Moody 27

Moody 27 Boat: Comprehensive Guide and Review

The Moody 27 is a classic sailboat that has captivated sailors for decades. Designed by Bill Dixon and built by Moody Yachts, this 27' 7" vessel offers the charm and timeless appeal of a monohull sailboat. Produced between 1981 and 1985, the Moody 27 combines traditional design elements with modern sailing capabilities, making it a popular choice among cruising enthusiasts.

With its fin keel, the Moody 27 provides excellent maneuverability, while its draft allows for access to shallow marinas, ensuring flexibility and adventure for its owners. The boat was originally equipped with either Bukh or Volvo engines, providing reliable power for both cruising and racing. The thoughtful design and robust build make it suitable for various sailing conditions.

Many owners appreciate the Moody 27 for its comfortable living space and practical features. The interior includes well-designed cabins and essential onboard equipment, making extended trips enjoyable and convenient. This sailboat not only offers a pleasant sailing experience but also requires manageable maintenance, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned sailors and newcomers alike.

Key Takeaways

• The Moody 27 is a timeless classic designed by Bill Dixon.
• It features a fin keel for maneuverability and a draft suited for shallow waters.
• This boat combines reliable performance with comfortable living spaces.

Historical Overview

The Moody 27 sailboat emerges from a rich lineage and a careful design process, shaped profoundly by key individuals and boatbuilding companies between 1981 and 1985.

Origins and Designers

The Moody 27 was designed by Bill Dixon, a renowned naval architect. Dixon's work is known for balancing performance with practicality, a hallmark clearly seen in the Moody 27. The boat was designed as a masthead sloop, capitalizing on simplicity and efficiency.

Moody Yachts, also referred to as A. H. Moody & Sons, supported Dixon's design vision. Prior to this project, Moody Yachts had a solid reputation for crafting quality timber boats. The company's shift to fiberglass construction allowed for more innovative designs and broader market reach.

Production and Evolution

Production of the Moody 27 began in 1981 and continued through 1985, with a total of 162 units produced. Each boat was constructed using fiberglass, a material choice that ensured durability and ease of maintenance. The production ran in the UK, emphasizing traditional British craftsmanship combined with modern techniques.

Marine Projects of Plymouth, known for building the Sigma range of cruiser/racers, played a significant role in the construction process. The Moody 27 evolved slightly over its production period, maintaining consistency in quality and design while adapting to minor improvements and market demands.

Specifications

The Moody 27 is a well-regarded sailboat known for its solid construction and practical design. This section details the boat's dimensions, engine performance, interior layout, and construction.

Dimensions and Measurements

The Moody 27 is a 27.67-foot sailboat with a beam of 9.5 feet. The draft varies between 4.66 and 4.96 feet, depending on the load. It has a length overall (LOA) of 27 feet 7 inches and a length on deck (LOD) that matches the LOA. The length at the waterline (LWL) is notably shorter.

The displacement is 7,275 pounds, giving it a respectable comfort ratio, making it suitable for both coastal cruising and more extended journeys.

Engine and Performance

The Moody 27 is equipped with a robust diesel engine, often a Volvo model. The engine produces sufficient horsepower to ensure good performance under power.

The small fuel tank limits the boat's range when motoring. Despite this, the Moody 27 achieves a hull speed of around 6.5 knots, making it efficient for a boat of its size. The boat's diesel engine ensures reliability and steady performance.

Interior and Accommodation

The Moody 27 offers accommodation for 5 to 6 people across two cabins and a saloon. The interior includes:

• Berths: 5/6
• Cabins: 2
• Headroom: Adequate

The boat is outfitted with essential amenities including heads, a stove, and a sink. The practical layout maximizes the space available, making it comfortable for longer stays aboard.

The six-berth arrangement includes a combination of double and single berths, providing flexibility for different crew sizes.

Construction and Build

Built by Moody Yachts (A. H. Moody & Sons) between 1981 and 1985, the Moody 27's construction is notable for its durability. The hull is made from fiberglass (GRP) with a gelcoat finish.

The boat has a fin keel, which offers good maneuverability but slightly less directional stability compared to long keel designs. The ballast ratio is designed to provide stability and seaworthiness.

Sailing Characteristics

The Moody 27 is known for its balance of performance and versatility. It offers specific attributes in rigging, handling, and seaworthiness, which make it suitable for both novice and experienced sailors.

Rigging and Sails

The Moody 27 is rigged as a masthead sloop, which means it has a single mast with the head sail (jib) attached to the top of the mast. This setup provides a simple and efficient sail plan. The mainsail and jib are the primary sails, offering a good balance in different wind conditions.

Many Moody 27 boats feature roller furling jibs, which make it easier to adjust the sail size without leaving the cockpit. The furling system helps manage sail area quickly. The mainsail is typically hoisted with a halyard and can be reefed when winds are stronger.

Sail area to displacement ratio is an important performance metric. The Moody 27 has a moderate ratio, balancing sail power and stability. This means it’s not primarily a racing boat but retains a good balance for cruising in various wind conditions.

Handling and Maneuverability

Handling on the Moody 27 is enhanced by its fin keel. The fin keel provides better agility and faster turning response compared to a long keel. This keel type makes it easier to navigate in tight spaces, like crowded marinas or shallow waters.

The rudder is spade-shaped, providing effective steering even at lower speeds. This rudder design increases maneuverability, which is useful when docking or operating in confined areas.

With a draft varying between 1.42 to 1.52 meters (4.66 to 4.96 feet), depending on the load, the Moody 27 can access shallow areas that deeper boats cannot, adding to its versatility.

Stability and Seaworthiness

Stability is a key feature of the Moody 27, thanks to its moderate displacement and balanced ballast ratio. This setup ensures that the boat remains upright and stable even in rough conditions. The capsize screening formula (CSF) value of 2.06 suggests it is stable but not suited for high-sea ocean racing.

The bilge design includes deep bilges that add to the boat's seaworthiness by lowering the center of gravity and enhancing stability. This feature helps in handling different sea states effectively.

The Moody 27 is not designed for ocean racing but serves well as a coastal cruiser. Its construction and design focus on providing a safe, comfortable experience for day trips or short cruises, managing well in a variety of weather conditions.

Onboard Equipment and Features

The Moody 27 sailboat is well-equipped with essential navigation electronics, sturdy deck gear, and comfortable interior amenities. These features make it suitable for coastal cruising and short offshore passages.

Navigation and Electronics

The Moody 27 comes with a range of navigation and electronic equipment to aid in safe passage-making. A compass and navigation lights are standard, ensuring safe travel during both day and night. Often, boats of this class include a VHF radio and sometimes a DSC radio for improved communication.

Owners often add a chart plotter and depth sounder for precise navigation. A speed log is common, helping sailors track their speed through water. Additionally, a mounted clock and barometer are useful for monitoring weather changes. The electrical system is supported by batteries that power these essentials, ensuring reliability.

Deck Gear and Storage

Deck equipment on the Moody 27 is designed for efficiency and convenience. It usually includes a sprayhood, which provides shelter from waves and wind. Deck storage is ample, with space for fenders and rode.

The swim ladder offers easy access to the water, promoting safety and fun activities. The boat typically features easy-to-operate winches and cleats for handling sails and deck lines. Although it has limited space, the Moody 27 maximizes storage with compartments for safety gear and personal belongings.

Interior Amenities

Inside, the Moody 27 is practical yet comfortable. It often accommodates up to six people with a mix of single berths and a double berth. The seating area converts easily into extra berthing, optimizing space. The galley includes a stove, sink, and storage for cookware and provisions.

Cabin lighting and an efficient electrical system make the space pleasant. Photos of the interior often show well-finished woodwork and practical layout. The head includes a marine toilet and sometimes a shower, depending on the model. These elements combined create a functional living space for extended trips.

Ownership and Maintenance

Owners of the Moody 27 often praise its roomy interior and solid build. When buying and maintaining this boat, there are specific considerations to keep in mind to ensure a smooth sailing experience.

Buying a Moody 27

When purchasing a Moody 27, prospective buyers should consider the asking price, which can vary based on condition and age. It's essential to check for well-maintained engines and drive shafts.

Listings on websites like Boatshed can provide good deals. The bilge keel version is ideal for shallow waters, while the fin keel offers better performance. Furthermore, it's important to assess the water capacity and fuel capacity of the vessel, ensuring they meet your needs.

Upkeep and Repairs

Maintaining a Moody 27 involves regular checks and repairs. Due to its age, engine maintenance is critical. Owners should lookout for any wear and tear on the drive shaft. Membership in the Owners' Association can be helpful for advice and support.

Routine tasks include inspecting sails, cleaning the hull, and checking the bilge pumps. Regular maintenance keeps the vessel seaworthy and safe for coastal cruising. Given the boat's weight, lifting might require professional help. Properly managed, a Moody 27 can offer many years of enjoyable sailing.

Sailing Experience

The Moody 27 offers a compact, comfortable space for living aboard and performs reliably at sea, making it a suitable choice for a family cruiser.

Living Aboard

Life on a Moody 27 is cozy with its well-utilized space. The accommodation layout includes several berths that can comfortably sleep up to four people. The main cabin space is smartly designed to maximize comfort and usability.

Berths are usually arranged to provide a good balance between sleeping space and storage. There are also features like a small galley and a heads (bathroom), making it practical for extended stays. Although the compact size might be a limitation for some, families find it adequate for short trips.

Performance at Sea

The Moody 27 is known for its seaworthiness and ease of handling. Its sail area is balanced, providing a stable and predictable sailing experience. With a comfort ratio designed to ensure stability, it can handle various weather conditions reliably.

The boat's max speed is approximately 6.27 knots, making it suitable for coastal sailing rather than racing. The performance ratios, like the sail area to displacement ratio, suggest that the Moody 27 is built for easy, family-friendly cruising. It turns quickly and handles like a larger dinghy, providing a satisfying experience on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Moody 27 is a popular 27-foot sailboat known for its solid construction, good sailing performance, and dependable handling. This section will address common questions about its specifications, performance, market value, liveaboard reviews, company history, and where to buy one.

What are the general specifications of the Moody 27?

The Moody 27 is a 27' 7" (8.4 m) monohull sailboat. Bill Dixon designed it, and it was built by Moody Yachts (A. H. Moody & Sons) from 1981 to 1985. It has a displacement of approximately 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg).

How do the sailing performance and handling of the Moody 27 compare to similar yachts?

The Moody 27 is known for being stable and forgiving on the water. It handles well and is considered suitable for both novice and experienced sailors. Its performance in various weather conditions makes it a reliable choice for coastal cruising.

What is the current market price range for a Moody 27?

As of now, the market price for a Moody 27 can vary depending on the boat's condition, location, and included equipment. Typically, you can expect to find these yachts priced between $10,000 to $20,000.

Can you provide reviews or owner feedback on the Moody 27's liveaboard experience?

Owners of the Moody 27 often praise its interior layout and comfort for liveaboard purposes. The boat offers decent storage and living space for a 27-foot yacht, making it a practical choice for extended stays on the water.

What is the history and background of the Moody boat building company?

Moody Yachts, founded by A. H. Moody & Sons, has a long history of building solid and dependable sailboats. The company has been in operation since the early 1930s, gaining a reputation for producing high-quality yachts designed for cruising.

Where can potential buyers find Moody 27 yachts available for sale?

Potential buyers can find Moody 27 yachts for sale through various online platforms such as boat trading websites, forums, and classifieds. Websites like YachtWorld, BoatTrader, and local sailing forums often list these boats from private sellers and brokers.