Moody 45DS

Now here’s a boat that’s sure to elicit a polarity of responses. The new Moody 45DSe is exactly that–new. Some may say it has cool aggressive styling, others may say it’s kind of…chunky. It’s got a huge, well protected cockpit, and a seamless (no step) transition between the cockpit and the main interior living space. The companionway has sliding glass doors that are much more catamaran than descending down steep steps that most offshore monohulls require, and the interior is…modern.

Personally, I love the idea of turning conventional design aesthetics on its ear. Not all new ideas work, but it’s always good to have choices. In my opinion, all too many boats have white hulls, white sails, teak and holly soles, and accommodations plans that are virtually unchanged from boats that debuted 30 years ago. Now, paradoxically, I’m all for “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it,” and many boats simply work best with conventional designs, but surely there is more than one way to skin a cat. The Moody 45DS illustrates this beautifully.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that the Moody’s main saloon looks more like what you’d find on a big sport fishing boat than a 45 foot offshore cruising boat, but the question is….is that so bad? The saloon has awesome headroom, a true 360 degree view out (as opposed to some “deck saloons” that simply put the windows up high and you only see “up” rather than “out”), and the previously mentioned seamless integration with the cockpit. All good things.

No, this is not the “Batmobile”. It’s the Moody 45DSe. And should be making it’s American debut sometime this year.

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  1. says: Anonymous

    I agree with the comments made. The Moody 45 and 62 are nice. I am really glad to see someone take the living conditions on a sailboat out of the basement. I hope the performance is good too. It looks like it is in the videos.
    Another boat I am impressed with is a http://www.shannonyachts.com with the 53 HPS.

  2. says: Anonymous

    Hanse Yachts first impressed me with the interiors of their own 350, 370, and 400.. and now done it again with the Moody purchase and introduction of the 45DS and 62DS.

    Aside from its performance, which I have yet to read about, the Moody 45DS is gorgeous. There are plenty of people out there who are not fond of its lines; I figure these people drive a Ford and prefer furniture from the Brick.

    Anyone out there who appreciates the quality and styling of a BMW, Audi or Porsche, and prefers modern functional industrial design will surely see what all the fuss is about.

    I sure hope the 45DS can live up to its claims.
    That much glass can’t be good on a blue water cruiser.. can it?

    All in all .. Bill Dixon and Hanse have really outdone themselves on this one. IMO