MOODY 39
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 38.58 ft |
| LWL | 32.58 ft |
| Beam | 13.48 ft |
| Draft | 5.97 ft |
| Displacement | 18,078 lb |
| Ballast | 6,614.7 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.6 kn |
About the MOODY 39
Designed by Angus Primrose and built by A. H. Moody & Son Ltd. (UK) between 1975–1978, the Moody 39 is a robust coastal cruiser with a total production of 82 hulls. Its heavy displacement and full keel design prioritize stability and comfort over raw speed, making it a classic example of 1970s British yacht building.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and those seeking a comfortable, stable passage-making vessel, particularly those interested in self-sufficiency given the high prevalence of watermaker and solar panel installations. It is well-suited for couples or small families who prioritize a secure, heavy-displacement ride over high-performance racing.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 18078.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.06, the Moody 39 is inherently stable and suitable for offshore passages, though its full/long keel and masthead sloop rig favor steady, safe passage-making over high-speed performance.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to the Hallberg-Rassy 38 and the Hallberg-Rassy 36 due to similar heavy-displacement, full-keel characteristics and British/European build quality from the same era. It also shares DNA with the Moody 34 and Moody 42, offering a similar balance of comfort and seaworthiness within the Moody lineage.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(2 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 2.9 | 4.1 | 5.1 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.2 |
| 60° | 3.2 | 4.5 | 5.4 | 6.1 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.4 | 7.5 |
| 75° | 3.4 | 4.7 | 5.7 | 6.4 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 7.9 |
| 90° | 3.4 | 4.6 | 5.6 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.2 |
| 110° | 3.3 | 4.6 | 5.7 | 6.6 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.3 | 8.8 |
| 120° | 3.1 | 4.4 | 5.6 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 8.3 | 9.0 |
| 135° | 2.8 | 4.0 | 5.1 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 8.1 | 8.8 |
| 150° | 2.3 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5.4 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.8 | 8.4 |
| Beat VMG | 1.8 | 2.6 | 3.2 | 3.7 | 4.1 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 4.8 |
| Run VMG | 2.0 | 3.0 | 3.9 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.6 | 7.4 | 7.9 |
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
8 listings · boat years 1976–1978 · median $50,736
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 38.58ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
13 reported issues across 6 systems for the MOODY 39, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a MOODY 39? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 13 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
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Used sails that fit the MOODY 39
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