' | $ 32,423 | 28 | 8 |
| Moody 30 | 30' | $ 18,214 | 28 | 6 |
| Moody 27 | 27.67' | $ 14,574 | 27 | 9 |
| Moody 37 | 37' | $ 59,619 | 17 | 4 |
| Moody 34 | 33.42' | $ 42,329 | 15 | 2 |
| Moody 33 Mk IYou are here | — | $ 20,150 | 12 | 6 |
| Moody 333 | 33' | $ 29,809 | 11 | 4 |
| Moody 39 | 38.58' | $ 52,928 | 10 | 1 |
| Moody 33 S | 33' | $ 23,841 | 9 | 3 |