The Moody 33S Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Moody 33S, an aft-cockpit sloop, was designed by Angus Primrose and built in the UK by Marine Projects Ltd.

A Moody 33S

The Moody 33S, also known as the Moody 33 Mk2, is the aft cockpit version of the centre-cockpit version of the Moody 33, which is known as the Moody 33 Mk1.

Both versions were designed by Angus Primrose and featured a sleek and seaworthy design that made the Moody 33 very popular among cruisers and racing enthusiasts alike. Despite the versions being quite similar in terms of their hull and rigging, they offer slightly different interiors and deck layouts.

In the late 1970s, another variant, Moody 333, was introduced which had some refinements in the interior design but was essentially similar to the Moody 33S.

Published Specification for the Moody 33S

Underwater Profile: Fin & Skeg

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 33'0" (10.1m)

Waterline Length: 28'6" (8.7m)

Beam: 11'6" (3.5m)

Draft: 4'5" (1.35m)

Rig Type: Masthead sloop

Displacement: 10,523lb (4,773kg)

Designer: Angus Primrose

Builder: Marine Projects (UK)

Year First Built: 1979

Year Last Built: 1982

Owners Association: Moody Owners Association

Design Ratios: The Key Performance Indicators

The Sail Area/Displacement Ratio for the Moody 33S is around 15.29, indicating a cruiser rather than a high-performance boat. With a greater sail area relative to size, the Moody 33S possesses the required power to handle most sailing situations.

The Ballast/Displacement Ratio for the Moody 33S is about 36.84%. This indicates the stability of the boat; a higher ratio implies better stiffness and stability in heavy winds. This ratio showcases the Moody 33S as a reliable and safe choice under varying wind conditions, making it suitable for those seeking versatile sailing adventures.

The Displacement/Length Ratio (D/L) of the Moody 33S is 211. This indicates that this sailboat is on the heavier side, further proving its marine stability and reliability. Boats with a higher D/L ratio may not be the fastest, but they offer a smooth ride, which is a favourable characteristic for those considering long-distance cruising.

In terms of the Comfort Ratio, which indicates the motion comfort of the boat, the Moody 33S scores approximately 28.37. While this number can be subjective depending on the individual sailor, this score generally suggests a comfortable cruising experience and ease of long-term liveaboard conditions.

The Capsize Screening Formula for the Moody 33S is approximately 1.99. Values less than 2 typically indicate a boat with good capsize resistance, another testament of the Moody 33S's safety measures.

Based on these design ratios, the Moody 33S can be described as a bona fide medium to heavy displacement cruising sailboat. It may not be the quickest boat on the water, but promises stability, safety, and overall comfortable sailing experience.

More about these all-important design ratios...

Best Suited For...

Coastal Cruising: With its sturdy build and easy maneuverability, the Moody 33S is ideal for coastal cruising. It provides ample accommodation and storage for extended trips along the coast, and its well-protected cockpit adds to the safety and comfort of coastal exploration.

Bluewater & Long-Distance Cruising: Although it's considered a relatively small yacht for long-term blue water cruising by some people, the Moody 33S has proven itself capable of tackling open ocean voyages. Keep in mind, however, the success of such sailings depends greatly not only on the boat but also on the preparation and experience of the skipper and crew. With that said, several Moody 33S yachts have been reported making long offshore passages successfully.

Racing: While the Moody 33S is not specifically designed for racing, its solid performance capabilities and ease of handling could allow it to participate in local club races or cruising class competitions. However, do not expect it to match the speed and agility of modern high-performance cruising yachts.

Overall, the Moody 33S offers a good balance between comfort and performance. Its spacious interior, combined with its seaworthy construction makes it a versatile sailing yacht suitable for leisurely cruises along the coast or more challenging bluewater journeys.

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Interior Layout & Design

While exact layouts may vary, the Moody 33S usually hosts two cabins, designed to accommodate up to six people; the forward cabin generally includes a v-shaped double berth while the aft cabin typically features a more spacious sleeping area.

A single head most likely includes a toilet, a washbasin, and a small shower area of sorts.

The Moody 33S is usually equipped with a well-sized, functional galley, containing a gas stove and oven, a sink, and a refrigerator. There should also be ample storage space for dishes, utensils, and food supplies.

The boat's saloon offers a sizable living area for dining and relaxation, and typically includes a chart table for navigation planning. The interior design is often traditional marine styling, with lots of woodwork giving a warm, cozy feel.

Please note, these descriptions are generalized, and specific Moody 33S sailboats may have slight differences in design or layout due to possible modifications by past owners or different manufacturing timelines.

Summing Up...

The Moody 33S is a high-quality British-built sailing yacht, respected for its strong build quality, spacious accommodations, and well-rounded sailing capabilities. Crafted by the reputable boat builder Moody Yachts, the 33S is a mark of classic design engineered for both comfort and performance.

Designed by Angus Primrose, the Moody 33S boasts a sleek, seaworthy exterior and a surprisingly spacious interior for a yacht of its size. It can accommodate up to six people across two cabins, with a forward cabin generally featuring a v-shaped double bed and a larger aft cabin.

The yacht also offers a fully-equipped galley with all necessary amenities, including a gas stove, oven, sink, and refrigerator. In addition, most models include a complete marine bathroom with a toilet, washbasin, and often a small shower area.

In terms of performance, the Moody 33S has a reputation for being a reliable cruising yacht that can handle a variety of sea conditions. It is designed with a solid fibreglass hull, encapsulated lead keel, and a partially balanced rudder, improving its stability and manoeuvrability on the water.

Whether you're a sailing enthusiast looking for your next weekend cruiser or a long-term liveaboard, the Moody 33S serves as an excellent vessel combining practical layout with respectable seaworthiness. As with any used vessel, when considering purchasing a secondhand 33S, pay attention to the condition, maintenance history, and any potential upgrades or modifications made by the previous owners.

I wrote this article using GPT-4, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model, as a research assistant to develop source material. I wrote the final draft in its entirety and believe it to be accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Dick McClary, creator and owner of sailboat-cruising.com