- Forward visibility: good from everywhere
- Beams of the deckhouse virtually invisible
- Space for up to three full double chambers
- Expansion does not completely conceal large-scale production
- Engine setup still needs fine tuning
- The measured values for testing the Moody DS 48
- The Moody DS 48 in detail
- Equipment and prices
- Shipyard and distribution of the Moody DS 48
- YACHT rating of the Moody DS 48
Full lines, almost reminiscent of a motorboat, ample freeboard and the striking deckhouse. With a furling mast and self-tacking jib, the new Moody doesn't necessarily look like a light wind rocket - nor should it. Her speciality is comfortable cruising, whatever the weather. In our case, this means: grey clouds, five degrees water and air temperature and just five to ten knots of wind, which is also pushed upwards by the cold air on the surface of the water. In other words, what the wind measuring system in the top of the 24 metre high mast reports has little to do with the conditions at deck level.
Also interesting:
It is all the more astonishing that the Moody, which displaces a good 24 tonnes, can be set in motion at all. Heeling or significant rudder pressure are not to be expected in these conditions, but as soon as the sails are conveniently unfurled at the touch of a button and the jib is stopped, the stately yacht pushes across the grey Greifswald Bodden as if by magic.
The main propulsion is the optional reacher. A mixture of gennaker and genoa, which is permanently attached to a fixed furling forestay. The reacher costs an extra 10,700 euros with the necessary hardware such as winches and hoisting points. Together with the optional, vertically battened furling mainsail, it accelerates the Moody to three to five knots, which feels really fast given the mirror-smooth water surface. The sensitive steering plays a large part in the unexpected liveliness. The wheels and rudder are connected via a combination of cardan shafts and push rods, which generates very little friction and works completely backlash-free. Together with the large, low rudder blade, this results in a direct and very lively steering feel.
Forward visibility: good from everywhere
Over the course of the test day, small gusts of wind develop, later even individual gusts of up to 15 knots, which at least give an impression of the Moody's possible temperament and conjure up a maximum of 8.4 knots on the log. This can also be recognised by the subtle slurping sound that the cockpit drainage makes when the boat is in a slightly higher position and travelling at speed, which brings you acoustically closer to the water, which is very far away from the wheel. It is not for nothing that the Moody's railing ports are equipped with fold-out boarding ladders to overcome the freeboard in the harbour.
Another positive aspect: the view forwards and into the sails is good despite the enormous deckhouse. The floor at the wheels is at deck level and therefore around 50 centimetres higher than the cockpit floor, so you can comfortably see over the roof when standing. In addition, the helmsman stands so far out that he can also look past the side of the deckhouse. This even works when seated, the only difference being that you have to look partially to leeward through the tinted glazing. There is some room for improvement in the seat ergonomics of the prototype. Not all positions on the bike are permanently comfortable, as the railing can be a bit of a squeeze. There is also a lack of support in some positions. The standard Flexiteek coating on the running decks and in the cockpit is very non-slip for sailing shoes, but does not provide enough grip for the bottom of trousers. Both points are already on the shipyard's optimisation list.
The general cockpit layout works well and is adapted to the target group of discerning cruisers and long-distance sailors. Operation is almost entirely at the touch of a button on the steering console. At least when, as on the test boat, not only the standard electric winches for halyards, jib and mainsheet are on board, but also the three-salings furling mast and the additional forestay are electrically powered. Both cost around 32,600 euros extra. As standard, the Moody comes with a conventionally reefed Dacron mainsail and manually furled self-tacking jib.
The standard jib is not the best choice for the light wind conditions on the test day. It only delivers usable propulsion when the wind is blowing at more than ten knots. However, manoeuvres are child's play. The powerful reacher, on the other hand, needs to be rolled in and out diligently at every tack or jibe. The distance between the two forestays is too small to pull it through. The electric option is therefore recommended. The halyard and sheet winches are located on the cockpit coaming and cannot be easily reached from the wheel, which is another reason for the autopilot, which is mandatory in this boat class anyway. Its drive is integrated into the steering gear between the wheel and the steering gear. If desired, this is also possible on both steering columns, which provides redundancy and is particularly welcome on blue water cruises.
Beams of the deckhouse virtually invisible
Those not steering can take a sheltered seat in the semi-covered cockpit, which is about 50 centimetres lower. Special feature here: The roof of the deckhouse is pulled aft and forms a fixed bimini with an integrated convertible sunroof. Unfortunately, the fabric covering was still missing on the test boat, so we were unable to see the construction in action. The sun and rain protection was already at the start of the Moody deck saloon series 16 years ago and should be correspondingly mature. In fact, the new model is nowhere near as ground-breaking as its three-foot shorter predecessor in 2008. The 48 is more of a mature development. This is also supported by the fact that Moody has remained true to designer Bill Dixon, who has carefully updated the look. Fortunately, you won't find any wild edges or beading like in other current designs.
The most striking new features are the larger hull windows and the more inclined front slide of the deckhouse, which also does without the bulky GRP C-pillar and therefore appears much more delicate. Dispensing with the pillar necessitated structural changes to the deckhouse, as it not only has to withstand sea impact, but also absorb the forces of the mainsheet. To achieve this, it rests on six discreet aluminium spars and two aluminium beams that extend into the floor assembly. The highlight: the beams run through the frame of the sliding door and are practically invisible. The slender spars not only make the deckhouse look more elegant from the outside, they also allow an unclouded all-round view without blind spots.
The remaining design changes take place below the waterline. The twin rudder system has given way to a deep centre rudder and the shaft system has made way for a saildrive.
Space for up to three full double chambers
The basic concept of living on one level has not changed. The cockpit and saloon continue to merge. In fact, the boat has grown and matured. It is therefore not surprising that Product Manager Andreas Unger mentions the pre-owned Moody 45 DS first when asked about possible competitors. The predecessor model is available for around half the price of a new 48, and with good equipment. However, the boats are not really comparable, because with around one metre more hull length and around 30 centimetres more width, the 48 offers much more living and storage space. This is clear from the fact that a 2.80 metre long rib with motor can be parked behind the bathing platform in the stern, inflated and ready for use. This was not possible on the 45 despite the twin rudder system. The cockpit and deck saloon are also much larger than on the previous model.
The generous foredeck creates enough space for up to three fully-fledged double cabins with their own bathrooms. Whereby one should rather speak of veritable bathrooms instead of wet rooms. This is because all three have separate shower areas and more than enough room to manoeuvre and storage space. The central owner's cabin in the bow is particularly spacious. The headroom is more than two metres throughout and the island bed offers a diamond-shaped sleeping area measuring 2.02 by 1.87 metres.
In view of the sheer size of the available cupboards and drawers, the fact that the shipyard has not utilised every possible storage space due to the rationalised production process is bearable. In addition, the entire port compartment can be converted into a walk-in wardrobe if desired. The hull and superstructure windows and the typical Moody light strip in the deck allow plenty of daylight to enter the boat, and the superstructure windows and deck hatches can be opened for good ventilation.
The guest cabin to starboard below the saloon also offers superior living comfort and can be ordered with either a double berth or two single beds. A double hull window and a skylight also provide daylight here. The associated bathroom has its own hull window and can be ventilated via a deck hatch.
Expansion does not completely conceal large-scale production
The starboard cabin is a little more cramped; although it has the same floor area as the guest cabin on the port side, it protrudes below the companionway steps, which takes up some volume and makes the space appear smaller. On the other hand, it offers the greatest variability. The cabin can be fitted with either a double berth or two single beds. It can also be designed as accommodation for a professional tipper, in which case a single berth is combined with additional storage space in the form of lockers and cupboards. Other alternatives include a workshop or the aforementioned dressing room.
The standard interior is in classic mahogany and looks very elegant, as we were able to see on a sister ship under construction. The Golden Oak version of the test boat has a more modern, but also somewhat colder character. A teak look can be selected as a third alternative, both options cost around 12,500 euros extra. The workmanship is consistently good, even on the construction number 1 that we sailed, there were no noticeable gaps or anything similar. Nevertheless, the finish cannot completely conceal the efficient mass production.
A special feature of the Moody concept is the spatial separation of technical and living areas. Roughly speaking, everything that potentially generates noise and heat is installed in the rear third of the ship. The way there is via floor hatches in the galley area and an aluminium ladder.
There is no headroom below the saloon and cockpit. However, the engine, electrics, batteries, fuel tank and units such as generators, air conditioning, heating or boiler are easily accessible. In addition, side access is possible via the forecastle boxes. The entire cockpit floor can be removed for an engine overhaul or similar, leaving the technology practically exposed.
Engine setup still needs fine tuning
Speaking of the engine: the test boat was equipped with the 40 hp upgrade engine and achieved a comfortable cruising speed of 8.5 knots at 2800 rpm. More than 8.7 knots could not be achieved with the large engine, as the propeller then cavitated. Fine tuning is still required here.
The rest of the driving behaviour under engine is unobtrusive and the noise levels are pleasantly quiet. Thanks to the large central rudder blade, the Moody is easy to manoeuvre. The standard tunnel bow rudder provides good service in the harbour. In view of the 48's enormous side area, the additional, extendable stern steel rudder on the test boat should also be helpful in stronger winds.
Overall, the Moody DS 48 is very well balanced, although despite the good basic equipment, you still have to tick a few boxes on the options list to get a boat that is really comfortable to sail in all conditions. In view of the basic price of just over one million euros, this is not great, but compared to an HR 50 that is around 50 per cent more expensive, there is still plenty of room for options.
The measured values for testing the Moody DS 48
The Moody DS 48 in detail
Technical data of the Moody DS 48
- Designer: Bill Dixon/Hanse Yachts
- CE design category: A
- Torso length: 14,65 m
- Total length: 15,42 m
- Waterline length: 13,83 m
- Width: 4,85 m
- Draught/alternative: 2,15/1,80 m
- Mast height above WL: 24,09 m
- Theor. torso speed: 9.0 kn
- Weight: 21,16 t
- Ballast/proportion: 5,5 t/26 %
- Mainsail: 78,8 m2
- Furling genoa (85 %): 52,2 m2
- machine (Yanmar): 81 kW/110 hp
- Fuel tank (plastic): 570 l
- Fresh water (plastic): 766 l
- Holding tank (per wet room): 85 l
- batteries (AGM): 4 x 160 AH + 90 AH
Hull and deck construction
Balsa sandwich with ISO polyester resin, hand-laminated. First layer of vinylester resin. Hull-deck joint glued and screwed. Mirrors and bulkheads laminated on
Equipment and prices
- Base price ex shipyard: 1.029.231 €
- Standard equipment included: Engine, sheets, railing, navigation lights, battery, compass, sails, cushions, galley/cooker, bilge pump, toilet, fire extinguisher, electric cooler, waste-holding tank with suction, anchor with chain
- For an extra charge: Fire extinguisher € 30, sailcloth € 2,200, fenders/mooring € 1,429, antifouling € 3,000
- clear sailing handover: 1.173 €
- Price ready to sail: 1.037.063 €
- Guarantee/against osmosis: 2/5 years
Surcharge for comfort equipment
- Hole points: n.a.
- Traveller with line guide: n.a.
- Electric windlass: incl.
- Tube kicker: incl.
- Backstay tensioner: incl.
- Jumping cleats: incl.
- Sprayhood: n.a.
- Teak in the cockpit: incl.
- Sat Nav package: 19,516 € (VHF radio & AIS, log and echo sounder, wind measuring system, autopilot, 2x chart plotter)
- Charger: incl.
- Shore connection with RCD: incl.
- 230 volt socket (one): incl.
- 12-volt socket in the sat nav: incl.
- Heating: 15.649 €
- Pressurised water system: incl.
- Hot water boiler: incl.
- Shower WC room: incl.
- Cockpit shower: incl.
- Comfort price: 1.072.228 €
- Included in the price: E-winches, bow thruster, synthetic teak partly, mast steps
Motor upgrade
The 40 hp more powerful engine of the test boat does not really seem to be necessary, it could not develop its full potential. In our opinion, the €11,500 surcharge is better invested in the Reacher
Roll electrically
The halyard winches are already powered as standard, electric furling mast and furling system are options, but are highly recommended for sailing the boat with a small crew. They should be standard for the intended target group
Dinghy
There is space for a 2.80 metre-long rib in the rear. The Smart Tender System, which costs 11,200 euros, makes it easy to tilt and pull into the garage
As of 2024, how the prices shown are defined can be found here!
Shipyard and distribution of the Moody DS 48
- Shipyard: Hanse Yachts AG, www.moody-yachts.com
- Distribution: Shipyard & dealer network, www.moody-yachts.com
YACHT rating of the Moody DS 48
The Moody DS 48 offers an enormous amount of living space and a high level of comfort in all rooms. The seamless transition from the cockpit to the deck saloon is very successful. The technology and fittings are state of the art. The price seems reasonable
Design and concept
Good deck saloon concept
Variable layout to a certain extent
Good all-round visibility
Sailing performance and trim
Lively steering feel
Adequate sailing performance
Push-button operation of the furling systems at an extra charge
Living and finishing quality
Very large amount of space
Good ventilation
High series standard
Equipment and technology
Technology well encapsulated and yet easily accessible
Appropriate hardware equipment
Lithium batteries only as an option
