Moody DS 45 Thinking about buying a Moody DS 41 (but appears too small), 45 ideally,... or 48 (if I can save enough $).

[Bernard Noel]

Hello. I am seriously thinking about buying a Moody DS 41, DS 45 or DS 48 (this is my favorite one, but it's expensive!), to liveabard fulltime once I retire in a couple of years from now, and see some blue water cruising.
Now, the DS 41 seems nice, it's a newer updated design, however, for a half million dollas (I live in Texas), I am reluctant having a wet shower in this boat! If there is any owner of the new DS 41 out here, what do you think of the wet shower on the DS 41?
As far as I know, there are lots of cons having a wet shower: everything gets wet, towels, paper toilet, any stored items, there is higher humidity and potential for mold and mildew, and limited space and maneuveranbility in the head/shower, making showwring unconfortable in a ½ million dollars yacht...
Another issue I worry about about the DS design, on the 41, 45 and 48, in heavy seas, do you ((current owners) have/had any issues with water entering the main cabin/galley/salon, and presumably then continuing on and down the steps into the bow and stern cabins too?
Any breach of the sliding door die to a large wave from astern at sea could be catastrophic, right? Any experience in heavy sea?
Any issue with green water getting into the cockpit? I didn't see any scuppers on the side decks on the DS models...
Any issue with windage in a breeze while docking, at anchor or in a marina, due to the higher superstructure, compared to a traditional sailboat?
Honestly, how's the visibibility from the helms, especially sitting (I am disabled, that's why I like the DS style of one-level living and can't stand very long at all), especially when docking or coming down a channel on a busy Sunday afternoon with smaller boats and kayaks around?
Is there actually enough stowage for living aboard full-time and doing long distance cruising on these 3 DS models?
Any other bugs or design flaws I should be aware of before spending my lfe savings on a Moody DS model, 41, 45 or 48?
Finally, I heard that Mody has a very poor manufacturer support and kicks back everything to the dealer... is that true?
Thanks a million!!!!

 

[Paul Coley]

Hello Bernard,
I don't own a DS or know the design particularly well, but I can fully appreciate your concern about the design arrangements of these yachts, particularly for ocean sailing.
I personally don't consider the DS as being a Moody, because Moody went into liquidation and the brand was acquired by Hanse, and are now built in Germany. Most Moody's were built in Marine Projects in Plymouth. Although designed by Bill Dixon, who designed many of the Moody range, it is a more radical and some mighty say modern design. Unfortunately, in my opinion, some basic sea going design principles seem to have been sacrificed for aesthetic appeal. As with many modern designs, yachts are getting broader in the beam, which has a negative effect on vanishing stability and can be more stable upside down than more traditional designs. The cockpit, as you say has an almost flush deck from outside to inside, with a minimum sill to prevent water entering. Also the very large "patio" style doors, which would allow large quantities of water down below. The down flooding angle will be far less than more tradition designs with smaller central hatches located on the centre line, with high sills / bridge deck to prevent water entering. When I see these types of design, I just think about the similarities with the Bayesian, which ended so tragically. So in a gale force wind, with large following sea, I would be concerned to be on a boat of similar design. Just because nobody has experienced seas going down below, doesn't mean the risk is not there.

Having said that, these are undoubtedly very attractive designs for comfortable living, and would be great cruising yachts 99% of the time in coastal waters. Also, if you have mobility issues, then I am sure it would be a good design.

Everyone should consider their design needs and intended cruising areas.

Paul

 

[Bernard Noel]

Thank you for the insight, Paul.