Built between 1990 and 1992 by Marine Projects Ltd. in the UK, this Bill Dixon-designed cruiser represents Moody's commitment to comfortable offshore sailing. The Eclipse variant of the Moody 38 line combines traditional British craftsmanship with modern sailing performance, featuring a fin keel with spade rudder configuration that delivers responsive handling while maintaining directional stability.
At 37.5 feet overall with a 32.2-foot waterline, the Eclipse offers an impressive balance of interior volume and sailing capability. The 16,250-pound displacement, supported by 6,500 pounds of ballast, provides the solid, reassuring feel that Moody yachts are renowned for. With a comfort ratio of 24.41, this boat prioritizes seaworthiness and crew comfort over pure speed, making it ideal for extended coastal cruising and offshore passages.
The masthead sloop rig carries 645 square feet of sail area, delivering a sail area-to-displacement ratio of 16.15 that ensures adequate performance in light to moderate conditions. The fiberglass construction and 59-horsepower engine provide reliability for serious cruising endeavors. Dixon's design philosophy emphasizes seaworthiness and livability, characteristics that shine through in the Eclipse's reputation as a capable bluewater cruiser favored by couples and families seeking adventure beyond coastal waters.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall)
37.50 ft / 11.43 m
LWL (Waterline Length)
32.20 ft / 9.81 m
Beam
13.00 ft / 3.96 m
Max Draft
4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement
16,250.00 lb / 7,371 kg
Ballast
6,500.00 lb / 2,948 kg
Sail Area (Reported)
645.00 ft² / 59.92 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type
Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type
Masthead Sloop
Construction
FG
Designer
Bill Dixon
Builder
Marine Projects Ltd. (UK)
First Built
1990
Last Built
1992
Owner Reviews
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement
Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
16.15
Ballast/Displacement
Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
Displacement/Length
Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
217.29
Comfort Ratio
Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
24.41
Capsize Screening Formula
The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
2.06
Hull Speed
Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions.
7.60 kn
S# (Speed Number)
The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
2.41
Pounds/Inch Immersion
Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline.
1,495.70 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc)
Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure.
16.14
