snoopy
regular
Reged: 16/10/2006
Posts: 564
Loc: Bristol channel
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I am looking at a Moody 33s with a view to purchase and would welcome opinions on the qualities of this marque.1980 obviously subject to survey.many thanks.
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Skysail
regular
Reged: 21/01/2002
Posts: 1223
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Sturdy, sea kindly boats that can be surprisingly fast. Depending on the boat you have in mind, may need some attention.
Try the Moody Owners forum at www.moodyowners.net for other opinions.
--------------------
Shorebased theory
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CLYDE_WANDERER
regular
Reged: 15/06/2006
Posts: 1203
Loc: Glasgow
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My friend has a 33mkII which we had a night sail in last season in very unkindly weather, must admit I felt very secure in it with not the slightest worry.
My opinion is they are a strong sea worthy cruiser with plenty of space for 6 adults.
Would buy one if I could afford it.
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capnsensible
regular
Reged: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1178
Loc: Atlantic
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Aha! Totally brilliant yacht, sturdy, roomy althought not the worlds fastest. Completely capable of ocean voyaging and being lived on for at least 10 years. Will teach you all you need to know about Lavac heads and Thorneycroft diesel engines.
Wouldn't swap our 1977 version for anything else!!
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owen
regular
Reged: 13/02/2003
Posts: 348
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first the negatives:not a great looker;original thorneycroft is a bit agricultural heavy and bulky,engine mounts are not easy to replace and can be left worn cauising wear to the stern gland and cutlass,engine access is not the easiest,original galv fuel tank can rust thro, stanchion bases are a pain -do not underestimate the work needed to replace these,the 33s has the stb "aft cabin" which works ok but is a compromise with lift up panels etc.the forefoot is flattish and can slam in a head sea,longish fin keel makes reversing intersting,if you have a 3 bladed prop will also affect sailing performance
now the good bits: very roomy for 33 feet, can be a fast boat but is hampered by that roominess which we fill with cruising gear which kils performance, very well made, heavy lay up in the right areas, not especially prone to osmosis and if there are blisters v unlikely to affect the integrity of the boat.does not heel a lot so less stressful for non sailors,practical layout with durable interior,
if were looking i would go for a well maintained boat with a lot of the work already done --unless you live close to the boat and love diy the work involved in bringing an old boat up to scratch can be expensive and frustrating.
overall for the money you wil pay I dont think there is a boat of that length to touch it. do look out MOA as you can contact a 33s owner for more info
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NFCN
regular
Reged: 04/09/2006
Posts: 39
Loc: Hampshire
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Would second everything that has been said. I've had my 33 Mk II for a year now and am very satisfied. Took her to Cherbourg and St Vaast this week - some excellent sailing and quite a lot of motoring. I went for one that had been well looked after and upgraded - suggest that you go for the same and pay more money.
For - space, siffness in a breeze, solidity, ease of handling, quite fast enough for me (Thornycroft T90 gives an easy 6 knots, and she sails in F4+ at 7k when properly trimmed), great aft cabin for the kids / workshop (depending on your situation), flared bow means quite a dry boat. It takes quite a lot for her to slam and I find her very seakindly in a big swell. Most have the original thumping engines - reliable and strong, if well looked after.
Against - needs 12k+ wind to really go, engine access difficult (but by no means impossible when you've worked it out), would like a second sink and a proper double berth / separate aft cabin if I was being picky, bilges sometimes a bit wet (fresh water getting in somewhere), engine not the quietest.
You should get a good one for £28k +. If I had more money i'd have gone for the 336 - more modern and better thought out. But for what you pay you get - they are a great boat and I would really recommend them. They are ageing well.
I'd be happy to answer any specific questions - do pm me.
Nick
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SAWDOC
regular
Reged: 24/02/2008
Posts: 110
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We raced against one for several seasons in fairly sheltered waters and she held her own if not showed the way home more often than not. However, I often wondered if the wide beam and the square stern of the Moodys would be a disadvantage in a strong swell. ( my knowledge of yacht design basically consisting of the theory that a skinny boat pointed at both ends gets you there the easy way) Would any of the moody owners who obviously take great delight in their boats comment on this aspect? comments so far suggest that this is a non issue.
i'm following this thread with interest as I may purchase similar.
any other negs which one should look out for in an otherwise very promising looking model?
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mikehibb
regular
Reged: 23/09/2007
Posts: 379
Loc: Turkey Azerbaijan and Georgia
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A colleague at work had one, sold it as he now works abroad changing country every couple of years, he says that he will buy another in a couple of years time when he takes the early golden handshake.
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NFCN
regular
Reged: 04/09/2006
Posts: 39
Loc: Hampshire
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Remarkably, I have not found the wide beam and square stern to be a problem. I've sailed a wide variety of yachts, including 'pointy' ones, and find my Moody 33 Mk II very forgiving in this respect. I've sailed her in some reasonably large channel chops and strong winds too.
In terms of any other 'negs' - I've said most. I would strongly advise joing the Moody Owner's Association first - £20 very well spent, giving you access to much technical advice, as well as a group of people who can advise you.
There aren't that many for sale at the momemnt that I can see - although Hipsley Lady is - it might be worth looking at her (no connection other than I nearly bought her but was trumped at the last minute by another buyer).
Good luck
Nick
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capnsensible
regular
Reged: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1178
Loc: Atlantic
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Delighted to comment. Done 4 trans atlantics in ours and have been entertained with some fairly robust wind conditions. The boat has never faltered, never given cause for concern. Whilst one can get a tad fed up with constant gales, I have never felt that the boat might not make it!!!
Looking forward to number 5.
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