Design and Construction
The hull presents an unusual profile for a modern cruiser. A bluff, nearly vertical stem meets a very flat sheer spring and a long overhang aft, closing at a traditional raked transom with a very broad transom carried well aft on a moderate length-to-beam ratio of 3.34 unusual profile for a modern cruiser. The low cabintrunk reinforces the classic look. Hull rocker kicks up just forward of a huge partially balanced spade rudder, and the keel is a composite iron/lead unit carrying 7,385 pounds of ballast for a 29 percent ballast-to-displacement ratio on a 25,353-pound displacement. Two draft options were offered: 7 feet 3 inches standard and 6 feet 1 inch shoal.
Rig and Handling
Above the deck, the Moody 45 Classic carries a tall fractional rig with a self-tacking jib whose track is molded into the housetop, wide enough for an 11.5-degree sheeting angle. The spreaders are swept 20 degrees, and the deck plan includes tracks for sheeting a genoa, suggesting easy reconfiguration for a larger headsail. Sail area is 1,022 square feet for a sail area-to-displacement ratio of 18.94, a healthy figure for a cruising boat. Lines appear to lead aft from the mast hidden under a housetop panel. The walk-through cockpit is large, with twin wheels aft and long seats forward, and a fixed windshield ahead of the helm. A low-profile teak toerail and a large foredeck well with flush hatch house the roller furling drum and windlass.
Accommodations
Watervision laid out three staterooms: twin double cabins aft and a forward double with both a vanity and a desk. The aft cabins are not especially roomy but are adequate with generous berths. Two spacious heads with separate shower stalls serve the plan. In the saloon, a large dinette to port balances two seats divided by a small table to starboard, the latter apparently intended to double as the chart table. The galley is practical with deep outboard lockers. Tankage is 85 gallons water and 58 gallons fuel.
Equipment and Power
A 55-horsepower Yanmar auxiliary moves the boat and supports systems. The fixed windshield and walk-through layout speak to sheltered, social helm stations rather than stripped racing functionality.
The Verdict
The Moody 45 Classic is a thoughtfully resolved cruiser that keeps a classic silhouette while delivering modern sail-handling and livability. The Dixon hull with its broad aft beam and balanced spade rudder, paired with a self-tacking fractional rig and a genuine three-cabin interior, makes her a compelling bluewater-capable family boat with a distinct look.
Pros
- Unusual traditional profile with broad transom and long overhang
- Three staterooms plus two heads with separate showers
- Self-tacking jib track molded into housetop at 11.5 degrees
- Composite iron/lead keel with 29 percent ballast ratio
- Tall fractional rig with genoa tracks for flexibility
Cons
- Aft cabins adequate rather than spacious
- Saloon chart table is a small secondary table, not dedicated
