Why is a boat with a particularly large number of windows and an excellent view from the deck saloon, which also typifies the boat, called a "solar eclipse"? Because "eclipse" means nothing else. Solar eclipse. One can only speculate. Perhaps Bonnie Tyler's hit about the total eclipse of the sun was playing on the radio in 1983 when the shipbuilders in England came up with the idea of a yacht with a good view. After all, the Moody 33 Eclipse was launched on the market four years later, a typical development period. Or they simply liked Pink Floyd, who saw everything under the sun in balance in their song "Eclipse". At least that describes the Moody surprisingly well, because the yacht is amazingly versatile and balanced in its capabilities. Plenty of space, well built, and even the sailing characteristics are pleasing. This is not to be expected given the ponderous, heavy look.
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To be honest, the tester was a little biased beforehand: Spacious, comfortable boat with a heavy deck saloon and furling mast, there must inevitably be compromises in terms of sailing performance. It's always like that. The balance sung about is out of kilter in favour of more living space.
Seven to ten knots of wind are forecast for the test day. That's no fun, it can't be any fun at all. Then there's a second steering wheel that needs to be moved: goodbye sensitivity! And a smaller genoa for better handling. Flotsam! That's the prejudice.
Used boat profile Moody Eclipse 33
- Designer: Bill Dixon
- Dimensions: 9.91 x 3.40 x 1.12/1.45 m
- Built: 1987-1994
- Quantity: 253
- New price 1989: 182,500 DM
- Used price: 60.000-80.000 €
Status 2025, how the prices shown are defined, read here!
But then it's like so often with these prejudices: The boat goes, and surprisingly well. Upwind, not high, but at 60 degrees it can reach five knots of speed, in seven to nine knots of wind, mind you, a range in which even today's conventional cruising boats weaken. The acceleration of the Moody is not sporty, but once the boat is running, it starts to pick up some pressure and is fun to sail. The test conditions are ideal: anything that runs well in such little wind will run in wind force four anyway. And the fact that it remains safe and easy to control in stronger winds is firstly in Moody's DNA and secondly has been confirmed countless times by other owners.
Sit down and watch the world go by
However, it is not particularly sensitive, the long ropes and the wheel in the saloon literally hang like rubber on the steering wheel in the cockpit, which makes things very sticky. What a pity. The later version without the wheel inside should be easier to steer with the autopilot disengaged. Somehow, however, the more ponderous steering feel suits the profile of the boat, because the balance is right. Super-neutral and bitchy steering behaviour would not suit the boat at all. Because let's be honest: "Iron Gustav" drives the boat on longer passages anyway. The owner agrees, stating that he only steers very high courses himself. At larger angles to the wind, he is delighted with the deep and cosy cockpit, which is already well protected behind the high saloon and completely weatherproof thanks to the sprayhood. Sit down, watch the world go by and let the boat do its job. Marvellous.
"The boat sails surprisingly well. Not high in the wind, but at 60 degrees it's capable of five knots."
The gangways and the path to the foredeck are pleasantly wide and, thanks to the superstructure, also feel safe. In light gusts, the Moody lays on its side a little, but many owners report that they enjoy travelling with the yacht even in strong winds and that the safety reserves are quite ample. We were unable to try this out on the test day due to a lack of wind and waves, nor were we able to make any statements about the sailing behaviour of the version with the chine keels. However, experience has shown that it sails a little worse, but can fall dry. An advantage on tidal waters.
"And if it gets uncomfortable, you just go inside. Steering is great there, the all-round view is perfect"
The aft-facing lines and halyards also contribute to the feeling of safety. This means that the cockpit remains the protected place from which the boat can be navigated.
Winter garden on deck
And if it gets very uncomfortable, you just go inside. You don't have access to the sheets there, but steering is great and the all-round visibility is perfect. It's nice to have this option. But the deck saloon has much more to offer. On long watches, it offers various ways to wedge yourself in comfortably. This makes the time until you are relieved as pleasant as possible. And in harbour or at anchor, that's when it really becomes clear what a winter garden on deck actually means: warm and dry, on comfortable sofas, the crew remain part of life around you. It's also ideal if you're working on board, as it means you don't have to go on deck if there's a noise outside that indicates activity and it's advisable to have a quick look at what's going on in the harbour or anchorage.
Measured values of the Moody Eclipse 33
The measure of all things on the Moody is 1.80 metres. That's the height in the saloon, the toilet room and the foredeck. It is only higher in the galley at a generous 2.09 metres and in the aft cabin at two metres. The berth there is only 1.80 metres long and 1.50 metres wide. Great for the children, but not enough for two adults. Nevertheless, the forward berth is 1.97 metres by 1.65 metres and is also comfortable for two adults. Under the boom in the cockpit it is 1.90 metres, the way inside requires a bow to the ship, as only 1.70 metres are available under the sprayhood. The wet room deserves a special mention: it is surprisingly spacious for the size of the boat, offers plenty of room to move around and even a usable shower in which you can sit if you wish. However, it is also ideal as an oil locker.
What takes up a lot of space in the saloon on models with a helm is the bar stool at the helm. Whether it is really needed or whether you prefer the additional room to manoeuvre to a permanent seat is ultimately a decision for the owner. The stool can be removed quickly. Otherwise, the interior is really well thought out and functions perfectly, so that nothing stands in the way of a longer stay on board.
Inspect the keel bolt
Anyone interested in a Moody in the near future only has a few theoretical choices. Although it was built quite frequently, the supply on the second-hand market is limited. Anyone who hesitates for a long time will not get their chance. Waiting for a specific configuration can also become a game of patience.
Regardless of which version you choose, when inspecting a used Moody, the owner should definitely take a look at the keel bolts, as they are made of galvanised steel. This is not necessarily a disadvantage compared to stainless steel, which is also problematic in a saltwater environment in terms of corrosion resistance. The keel bolts made of normal steel, unlike those made of the more noble material, at least according to the name, clearly show their state of corrosion: They rust.
This is not the end of the world if it is not too advanced. However, if rust is visible, an expert should clarify what kind of work is required to prevent the issue from becoming a problem. Depending on the condition found, it may be enough to clean everything well and seal it carefully. Then the rust is stopped. However, the condition of the bolts must be monitored regularly.
Steel keel bolts with rust are just as much a problem as a rotting mast base made of damp wood.
A completely dry bilge is also ideal, as this naturally slows down the process. The advantages of steel bolts are the highly visible condition of the material and the greater strength compared to stainless steel. The choice of material is therefore by no means completely absurd.
Alternatives to the Moody Eclipse 33
Other points to look out for are the mast base and the railing supports. Both tend to leak, as is typical for used boats. This is annoying in the case of the railing supports and worrying in the case of the mast base: a wooden block is laminated in there, which can rot due to moisture penetration and lose its functionality as well as its strength. Action is then required, as the mast rests on an unstable base.
The engines, if still original, are 30 to 40 years old and correspondingly far advanced in their life. The engine compartment is quite cramped, so it is important to check carefully which engine alternatives will fit in there. Three-cylinder engines with 40 hp thanks to turbocharging no longer exist. If you want more than 30 hp, you have to buy a four-cylinder engine. And space could be tight.
Alternatives to the Moody Eclipse 33 on the second-hand market are the Sirius 32 DS or the Nauticat 33, both yachts with the premise of good all-round visibility from the raised seating area in the saloon. However, the latter at least, especially as a ketch, is no revelation in sailing terms. The Sirius, on the other hand, is a very good sailing and very stable alternative to the Englishwoman. If you want a Moody, you should of course look primarily in the UK, but there are also models on offer in the Netherlands from time to time. The owner of the test boat found his in Normandy and took it over from a previous German owner.
Conclusion
The Moody Eclipse 33 is a really successful compromise. It sails sufficiently well, offers a lot of very well thought-out space inside, a large wet room and solid workmanship to boot. However, you shouldn't be much taller than 1.80 metres, then the less than ten-metre-long Moody is a great boat, even for very long stays on board. Deck saloons are of course a matter of taste, even if they are from a bygone era, but the advantages in use are so great that many sailors are willing to put up with the rather clunky appearance. This is also evidenced by the very short-lived second-hand market. So perhaps the artists of Pink Floyd gave the shipyard makers at Moody exactly the specification they needed to create a boat on which everything fits.
And this goes back to a long history of boatbuilding. The Moody repair yard in Swanwick, near Southampton in the south of England, began building sailing yachts as early as 1935. The company even claims to have built the very first GRP yacht, the long-keel Solar 40. In 1969, the shipyard launched its first deck saloon yacht, the Carbineer 46.
Despite its long tradition and its merits in British boatbuilding, the shipyard, like so many other companies from the island, had to continue to reduce production after several changes of ownership. In 2005, HanseYachts took over the brand and successfully continued the deck saloon theme with the DS series, as well as the honourable shipyard history.
YACHT review of the Moody Eclipse 33
A successful compromise with a clear focus on living comfort, yet the sailing characteristics are okay. The solid build quality makes it an all-round successful boat, especially for owners who want to spend a lot of time on board.
Design and concept
Deck saloon with a view
Large protected cockpit
Large wet room
Solid lamination work
Sailing performance and trim
Surprisingly lively
Redirected traps
Living and finishing quality
Solid woodwork
Berth dimensions aft
Equipment and technology
Powerful autopilot
/(-) Steel keel bolt
Sluggish controls
Little space in the engine compartment
The Moody Eclipse 33 in detail
Technical data of the Moody Eclipse 33
- Designer: Bill Dixon
- CE design category: A
- Torso length: 9,69 m
- Total length: 9,91 m
- Waterline length: 8,54 m
- Width: 3,40 m
- Draught/alternative: 1,12/1,45 m
- Mast height above WL: 13,56 m
- Theor. torso speed: 7.1 kn
- Weight: 5,9/5,6 t
- Ballast; share: 2,1/1,8 t; 36/32 %
- Mainsail: 18,4 m²
- Furling genoa (150 %): 33,38 m²
- Machine: Volvo Penta 28 hp/ Volvo Turbo 42 hp
- Fuel tank: 182 l
- Fresh water tank: 295 l
Model history
The Eclipse 33 was available with a deep keel or twin keels, the latter being 300 kilograms heavier. The later Mk-II version had an autopilot inside instead of a steering wheel. This provided more space in the saloon.
Market situation
Boats keep coming onto the market, mostly in the UK, but they are usually sold quickly. You shouldn't be picky about the keel version or condition if you absolutely want a 33 Eclipse.
You should pay attention to this before buying
- Are the keel bolts rusting?
- Are the connecting pipes between the individual bilge compartments tight?
- Is the mast base intact or is the inlaid wood rotting?
- Are the shrouds tight and the deck near these fittings still firm?
- Are the railing feet and the windows of the deck saloon tight?
- The Volvo engine with turbocharger can become a problem in the course of the boat's life.
Equipment and prices
- Base price 1989: 182,500 DM
- Used price: 60.000-80.000 €
Status 2025, how the prices shown are defined, read here!
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