Description

The Moody S38 is one of the later and more modern production designs for Moody by Bill Dixon, aiming at better sailing performance than many earlier Moody models. It is an aft-cockpit yacht, unlike most of the larger Moodys which are centre cockpit. This 1996 example has been in the same ownership for 16 years, and is extremely well equipped with a very comprehensive inventory. She is for sale now only because of the owner's health issues. This is the shallow keel "Owners" version.

For more and larger photos and full inventory details go to our own website at https://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/boats/j111025/j111025.htm

Specifications

Accommodation

Saloon

Forecabin

Forward heads

Saloon table

Saloon aft

Galley

Galley detail

Chart table

Aft heads

Aft cabin

Accommodation plan

Construction

While the Moody name traditionally indicated a fairly spacious but not especially fast cruiser, a few of their later designs were aimed at buyers wanting a bit more performance, and were clearly aimed at competing with the French designs becoming popular in the UK at the time. The Moody S31 and S38 were the two designs they produced for a number of years in the late 1990s.

The Moody S38 was designed by Bill Dixon, and was sold with either deep or shoal draught fin keels and masthead or fractional rig, the fractional rig examples being designated "Sport" with deep keel and a taller mast. The accommodation could have either a very large single aft cabin, or twin aft cabins with smaller berths.

This yacht for sale is the standard cruising version with masthead rig, shoal keel and the single aft cabin layout. As with all the "production" Moodys, the yachts were built and fitted out for Moodys by Marine Projects in Plymouth, who now operate as Princess Yachts. Around 60 Moody S38s were built in total. During this period Moody were also building and selling the older design Moody 38 centre-cockpit cruiser. The S38 was actually slightly beamier than the centre-cockpit Moody 38, with beam carried further aft, allowing a big aft cabin to be created without the raised coachroof of the older "cruisier" Moody 38 design.

'Yachting Monthly' report the design is ".... Above all she is a good all-rounder, capable of taking families offshore in safety or just pottering along the coastline in comfort."

Moored October 2025

Deck

Bow detail

Windlass

Bowthruster under forecabin berth

Proportional bowthruster

Deck aft

Cockpit canopy

Cockpit from companionway

Cockpit table

Cockpit

Companionway

Stern view

Ashore June 2025

Ashore

Equipment

Yacht Legs

Legs packed

Engine(s)

Engine

Sails & Spars

Sailplan

Rig

Disclaimer

The particulars detailed herein are intended to give a fair description of the vessel but their accuracy cannot be guaranteed. These particulars are not a part of any contract or offer, and are supplied on the understanding that all negotiations shall be conducted via Yachtsnet Ltd., who are acting as brokers for the vendor. The vendor is not selling in the course of business unless otherwise stated. The prospective purchaser is strongly recommended to check the particulars, and where appropriate, at his own expense, to employ qualified agents to carry out surveys, structural and/or mechanical & electrical checks or tests.

Location Map