Design and Construction
Dixon drew the 336 as a masthead-sloop monohull with a solid fibreglass hull, built by the British yard Marine Projects Ltd. She measures 33'6" overall, with an 11'7" beam. Draft is 5'6" with the fin keel or 3'11" with bilge keels.
A displacement of 12,584 lb and 3,990 lb of ballast produce a ballast ratio of 32%. Her displacement-length ratio of 239 places her firmly in the heavy-cruiser band rather than the light-displacement camp.
The capsize screening value of 1.99 and Motion Comfort Ratio of 24.6 are both conservative, seakindly numbers for a boat of this length. A theoretical hull speed of 7.2 knots and a calculated maximum of about 6.0 knots frame the 336 as a steady coastal and offshore passagemaker rather than a sprint boat.
Rig and Sail Plan
The masthead rig carries a 220 sq ft mainsail and a 258 sq ft working jib. The No. 1 genoa measures 425 sq ft, while the roller genoa is 378 sq ft.
With the ISO reference sail, the sail-area-to-displacement ratio is 14.9, rising to 17.9 with a 135% genoa. That keeps her usefully powered in modest air without demanding a racing crew.
The rig plan specifies 10 mm halyards at 28.7 m and 12 mm sheets of around 10 m for the jib and genoa—useful details when renewing the running rigging to its original specification.
Accommodations
The layout provides three distinct cabins. Forward, the forecabin has two single berths that convert into a double. Locker space runs along the hull sides, with a hanging locker to port and a vanity opposite to starboard.
In the saloon, a U-shaped settee to port faces a single settee to starboard. The centrally mounted table folds out to span the full width of the saloon for meals or chart work.
Aft of the saloon to starboard is the navigation area, with its chart table. Behind it, the toilet compartment includes a basin, shower, and pressurised hot and cold water. Opposite, the galley sits to port, aft of the saloon. It has twin sinks, a gas cooker, pressurised hot and cold water, and a top-opening ice box.
The after end of the boat is devoted to a large aft cabin, entered through a door behind the galley. It contains an L-shaped settee, a vanity desk, and a large double berth. Together with the separate forecabin, this arrangement gives two couples genuine privacy.
Engine and Systems
Two shaft-driven diesel engines were offered from new: a 28 hp Volvo 2003 and a 29 hp Perkins Perama M30. Fuel capacity is 31 US gal.
The 336 carries 53 US gal of water, enough for extended weekends without constant refilling. An immersion rate of about 1,157 lb per inch points to a hull that settles predictably under load rather than trimming erratically.
The Verdict
The Moody 336 is a thoughtfully compartmented cruiser. Her three-cabin layout and Dixon proportions make her a practical choice for two-couple cruising, while the conservative stability figures and sensible rig suit the role for which she was designed.
She isn’t a lightweight performer, but her comfort ratios and tankage support her intended use as a steady coastal and offshore cruising boat.
Pros
- Genuine three-cabin privacy, with a large aft double and convertible forecabin
- Conservative, seakindly ratios: capsize screening value of 1.99 and Motion Comfort Ratio of 24.6
- Shaft-driven diesel options of 28–29 hp, plus 53 US gal of water capacity
- Bilge-keel option with 3'11" draft for shallow harbours
Cons
- Displacement-length ratio of 239 limits light-air acceleration
- Calculated maximum speed of about 6.0 knots trails the theoretical hull speed
- Heavy-cruiser ballast ratio favours load carrying over nimble handling
