With the new DS48, the Moody brand is entering the first renewal cycle for its exclusive range of unrivalled deck saloon yachts. It has been 16 years since the brand, which belongs to the Hanseyachts Group and is based in Greifswald on the Baltic Sea, launched a completely new interpretation of the classic yacht with a deck saloon. Back then, the Moody DS45 caused quite a stir in the industry with its thoroughly extravagant concept. Moody tackled the subject of the deck saloon with a bold, modern, but also rather unconventional plan. The idea behind the new spatial concept is based on the seamless merging of cockpit, saloon, galley and navigation on one level - similar to a modern cruising catamaran or motor yacht.
To achieve this, not only has the saloon been raised, but the cockpit has also been lowered accordingly. This means that it is no longer possible to extend the living area at the rear of the boat. Instead, the living areas are located in the front part of the boat at a lower level and are partially built under the saloon. Following the launch of the DS45, Moody has transferred the unusual concept to the large, luxurious format with the DS54 and extended the range downwards with the smaller DS41. The designers and project planners at Moody say that the concept can no longer be reasonably realised in a size smaller than 40 feet.
The Moody DNA is clearly recognisable
For the new DS48 now presented by designer Bill Dixon, the conceptual DNA of Moody naturally remains unchanged for the time being. This means a semi-covered cockpit with a fixed bimini and integrated convertible sunroof, a deep and very well protected cockpit, barrier-free access around the deckhouse in the high walkaround channel with fixed railing and an additional sunbed on the foredeck. There is also a very high and powerful three-saling rig with self-tacking jib and mainsheet guide on the coachroof. A furling mast will be available as an option.
All lines, sheets and halyards are led inside the deckhouse aft to the winches on the high coaming directly in front of the double steering columns. The layout is designed for maximum ease of handling, a high level of safety underway and good single-handed capability. At the rear, the cockpit is partially enclosed by two large, folding seats for the helmsman. A 2.80 metre inflatable boat can be stowed transversely in the stern lazarette. For easy handling with the dinghy, Hanse offers the innovative "Smart Tender System" as an option. The dinghy is easily swivelled out over the folding bathing platform using a crane boom integrated into the garage, allowing it to be effortlessly lowered in and out of the water at the touch of a button. This innovative feature has already proved its worth in the YACHT test of the Hanse 510 (issue 1/2023).
Living on two floors
The new ship now offers even more variety for the interior below deck, and the exciting overall concept surprises with many innovative details. The all-round glazed deckhouse houses the aft galley and the two-part saloon table with space for up to eight people. A designated navigation area with a forward-facing, raised workstation with a large chart table is available as an option. In this case, the aft galley module will be slightly larger and have more work space. Navigation is also available as an interior helm station. In this case, the boat is steered by the autopilot remote control and a second engine control lever can also be fitted.
From the saloon, guests on board enjoy an almost unrestricted all-round view through the high, continuous strip of windows around the cabin superstructure and through the fully glazed cabin bulkhead between the saloon and cockpit. Finally, a staircase leads forward to the "basement" to the cabins. The owners live in the exceptionally spacious forward cabin and sleep on a huge double bed. They also have their own enormous bathroom with shower cubicle. A second double cabin can be fitted with either two separate single berths or a full-length double bed. Flexible solutions are also possible here. Another wet room with separate shower compartment is also available aft for guests.
The aft living area on the port side can be converted and utilised in various ways. Depending on requirements, single or double berths are possible here, or a multi-functional space can be integrated as storage space or as a workshop for use as a blue water boat. There is also space in this area for a washing machine with integrated tumble dryer. A third toilet room can also be provided aft. This means that the Moody DS48 has up to three cabins for double occupancy, each with its own bathroom.
Moody and Hanseyachts will be presenting the exciting new boat as a world premiere at the trade fair in Düsseldorf. The price for the Moody DS48, which is already very high quality and extensively equipped ex shipyard, is 864,900 euros net, including sails. That is 1,029,230 euros gross including 19 per cent VAT.
Technical data Moody 48
- Construction: Bill Dixon Yacht Design
- Hull length: 14.65 m
- Overall length with bowsprit: 15.42 m
- Waterline length: 13.83 m
- Width: 4.85
- Draught/alternative: 2.15/1.60 m
- Weight: 21.2 tonnes
- Sail area downwind: 78.70 m²
- Motorisation: Built-in diesel 110 hp, Saildrive
- Fuel capacity: 570 litres
- Fresh water capacity: 766 litres
- Price: 1,029,230 euros gross
