Dixon, Moody’s principal designer since 1981, drew a raised-bulwark cruiser intended to cover ground efficiently rather than win inshore regattas. The fin-keel version displaces 32,890 pounds and carries 10,340 pounds of lead ballast, giving a 31 percent ballast ratio. The hull is 46 feet 6 inches long, with a beam of 14 feet 5 inches.
Design and Construction
The Moody 47 has a solid fiberglass hull, teak decks, and a teak cap rail on its raised bulwarks. This combination gives the side decks their distinctive profile and provides practical toe protection.
The builder credited the extended waterline with helping the latest-generation hull cut efficiently through the water. The published figures support its passage-making intent. A displacement-length ratio of 252 places the boat among moderate racers, while its motion comfort ratio is 35.1. Its capsize screening value of 1.80 suggests a hull form considered acceptable for ocean racing by that formula alone.
The theoretical maximum speed for this displacement hull is 8.3 knots, and its immersion rate is about 1,949 pounds per inch. These figures describe a settled, load-carrying cruiser rather than a lightweight sprinter.
Rig and Handling
The masthead sloop rig came standard with in-mast furling. The layout places every control within a long cockpit, allowing two people to sail the boat easily.
The standard sail plan centers on a 441-square-foot furling mainsail, with an optional 699-square-foot genoa. A cutter rig with a self-tacking staysail was also available for greater flexibility; its yankee and staysail measured 565 and 210 square feet, respectively.
Period analysis found that the Moody 47 carries more rig than only 42 percent of similar sailboats, making it slightly underrigged for its size. A 135-percent genoa, however, raises the sail-area-to-displacement ratio from 14.7 to 17.4.
Cockpit spray protection came from either a stainless-steel-framed windscreen or an optional GRP doghouse with stainless-edged windows and a full cockpit tent.
Accommodation and Cruising Capacity
Below, the Moody 47 sleeps seven in an owner-oriented layout. Teak detailing carries the exterior finish into the interior, while the 14-foot-5-inch beam provides stateroom and saloon space suited to a cruising family or a couple sailing with guests.
Tankage supports extended cruising without constant resupply: freshwater capacity is 204 gallons, and fuel capacity is 114 gallons. The long cockpit leading to the accommodation spaces also reflects Dixon’s emphasis on protected, usable deck living.
Verdict
The Moody 47 is a purposeful Dixon cruiser built in small numbers during a narrow 2001–2004 production run. It suits buyers who value passage-making stability and a protected cockpit more than generous standard sail area. Its teak decks and raised-bulwark styling remain distinctive.
Slight underrigging is the main performance caveat, though the optional cutter rig and larger genoa address it.
Pros
- Extended-waterline hull delivers efficient passage times and comfortable motion
- Easily sailed by two from a long cockpit with all controls within reach
- Teak decks and raised bulwarks add protection and character
- Capsize screening value acceptable for ocean racing by that formula alone, plus a strong ballast ratio
Cons
- Slightly underrigged as standard compared with similar sailboats
- Only 46 built, limiting choice on the used market
- Shoal-keel and fin-keel drafts limit marina access for the deeper version
