The Moody DS41 is currently described by Hanseyachts AG in Greifswald as the smallest production yacht with a real deck saloon. The idea behind the extravagant Moody concept is the seamless transition between cockpit and saloon and the associated functional fusion of both areas. The model is familiar from cruising catamarans or motorboats. In the sailing yacht market, however, the concept is unrivalled. The new Moody DS41 is now the smallest boat in the series after the DS54 (test in YACHT 11/2014) and the now ten-year-old model DS45 (test in YACHT 8/2008).
The conceptual DNA remains the same. 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 walkaround channel and an additional sunbed on the foredeck. There is also a moderately high rig with self-tacking jib and mainsheet guide on the coachroof. 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 single-handed capability. At the rear, the cockpit is partially enclosed by two large helmsman's seats.
Because Moody's DS concept no longer provides for any interior fittings behind the cabin bulkhead, the volumes under the cockpit are correspondingly spacious. There will be plenty of stowage space in the stern behind the large bathing hatch and underneath the dents in the cockpit.
The fully glazed deckhouse houses the galley, the saloon table with space for up to five people and the navigation centre with an almost unrestricted view through the large window front to the front and side. As an option, an interior helm station can be installed in the raised navigation centre. Finally, a central staircase leads forward to the "basement" to the cabins. The owners live in the foredeck and sleep on a large double bed with queen-size dimensions (2.00 x 1.90 metres). They also have their own bathroom with shower cubicle. A second double cabin with two separate berths is practically built under the raised seating area in the saloon. A second wet room for guests on board is available as an option instead of a large walk-in technical or storage room on the port side.
Hanseyachts AG presented plans for the Moody DS41 in Düsseldorf and also gave an initial price estimate: the exciting blue-water cruiser will cost 474,800 euros, including 19 per cent VAT and sails. The world première is then planned for one year from now at the same location at the boot trade fair.
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
