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Moody 42
Designer: Angus Primrose  ·  Builder: A. H. Moody Ltd. (Uk)  ·  First built: 1977
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About the Moody 42

Designed by renowned naval architect Angus Primrose and built by A.H. Moody Ltd. in the UK, this substantial cruising sailboat represents British yacht building at its finest during the late 1970s and early 1980s. With only 54 hulls produced between 1977 and 1981, the Moody 42 remains a relatively exclusive design that has earned respect among serious cruising sailors. The masthead ketch rig configuration provides excellent sail handling options and reduces the size of individual sails, making it particularly appealing for shorthanded cruising or offshore passages. Her fin keel with rudder on skeg arrangement offers a good balance of performance and directional stability, while the substantial 24,200-pound displacement and moderate sail area create a forgiving, seaworthy platform. With a comfort ratio of 32.23 and capsize screening formula of 1.85, this yacht clearly prioritizes stability and crew comfort over racing performance. The fiberglass construction and thoughtful proportions make her well-suited for extended coastal cruising and offshore passages, where her seakindly motion and robust build quality shine. Her 7.90-knot hull speed provides respectable passage-making capability, while the 65-horsepower engine ensures reliable auxiliary power for challenging conditions or marina maneuvering.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 41.79 ft / 12.74 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 34.75 ft / 10.59 m
Beam 13.33 ft / 4.06 m
Max Draft 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
Displacement 24,200.00 lb / 10,977 kg
Ballast 6,600.00 lb / 2,994 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 762.00 ft² / 70.79 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Ketch
Construction FG
Designer Angus Primrose
Builder A. H. Moody Ltd. (UK)
First Built 1977
Last Built 1981
Number Built 54
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 210
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
 14.63
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.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 27.27
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
 257.46
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
 32.23
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
 1.85
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. 7.90 kn
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. 1,655.13 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Perkins
Engine Model 4-236
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 65
Fuel Capacity 108 gals / 409 L
Water Capacity 132 gals / 500 L
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