MOODY 41 DS, Extraordinary design or complete FAIL?

MOODY 41 DS, Extraordinary design or complete FAIL? Well, in my humble opinion, Moody and Bill Dixon once again redefine what's possible on a deck saloon cruising monohull. This is how you change an existing concept production boat and bring it into the 21st century. Wait till you see the stowage.

[@charlesconway1049]

I love this series of boats. I have been drooling for a DS54 for a while. Your production quality keeps going up. Really enjoy your videos!

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

Thank you, I am a fan also the DS line also it offers a different way of experiencing life on board.

[@dxhamshack7905]

Great walktrough. Great job. My only real big deal breaker is that it dont come in a shallow draft version.

[@richardhall7822]

As an owner who previously had a performance yacht I can confirm that the DS41 sails very well indeed and provides a very stable and sure footed platform. She is not tender and will happily carry full sail in 20 knots and she is surprisingly fast although does need a good breeze to move without a code zero. The panoramic views from the saloon while at sea (the ability to helm from the NAV station in cold weather or rain is brilliant) and when at anchor are unbeatable. Finish is actually very good and at least equal to other premium production boats. As U.K. based sailors with our lovely weather we are very happy with our choice of cruising yacht. We preferred the layout to the Sirius and despite being over 6ft2 I have no problem accessing all the engine components. There are a few things that we have changed or modified but it’s probably rare that you don’t want to do so on any non bespoke boat. 😊

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

Thank you for watching and your options as a Moody owner, we are quite taken with this boat and as someone who grew up with Moody’s it’s great to see they evolved.

[@tobibcngmail8042]

Thank you for your input. As I am considering getting a DS41 for myself in the Med: Could you tell me if you are missing an opening window in the huge forward looking glass front in the saloon? I am wondering how heavy this "glass house" is warming up in the sun and if an open window in the front would make a difference at anchor? Thanks again and fair winds.

[@someguy9440]

Brilliant design that caters to being underway vs. sitting in the marina pretending to be a condo. For folks who get sick when going below in a traditional boat this is really ideal. Either cooking or sitting at the saloon has a great 360 view around the boat and the horizon line. With the autopilot remote and charplotter up at the helm you've got an ideal spot to ride out stormy weather. I also like the accommodations being a couple steps down. Makes the sleeping and living areas feel just a bit more separated IMO. This boat gives me Nauticat vibes on the interior but still has a slipperty and modern looking hull. Well done, Moody.

[@MondoRockable]

Gorgeous looking boat. Can see this being an exceptionally comfortable cruiser. Comfort ratio at 30. Noice! And look at the size of that stateroom bed - enough room for an orgy!

[@Beyondthebox11]

Like the design of the 41 for such a small boat it has a great design. I think my only negative issue on the boat is that it has wet heads a boat that is 2024. Should have dry heads by now. wet heads should be something in the past. Anyways, it’s still an awesome looking boat. Thank you for a great video.

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

You are right about the wet heads, but I think it's one of those floor plan option jobs, and I don't think it helps. I forgot to show the owner's cabin heads, but yes wet heads should be a thing of the past on a 40ft sailboat.

[@Andy-99.]

Beautiful video. The 2020 version is still missing the deck hatch in the guest cabin.

[@pekka75]

I just love this boat! It has everything I'm looking for 👊

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

Do you think you would be tempted to buy one?

[@renatofigueiredo603]

Wow! Amazing! I loved it.

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

I am glad it is a nice boat for 40ft.

[@doverivermedia3937]

Excellent video. Very interesting and insightful 👍. .. 🇬🇧

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

Thank you;

[@diotough]

Lovely boats with a lot of quality of life for those who rather cruiser than race. If I had the option, I'd go with the Sirius pendents but the Moodys are nice as well. That being said I don't know if I like the idea of a fibreglass hull for ocean crossings versus something made from Aluminium for example. But that's obviously in a different price range. Personally I'd dream of a 42-46ft aluminium center cockpit deck saloon (not necessarily same level, I'm ok with like 2 or 3 not too steep steps), with a large owner's cabin aft, a workbench underneath the saloon on one side and a double cabin on the other side and a large double at the frount. One wet head at the front and a dry head for the owner's cabin. Angled windows (like on the Garcia yachts), 15-17t displacement, 600l Diesel tank, 600l freshwater tank, full skeg, draft ~2m with a longer keel, coach roof fully covered in solar panels, hydrogenerator, water maker. Basically: the go anywhere and don't care too much about how long it takes kind of boat.

[@FXPL9277]

I really thing that not being sunken into a cave is always better. The views and enjoyment of DS boats are matched only by cats, and are the best option for who doesn't care for extreme performance.

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

Total agree and it would seem that Deck salon boats are starting to become more popular again.

[@tonyhalsall3170]

Nice boat and one I have admired for a while. I recall that an Irish 54DS won the ARC about three years ago? That said, I have always thought that one of the biggest drawbacks for couples on sailing boats is the lack of cozy space where a couple can chill out together. Catamaran’s started to address this with fly bridges and then various mono hull models started to introduce split cockpit tables with hydraulic lifters so that one side could be a sunbathing (sleeping) side - you recently reviewed the Hanse 410 with exactly this set up and I think that the new Bavaria 46 also has this option as does the Bavaria Vision 42. I do like this Moody DS but it is a deal breaker for us as a couple to not have chill out space that we can share together. Great vids by the way 👍

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

I think space will always be a problem on the smaller boats, I Have been lucky to deliver and crew on a lot of sailboats but only on the 45ft and upwards have I been able to find a chill out spot. As a couple it all depends on who you might have on board with you or if it’s just the two of you? Yes the new generation of Hanse, Beneteau and Bavaria style production yachts are starting to adresse this issue with giving you more options for chilling out and enjoying the sun more.

[@billhanna8838]

Great set up , I believe a 54 did vert well in a hobart race enjoying G& Ts all the way

[@ianscott3180]

It would be good to see her offshore for a bit of a passage. Obviously not a serious blue water yacht but how many of us need that? Times have changed over my time and comfort is a must now. Many years ago I sailed a Contessa 26 to the Med from the Solent. No GPS, plotter, radar, ais and hank on foresails. Yes, I like the idea of a few home comforts. Back then a Moody 33 was considered to be on the larger end of the market, I had one of those too.

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

Now that's two great sailboats. I love Contessa and still rate them as some of the best sailboats in the world. I grew up with Moodys, so they will always hold a special place in my heart. and will admit to looking at a 2001 Moody 42 in the Hamble a few weeks ago. It is An excellent boat, but too much 💸💰for me as a gift to myself;)

[@gavinferguson]

ive spent a few trips delivering moddy eclispes back in the 80;s and most were only used as floating rv's most were motored everywhere when they did move we even moved boats where the owners never bought sails. most seem to have vanished to the back of boat yards never to be launched every again so good luck with this model.

[@joseerazevedo]

I find Moody's deck saloons very interesting. I understand those who love to do regattas or pretend they need a "fast" boat simply reject it. But its purpose is not to be a racing boat but a cruiser. And on this I believe they must be a very interesting option. For so many space, I only wish they had a dedicated engine room, like Amels do - and an axle. Saildrives require more maintenance and should they hit something, bye, bye. Thanks for the video! See you on the next one!

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

Ah Amel, it’s poetry in motion. Moody (Hanse) hit a sweet spot with the DS range but yes there are a few things that could be a little bit better. I like them and I believe they make a good cruising boat and as you say maybe not for the go faster crowd.

[@joseerazevedo]

@@SVTONICBoatWives don't know why so many people are in a hurry lately... Living is SO much enjoyable on a slower pace :)

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

@@joseerazevedo Definitely

[@peteremmett8332]

If it had a shaft drive and twin rudders I'd order one tomorrow...

[@constantinealexandrakis]

Thanks for yet another splendid review. Beautiful boat, beautiful deck salon. I do wonder how the high center of gravity affects stability. The Sirius 40DS seems a bit more sea worthy to me but beautiful boat nevertheless. PS. Not that you need defence against the language police but master cabin means principal/main cabin of course, which may or may not be the owner's cabin. Similarly, Master's degree means advanced skill degree, as in master painter, the maestro who conducts an opera, etc. So feel free to use whichever word you see fit.

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

I haven't yet been on a Sirius, so I can't compare the two as yet. The Centre of gravity Is fine as all your weight is central to the hull, and one sneaky Moody trick is how they managed to get the deck and salon on one level plus with high side rails, the whole deck and cockpit area are lower in the hull.

[@ianbrown1255]

I have a Jeanneau 41ds but this is my dream and the next step for me…..lots more money though!

[@chrissnyder7968]

The one issue my wife has with DS boats, and modest length catamarans, is no pantry space. The DS certainly has a lovely view but the galley is a compromise in this 41 but as a weekender, not a problem. Thank you for the videos.

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

Thank you for watching.

[@MonstaMunch101]

There's massive under floor space in the galley.

[@reneecannady9843]

If you chop them up instead of folding I would guess 10.😊

[@jabberwockytdi8901]

Actually astounding that DS boats aren't way more common in northern waters.

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

I think they are becoming more popular as monohull manufacturers are changing because of catamarans.

[@PaulAnthonyDuttonUk]

I like it. Think it’s very swish. Though the rear cockpit is not overly convivial. It’s not very well connected to the view/experience. A bit of a pit!

[@sedatkasrat]

I saw one of these 41 DSs recently in a boat show here and I had a chance to inspect one 2021 54DS docked next to me while I'm helping the skipper to fix stucked/broken furler issue for same boat... I sadly say that Moody stopped being Moody and started being trendy (a.k.a. ordinary)... the quality of overall finishing and furniture has dramatically demoted and equilised with 5 mass-production brands... but price tags stucked over the top for some reason that I cannot find out. I can see that in your video as well... Moody was known for their approach to keep unseen surfaces and edges as same as the prominent ones... Sharp edges, raw cutted corners, cheap laminated plywoods and rough surfaces are for Bene - Jeno - Bav etc., not for Moody owners who wills to pay 2x for same size...

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

I think that if people are really in the market for a DS sailboat, for the same or a similar budget should look at Allures, Garcia, Nordship and so on top quality yachts built well with quality materials. Don't get me wrong I like this boat but it has its place in the market for 150.000 less.

[@shinshishi1]

Barca bellissima, in stile nordico, come piacciono a me. Peccato che al tavolo da carteggio (ormai un refugium pecatorum), non ci sia un timone, nei mari agitati del nord o del sud, sarebbe stato comodissimo. La dinette è un pochino piccola ma, è comprensibile, dati gli spazi esterni, degni di una barca da Mediterraneo. Awesome boat, in nordic style, that i love. Perhaps a rudder in the nav table is a better choice. The dinette, looks a little small, but the outdoor zone is so large...

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

Fico feliz que você tenha gostado, é um ótimo barco para uso médico ou apenas para passear. Obrigado por assistir e desculpe pela minha tradução.

[@bluecap5434]

hi, thanx for nice video. from your point of view, how did find the galley? it looks a bit small. Also the inner helm station is not so useful unless it has a streering. the inner auto pilot does not mean too much as the captain can set it outside station and sit in the salon. other than these, the design is astonishing and charming. i would like to have your and other followers' comments. thanx againg and have fun.😀

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

I think the Gally is acceptable for the size of the boat with a raised salon, as I think that if you are sailing in warmer climates, most of your cocking will be done on a BBQ. As for the nave-desk, if you are in the habit of using an auto-pilot with a self-tacking Gib and German main sail system, if the weather is good, you can tack the boat or go downwind, etc, without leaving the salon. Have you looked at the Nordship 42ds? These are fantastic sailboats. Click the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZvCo4KilMuDfZY

[@graemeday4195]

Personally, I like it, although I'd probably chose the Sirius 40 DS, as its better made and more "Blue water". Great video though, thanks mush. 😊

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

That's three votes for the Sirius 40ds so far; I am glad you like it, though it is a lovely boat.

[@waltereggenberger1516]

I much prefer the ambience of the DS 41 over he Sirius. It is so light and modern, I really like it a lot. Other than that, I think it is an unfair comparison beause Sirius, as a custom made boat is in another league in all aspects. Including the price though….. My favourite currently is a Garcia Exploration 45.

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

@@waltereggenberger1516 Ah the Garcia 45 is on another level, as you may know, we test-sailed a 62 this year and a 52 a few months ago (video coming soon) Garcia and Allures DS are on another level as blue water sailboats go. Some good friends of ours are developing a DS 43 with META France which we will be marketing next year in our new brokerage, it's going to be an interesting sailboat.

[@brownnoise357]

After looking into the Sirius DS Models, I did a deep dive into the larger Moody DS Models and found far too much wasted space lost in favour of unnecessary luxury, and bloody awful contortions needed to access important areas. Huge plus for the 80hp Yanmar engine option as at least you can get the far superior ZF Saildrive with that as the Yanmar Saildrive scuse the French, bloody Sucks. The big Turnoff for me though due to needing to head to hot places, is the Loads of glass Greenhouse slapped in top of a Nonohull.For me, that means excessively high temperatures, potentially even worse than the average Centre Cockpit Sailboat.tbh, the only DS models that work for me, are the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey DS ones - No greenhouse at all, plus excellent headroom to assist with Heat Disposal. Lots of bits to like with this 41 DS- Great Cockpit, very safe side decks, wonderful below the galley Storage Room, and the Below Decks accommodation is to me, the best designed Moody DS. A good boat for UK Waters, the Baltic and such, but for me, the shallow Draft would have to be reduced by at least a foot. Good effort otherwise though tbh.Without the Greenhouse on it, it would be an excellent Mediterranean Boat. Great Tour. 👍Best Wishes, Fair Winds, and Safe Travels.Bob.⛵️🌟🌟🌟🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇧❤️

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

I will see if they will lend us one so we can put it to the test;)

[@healer81]

I like it, although its hard to decide between something like a Lagoon 40 foot Cat or a Beneteau 51.1. The Beneteau maybe more sea worthy in rough seas and the Cat will be more comfortable most of the time. Moody's finishing and quality is superior but I don't know if that outweighs everything else. If Moody managed to move their team to a place with lower cost to be priced more competitively they would get more customers.

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

That's the hard choice when looking at boats, I like to look at them differently and ask myself what job I want this boat to do. I do understand why people compare cats to mono and you are right a 40ft lagoon is a good match for a 50ft Beneteau. Last year we chartered two boats Lagoon 42 for a week which was great fun with friends and the kids on board loads of space for everyone. Then a Beneteau 45 for a week of hard, fast sailing and it was great but if I were to make a choice for long-term living, with a similar budget I would take the lagoon over the Beneteau 45.

[@healer81]

I've been pondering whether or not to take a year off from things can sail with either a Lagoon 42 or a Beneteau 51.1. The Lagoon does make more sense with kids for us but seems like a Beneteau will last longer and last 10+ years if taken care of and maintained. I feel like a monohaul is an easier "forever" boat. Cats haven't been around long enough but from the looks of the older ones seems like they don't age very well. The newest Jeanneau 55 seems ideal for me because its an easy boat to grow into but just out of my price range. @@SVTONICBoatWives

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

@@healer81 May I ask what or where you would like to sail for your year off as this might or will help to choose the right sailboat for you and your family.

[@healer81]

​@@SVTONICBoatWives We are thinking of starting off with coastal cruising thru the Caribbean thru Panama, West Coast America then to Hawaii. But if we find a good deal in Europe on a vessel I dont mind doing an Atlantic Crossing to the America's. Right now we are Asia so as long as we can start from somewhere and work our way to US we flexible. Getting on the water is the priority so looking for a used boat 3-5 years old makes the most sense.

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

@@healer81 Sounds like you are going to have an interesting adventure. if you have any questions feel free to ask away. 😁

[@ezmn9663]

Can you see over the pilot house when standing?

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

Yes no problem at all with visibility.

[@andrewverden7965]

Certainly a high quality boat, but manual pump toilet - nope. In this size of boat I would expect two luxury cabins each with its own ensuite with separate showers, not wet heads and this boat simply doesn't have one of these cabins. The space has been lost into access and storage. Yes the DS is nice but not my choice - I'd go for a Grand Soleil 42 LC offering comparable build quality...

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

Two very different boats there, Grand Soleil 42 Vs Moody 41. I can do that as we went around GS42 this September, and yes, you are right to say wet heads nowadays in a 41ft sailboat is not good

[@markjennings2315]

DS is great, I dont like having to climb up and down in mono hulls. feels like youare down in a submarine.

[@silvanocometta9760]

Hi. The cockpit lockers should be entirely free of tubings and electrical equipment. They must have been designed by engineers that have never been to sea. Not a surprise, with Hanse in their necks.

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

Why? The cockpit is well protected and the lookers have a seel. I understand it's not ideal but as an owner, you can always change the placement of such things.

[@silvanocometta9760]

@SVTONICBoatWives OK. You will soon realize that some of the stuff that you put into those lockers will be wet, which is bad for anything electrical. Humidity will get everywhere. In addition, some of the stuff will move and bang around. This, too, is not good for anything installed there. Chafing will take its toll. Good luck!

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

@@silvanocometta9760 it's a boat everything gets wet from time to time.

[@mikeatfreo2112]

Balsa cored hulls, like this, really give me the creeps.

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

Why is that?

[@mikeatfreo2112]

@@SVTONICBoatWives because when sea water and balsa meet they form a black mush. Since the primary function of the balsa is to provide stiffness to the girder structure, this is not good. There are sailing forums where this has been discussed in detail. The builders will tell you that they use "high tech balsa". There is no such thing but the mode of employment is quite high tech. Small thin blocks of balsa are encapsulated and then vacuum infused into the structure between the two laminates of glass. I think it is Bvaria who have provided some quite good explanations of the process. However, when the boat hull starts working in a seaway or when squeezed by a heavy landing against a solid wharf etc, the structure will move. Noone can ensure that sea water will not get in to one of those blocks of balsa. So, only a small weakness since the blocks are quite small. But, when one block has started in failure mode, it is no longer providing the stiffness that it is intended for and it makes it easier for other blocks in that area to move and fail. Failure will take a long time but some people who are inspired to do up an old balsa cored hull. Most of the old hulls that appear on KZbin today will be solid topsides. But the future will be interesting. Thats why premium builders, like Hallberg-Rassy, use solid closed cell foam cores.

[@patrickoconnor661]

You missed the owner cabin head. Instead of opening drawers you should go through the doors.

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

you are right, I was out of time but the owner's head is the same as the other one.

[@seawench555]

Hi Mate, nice boat, but not my cup of boat, do me a favour can u call it the owners cabin, not master please. Watch the comments now!!! Thanks for another review. These monohulls are looking more comfortable and easier to sail every time a new production is born. 👍🏳️‍🌈🤣

[@KevinDavis-pi5zt]

She needs to put a trigger warning for the video 😂

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

Wait until you see the Oyster 595; now she is a sexy boat;) I don't mind Master cabin or Madam cabin or VIP cabin, or I just want too sleep cabin because it's been a long passage to the pub and back;)

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

@@KevinDavis-pi5zt I don't understand? am I upsetting the new Woke crowd? I hope so;)

[@IgorFrost]

You need a camera with more wide lens because you shot pov video and objects are very close to viewers. Best regards

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

You are right I do, Feel free to hit that super thanks button for 1700$ that would help.😁

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

Glad you liked it this is an AI response you can always hit that super thanks button and help raise money for a wide-angle lens? It's around 1700$ Thank you for watching.

[@Ian-gf8id]

To answer your question...interesting design but far too many compromises = fail. Small galley, small saloon, very high freeboard, very deep keel, etc. I get the impression that the designers are confused about what this boat should be. I wouldn't buy one.

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

What Deck salon would you put in its place?

[@Ian-gf8id]

@@SVTONICBoatWives I think monohulls of this sort of size are fundamentally too small for an uncompromised deck saloon. A 40' cat has the beam, and a 40' traditional monohull has adequate internal volume for a couple of people to be comfortable, but a 40' monohull with split level accommodation seems to have to make too many compromises. I'd far rather have an Omni 400, or a Garcia 45, for example.

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

@@Ian-gf8id What about the Nordship 420DS kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZvCo4KilMuDfZY It is hard to compare Garcia 45 exploration with a Moody 41ds as they are built for entirely different experiences unfortunately, every sailboat is a compromise. Even if you design your own, you will have to make a compromise somewhere, unfortunately. Don't get me wrong, I like Catamarans Two, and we have many videos coming shortly on cats and other mono hulls, Like a giant 96ft carbon monster.

[@Ian-gf8id]

@@SVTONICBoatWives the 420DS is undoubtedly a well-made boat - the craftsmanship is easy to see, BUT, it looks like it's been designed to win first prize in the "Minimum Number of Square Metres of Floor at the Same Level in a Boat" competition. Can you imagine clambering up and down all those internal changes of floor level in a heavy sea ? As for the mahoosive step between the helm and the cockpit... I like simplicity of design, and space which is configured to be inherently efficient. I don't see that in the interiors of the Moody 41DS or the Lordship 420DS, regardless of how well they're constructed. None of this is a critique on your reviews, which I really enjoy watching.

[@oryxone-c3o]

at least 4 bodies fit into starboard side ))))

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

we will try, you might be right;)

[@easyman8609]

Never buy a sailing yacht with only 2 winches. Very few sailarea for this weight. Only 31% ballast. Not so cheap.

[@johnnythesailor2501]

Obviously

[@deerfootnz]

Its the same hull and underbody as a Hanse. Unfortunately the same appalling build quality as the Hanse as built by the same factory workers. Its far too beamy for its length which has to affect the handling and sea kindkiness very adversely. Its not for me. I prefer a sailing yacht.

[@TGoff-fz7yh]

Not sure what would inspire the derision you keep mentioning between sailors who hate DS designs.

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

There are quite a few who dislike DS's especially this one as Moody had or has quite a following.

[@TGoff-fz7yh]

@@SVTONICBoatWives that doesn't answer my question of what motivates peoples animosity towards a style that is different from their own taste. Seems a lot of sailors are a bit childish in their inflated and self important opinions. Just like what you like. Plenty for all tastes.

[@geraldhowse8597]

Toe rail safe for the kids! Lol lol lol . Not my kids. What other lies has she tried running by us?

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

I take it your kids are just as wild as mine.🐒🐵

[@TGoff-fz7yh]

Lies? Lol. Drama queen.

[@joeuser2360]

Why would you title it like that? Moody's been making deck saloons of all sizes for a while. They know what they're doing so it's not going to be a "complete FAIL". What a clickbait title.

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

It shouldn't be clickbait at all it's an open question, where in the market does it fit for deck salons? Is it an explorer yacht, or a family cruiser? a weekend boat? A crossover from mono to catamaran or as a trendsetter? I am not dissing the Moody DS at all and as I mentioned more than once in the video we grew up with Moodys so there is a place in my heart for them. The idea is for people to look at the sailboats objectively and form their own opinion on how this boat fits them or where they (or you) think it fits into the market.

[@Boatlessguy]

Title may have been fleshed out more .... however, not clickbait. Moody DS's are stunningly beautiful vessels and iconic in their layout/ design. Perception being reality, so to me the question was more about the current state of Hanse's distribution & material qualities. To which it seems a Moody built today pales in comparison to Moody manufactured pre-pandemic. Plastic latches, non-dovetailed joinery, quality marine plywood with thicker veneers, placement of panels inside lazzarettes not protected from items being placed/ tossed into them

[@HarryShagnasty-sc9zd]

5 at least if you pass the through a meat grinder first

[@SVTONICBoatWives]

My thoughts exactly, 😁