Design and Construction
Dixon drew the 336 as a masthead-sloop monohull with a solid fibreglass hull from the British yard Marine Projects Ltd. The ballast of 3,990 lb in a 12,584 lb displacement gives a 32% ballast ratio, and the 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 a Motion Comfort Ratio of 24.6 both read as conservative, seakindly numbers for a boat of this length, while the theoretical hull speed of 7.2 knots and a calculated max of about 6.0 knots frame her as a steady coastal-and-offshore passagemaker rather than a sprint boat.
Rig and Sail Plan
The masthead rig carries a mainsail of 220 sq ft and a working jib of 258 sq ft, with a No. 1 genoa stretching to 425 sq ft and a roller genoa at 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, which keeps her usefully powered in modest air without demanding a racing crew. Halyard and sheet spec from the rig plan shows 10 mm halyards at 28.7 m and 12 mm sheets around 10 m for jib and genoa, a detail that matters when renewing running rigging to original trim.
Accommodations
Below, the forecabin holds two singles that convert to a double, with locker space along the hull sides, a hanging locker to port, and a vanity opposite to starboard. The saloon pairs a U-shaped settee to port with a single settee to starboard, and the centrally mounted table folds out to the full saloon width for meals or chart work. Aft of the saloon to starboard sits the navigation area with chart table, and behind it the toilet compartment with pressurised hot and cold water, basin, and shower. To port, the galley aft of the saloon has twin sinks, a gas cooker, pressurised hot and cold water, and a top-opening ice box. The after end of the boat is given to a large aft cabin reached through a door aft of the galley, fitted with an L-shaped settee, vanity desk, and a large double berth — a layout that gives two couples genuine privacy.
Engine and Systems
Two diesel options were offered from new: a Volvo 2003 of 28 hp or a Perkins Perama M30 of 29 hp, both shaft-driven and suited to the 31 US gal fuel capacity. Water is carried at 53 US gal, enough for extended weekends without constant filling. The immersion rate of about 1,157 lb per inch speaks to a hull that settles predictably under load rather than one that trims erratically.
The Verdict
The Moody 336 is a thoughtfully compartmented cruiser whose three-cabin plan and Dixon proportions make her a practical choice for two-couple cruising, backed by conservative stability numbers and a sensible rig. She is no lightweight performer, but her comfort ratios and tankage suit her to exactly the role she was drawn for.
Pros
- Genuine three-cabin privacy with large aft double and convertible forecabin
- Conservative seakindly ratios (capsize 1.99, comfort 24.6)
- Shaft-drive diesel options of 28–29 hp with 53 gal water capacity
- Bilge-keel option at 3'11" draft for shallow harbours
Cons
- Displacement-length ratio of 239 limits light-air acceleration
- Calculated max speed about 6.0 knots trails theoretical hull speed
- Heavy-cruiser ballast ratio favours load carrying over nimble handling
