The result is a couple’s boat built for long-term cruising and sold as the premier blue water cruiser in its size range. Sources differ on length: one review calls it a 41-footer, while the specification gives a 39-foot 4-inch LOA. It’s best understood as a 40-foot-class deck-saloon design rather than by a single fixed number.
Design and Construction
The hull form is deliberate rather than decorative. A broad, flat stem with hard corners supports the optional 100 metres of stainless steel anchor chain and a full water tank beneath the owner’s berth without trimming the bow down. The deep forefoot also allows the bow thruster to sit well forward for maximum effect.
Below the waterline, the Moody carries a moderately proportioned, L-shaped iron fin keel. Standard draught is 7 feet 5 inches, with a 6 foot 1 inch shoal option. A saildrive is positioned well forward of the single deep rudder.
The deck provides its own shelter. Sunken side decks, protected by high bulwarks, run all the way to the bow. Instead of traditional lifelines, a nearly one-inch round stainless-steel handrail surrounds the entire perimeter. Three hull windows sit beneath the bulwark, while the low-slung coachroof extends a window well aft to serve the cockpit awning. All glazing is toughened glass, including the deckhouse’s 360-degree panorama.
Rig, Sailing, and Motoring
The deck-stepped, double-spreader rig has a high-fractional configuration. A self-tacking jib on a Seldén Furlex 304 is standard. The mainsail comes with slab reefing, although boats were almost invariably delivered with push-button in-mast furling.
A pair of headsails can be carried: a code-zero-type reacher on the forward stay and the self-tacker on the after stay. The test boat also had an optional outer forestay carrying a genoa on an electric furler.
Two electric Lewmar 45 primary winches are standard. All lines run aft through tunnels to clutches and winches forward of the twin helm stations, while the mainsheet is fixed to the coachroof, close beneath the boom. Jefa steering gave a positive feel through the twin wheels, which have seats positioned right aft.
The 57 hp Yanmar, turning a fixed three-blade propeller, drove the boat at 6.3 knots at 1,500 rpm and 7 knots at 2,100 rpm. In Cruising World’s review, test sailors recorded 60 decibels at 2,000 rpm while making 6.8 knots, and 66 decibels at 2,400 rpm while making 8.3 knots. The engine sits beneath the cockpit sole, isolated from the deckhouse. Under sail, the boat reached 8 knots in about 13 knots of breeze.
Deck Saloon and Accommodations
The deck saloon is the social centre of the boat. Sliding patio doors—described elsewhere as a push-and-slide door—open onto a spacious cockpit. A retractable sun awning sits beneath a hard top forward of the wheels, and the lower forward section of the cockpit sole is level with the saloon.
Inside, the galley runs along the port side. A large hatch opening to the cockpit provides light and ventilation. Opposite, an L-shaped settee and dining table occupy the starboard side. At the press of a button, the table lowers to create an extra double berth or lounge.
A chart table sits forward to port. An optional third helm station there allows the boat to be steered from inside in bad weather.
All four available layouts are two-stateroom arrangements. Each centres on a forward master cabin with a semi-island berth and a spacious en-suite heads. An additional door allows the guest cabin—which can have either twin berths or a double—to share that heads. Most owners are expected to choose the optional second heads to port.
A utility “cellar” beneath the galley sole holds a washing machine and second fridge. Mahogany is standard and golden oak is optional, while oak, teak, and mahogany are all available as furniture finishes.
Cockpit and Deck Life
The sheltered cockpit and saloon share one level, with a 360-degree view from either space. On long passages in poor weather, the optional inside helm adds a practical steering position.
Forward, a sun pad with an adjustable headrest converts into a bench. A separate bow seating and lounging area creates a sort of forward cockpit.
At the stern, twin wheels are positioned well aft and outboard, paired with the single deep rudder. Crew can step between the wheels onto a drop-down teak swim platform. Fold-down boarding steps are built into the tubular guardrails, and a hatch in the transom opens into the interior.
Two diesel tanks occupy lockers beneath the cockpit seats. The liferaft is stowed beneath the helm seats, just above the static waterline.
Systems and Ownership
The engine is installed in a smooth, wipe-clean moulding beneath the cockpit sole. Additional access from the front, through the deck saloon, helps keep servicing straightforward.
The test boat was delivered with high-end Victron electrical equipment. Its Elvstrom FCL laminate sails were judged a worthwhile upgrade over the standard Dacron sails.
The deckhouse glazing and single-level living define the ownership proposition. The Moody 41 DS offers the feeling of living in the lap of luxury whatever the weather, while remaining a serious offshore cruiser.
The Verdict
The Moody 41 DS translates catamaran-like, single-level visibility and movement into a monohull that still docks and sails like a Dixon cruiser. Its panoramic deckhouse, isolated and quiet engine, and flexible two-cabin layouts make it a compelling bluewater boat for a couple. The deep forefoot and keel draught, however, trade some shoal-water access for that volume.
Pros
- Panoramic deckhouse with 360-degree views and optional inside steering for all-weather cruising
- Quiet motoring, with the engine isolated beneath the cockpit sole
- Four two-stateroom layouts built around a forward master cabin, with optional second heads
- One-level flow between cockpit and saloon
- Recessed side decks protected by high bulwarks
Cons
- Standard fixed three-blade propeller rather than a folding propeller for reduced drag
- Deep forefoot and standard 7 feet 5 inches of draught limit shoal-water access without the shoal option
- The iron fin keel’s coating needs attention if the epoxy barrier is breached
