1997 Moody 38 vs 2007 Moody 46 — Comparison

1997 Moody 38
VS
2007 Moody 46

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1997 Moody 382007 Moody 46
General
ManufacturerMoodyMoody
Year1997–20032007–2014
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUKGermany
DesignerBill DixonBill Dixon
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)13.95 m (45.8 ft)
LWL9.60 m (31.5 ft)12.30 m (40.4 ft)
Beam3.72 m (12.2 ft)4.49 m (14.7 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)1.89 m (6.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,165 kg (18,001 lbs)14,500 kg (31,967 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)5,200 kg (11,464 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area59.8 m² (644 ft²)96.0 m² (1,033 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeBilgeFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP75 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)300 L (79.3 gal)
Water Capacity227 L (60.0 gal)500 L (132.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1997 Moody 38
14.98
2007 Moody 46
16.40
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1997 Moody 38
38.89
2007 Moody 46
35.86
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1997 Moody 38
0.74
2007 Moody 46
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1997 Moody 38
20.98
2007 Moody 46
18.40

Detailed Comparison

The 1997 Moody 38 and 2007 Moody 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Moody 38 is a 1990s design by Moody from UK, while the 2007 Moody 46 is a 2000s offering from Moody from Germany. The 1997 Moody 38 was penned by Bill Dixon. The 2007 Moody 46 was designed by Bill Dixon.

In terms of size, the 1997 Moody 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 2007 Moody 46 at 13.95m (45.8ft) with a 4.49m beam. The 2007 Moody 46 is 2.37m longer than the 1997 Moody 38. The 2007 Moody 46 displaces approximately 78% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1997 Moody 38 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.98 and 59.8 m² of sail area. The 2007 Moody 46, with an SA/D of 16.40 and 96.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2007 Moody 46 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1997 Moody 38 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 2007 Moody 46 has a comfort ratio of 18.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 38.9% for the 1997 Moody 38 and 35.9% for the 2007 Moody 46, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1997 Moody 38 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 2007 Moody 46 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 500L water and 300L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1997 Moody 38 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.

For racing: The 2007 Moody 46 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2007 Moody 46 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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Or view individual specs: 1997 Moody 38 · 2007 Moody 46