Yachting Monthly
- Digital edition
Moody 36 MkII: a centre-cockpit cruiser that’s practical and fun
- Duncan Kent
- June 17, 2021
The build quality, comfort and seaworthiness of the Moody 36 MkII makes her a popular family cruiser, as Duncan Kent discovers
The Moody 36's excellent balance means there is little or no weather helm. Credit: Tom Benn/[email protected]
Product Overview
Manufacturer:.
The Bill Dixon-designed Moody 36 combines practicality, comfort, sea kindliness and high-quality build, making her an ideal cruising yacht.
The Moody 36 MkII might be described as a family coastal cruiser, but she has a performance not previously seen in Moody’s centre-cockpit range of yachts and is easily seaworthy enough to cross oceans – as many have.
A development of his earlier 35, the Moody 36 MkII had a slightly slimmer hull and longer waterline, which resulted in a noticeably quicker and better-balanced boat.
Though most owners buy Moodys for the considerable comforts they offer, they were meticulously constructed and have excellent sea-keeping abilities too.
Design and construction of the Moody 36 MkII
The Moody 36’s near-plumb stem, attractive retroussé stern and pleasantly rising sheer line with teak-capped bulwark give her a classy, yet modern look.
She carries maximum beam a long way aft, providing sufficient internal space for her trademark roomy aftercabin and offering way more useful stowage than is available in many of today’s popular cruising yachts.
Built at Marine Projects in Plymouth (now Princess Yachts), a total of 118 Moody 36 MkIIs were constructed to Lloyd’s 100A1 yardstick.
Hulls were laid up by hand, using mat and woven rovings with waterproof isophthalic resins.
Owners of the Moody 36 MkII could choose between a bilge, shoal or deep fin keel. Credit: Tom Benn/[email protected]
They were stiffened with balsa-cored frames and stringers, and finished with bonded floors and bulkheads for additional strength.
The deck is balsa-cored, but with hefty plywood backing plates laminated in under winches and deck gear.
Finally, the hull-deck joint was through-bolted and then bonded over, before being capped with smart teak.
A choice of bilge, shoal (bulbed) or deep-fin keels was offered and her large, semi-balanced rudder is supported by a half-skeg, making her more resistant to steering damage from floating debris and stray lines.
Some sailors like centre cockpits, some don’t.
They tend to be a little small compared to aft cockpit boats but many owners prefer being high above the sea and love the extra-large aft cabin it enables.
Downsides include more movement in rolly seas, a higher boom and centre of effort on the main, and poor visibility ahead to leeward with the genoa unfurled.
The cockpit layout is straightforward, with all sail controls led aft through clutches on the coachroof.
The genoa winches are within reach of the helm, as is the mainsheet behind, making single-handing easy.
The large sprayhood provides good protection and easy access to the winches.
Continues below…
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A split backstay and wide rail gate give good access to the transom steps, although it lacks a deeper platform for deck showering and unloading the tender.
Her decks are wide and clear thanks to inboard chain plates and coachroof-mounted genoa tracks.
The foredeck is clutter-free and includes a deep chain locker with a windlass plinth.
Six large mooring cleats are mounted on the bulwarks, making them dead easy to access when coming alongside.
The decks continue all the way aft, where two deep lazarette lockers house most of the loose deck gear.
Below decks on the Moody 36 MkII
Because of the centre cockpit, the companionway ladder is necessarily tall and steep.
The saloon is spacious, warm and cosy with plenty of nicely finished solid wood trims.
Headroom is just over 1.83m/6ft, but watch your head going aft through the corridor.
Set well forward, the saloon is slightly narrower than many, but well compensated for by placing the settees well outboard and making the overhead lockers fairly shallow.
The convertible, U-shaped port settee offers seating for six around the table while thick settee cushions and abundant teak joinery provide a luxurious ambience.
The saloon is cosy and six can eat around the table. Credit: Tom Benn/[email protected]
The dropleaf table doesn’t have a fiddled centre, which is irritating, but does have excellent bottle and glass drawers.
A small step down improves headroom in the forecabin, which contains a decent vee berth with reasonable floor space.
There is ample stowage under the berth, as well as two hanging lockers with shelves, plus a further six lockers above the berth and a large forehatch.
Moving aft, the L-shaped galley is well-equipped, but arranged a little awkwardly.
The worktop area is generous, especially with cooker and sink covers in place, but having the cooker under the cockpit sole limits both light and ventilation.
Both the cooker and fridge are large and there’s storage galore for food, crockery and pans.
The nav station has a forward facing chart table. Credit: Tom Benn/[email protected]
Behind the companionway steps is a central ‘pod’ that provides extra worktop and stowage, as well as housing the fuel tank, battery switches and washboards.
Opposite is a well-appointed nav station with large, forward-facing chart table, its own seat, a comprehensive electrical panel, and plenty of room for nav instruments.
Two corridors lead aft. The starboard one contains a single bunk; the port corridor houses the head, also accessible from the aft cabin.
There’s plenty of elbow room and a separate shower but headroom in the heads is only 5ft 10in.
It’s well organised with good stowage, a large hatch, and a deep sink.
The L-shaped galley has plenty of workspace. Credit: Tom Benn/[email protected]
The spacious master suite aft has always been a popular feature with any centre-cockpit Moody.
Although only 1.83m/6ft long, the Moody 36’s centrally-mounted berth is a luxurious 1.40m/5ft 4in wide.
Headroom is limited to 1.75m/5ft 9in, but the cabin boasts a wealth of stowage plus a dressing table.
Natural light is surprisingly good, with a large overhead hatch, opening side ports and a portlight above the bed head.
Access to the 40hp Volvo diesel engine beneath the cockpit is particularly good, thanks to all-round removable panels, and the steering gear is easily reached under the aft bunk.
Both water and fuel tanks are a good size for cruising too.
Rig and sailplan
The Moody 36 MkII is masthead-rigged with a thick-sectioned, well-supported twin-spreader Seldén mast, boom and gas-sprung kicker.
A triple-reefed, semi-battened mainsail was standard, with luff and leach reefing lines for the first two leading into the cockpit.
The standard headsail was a 125% furling genoa with coachroof-mounted tracks, giving a tight sheeting angle for increased pointing ability.
With the exception, maybe, of the ‘S’ models (31S & 38S), which are reasonably swift, Dixon’s CC Moodys are steady cruisers with conservative sail plans.
All are capable of a respectable pace in open seas, however, where they offer a particularly sea-kindly motion.
Thanks to the inboard genoa tracks they are also pretty close-winded, but they will lose speed rapidly if pinched too tight.
Her fastest point of sail is 50° off the apparent wind, when she surges forward relentlessly, almost oblivious of the sea state.
Control lines on the Moody 36 MkII lead to the cockpit making sailing solo easy. Credit: Tom Benn/[email protected]
The Moody 36 MkII is simple to sail single-handedly, with all the sail controls within easy reach of the wheel, and her excellent balance results in little or no weather helm.
She also boasts a healthy 35% ballast ratio and even with the shoal draft keel she is reassuringly stiff thanks to her weighty ballast bulb.
On a reach with a fair breeze she will easily average between 6.5-7.5 knots in all but the choppiest conditions.
Downwind, she requires a good size spinnaker or chute to keep her flying.
Moody Owners Association ( www.moodyowners.org )
The Moody Owners Association (MOA) aims to serve as custodian of technical information; provide a forum for owners’ experiences; promote social and sailing opportunities and provide a point of contact for prospective owners.
Owners experiences of the Moody 36 MkII
S/y cantata (2000).
Cantata is well equipped including new sails. Credit: Dick Holness
Dick and Angela Holness bought bilge-keeled Cantata in 2015 to replace their Moody S31, primarily for the extra accommodation.
She came pretty standard but since buying her they have carried out myriad upgrades, including new instruments, AIS, MFD, Navtex and VHF extension, now all networked via NMEA2000.
They have also added new batteries with a monitor, gas alarm, sound system, electric windlass, kicker strut, Autoprop, solar panels, electric toilet and new sails, which must make her one of the best-equipped Moody 36s around!
Asked if they’d had any problems, Dick says: ‘One fault at purchase was a leaking rudder stock housing, apparently a common problem on these boats and something I found I could largely fix myself. Also, some 36s, including mine, had a particular type of stanchion fixing through the toe rail that made them prone to leaks.’
Dick, who is co-author of the East Coast Pilot , started sailing dinghies at the age of 12 and continued to race them for nearly 50 years.
He started cruising around 25 years ago and has owned a Hunter Horizon 26, Sadler 29 and the Moody S31.
Based on the River Swale in Kent, Dick and Angela sail predominantly up the East Coast, with occasional trips across the Channel.
‘Under sail, Cantata is quite docile really and probably under-canvassed,’ says Dick.
‘She’s not good in light airs, being quite heavy, but her sea-going qualities are impressive if we get caught out in worse conditions than expected. With 15-20 knots on the beam, though, she gallops along with a smooth, easy motion.
‘Although I occasionally single-hand, Angela and I usually sail together, which is reasonably easy, although as we get creakier, I confess to doing rather more “genoa only” sailing than we used to. However, the change to a fully battened main has made life a fair bit easier. I would guess that the majority of 36s have in-mast furling and, bearing in mind our age, perhaps it might have been wiser to have found one with it. Cantata is very seaworthy and hasn’t really got any vices, although her high freeboard can catch the wind when manoeuvring in marinas.
‘She is very comfortable for long periods on board as there’s bags of space. But if we were off long term, I would probably upgrade and better insulate the fridge, plus install dinghy davits. I haven’t fitted heating yet as it’s so difficult to retrofit hot air ducting.
‘We did a long cruise down the French Channel coast a few years ago. Both crossings of the Dover Strait were wilder than expected but the boat just coped with it all. And with only 1.2m draught she’s a very capable ditch-crawler.’
S/Y Ellen Marvel (1998, HN 61)
John and Lesley Oldham regularly cruise the West Country and France. Credit: Tom Benn/[email protected]
John and Lesley Oldham, 73, have owned the shoal-keeled Ellen Marvel for 19 years.
‘Being the show boat at Ijmuiden, she already had a high specification, including leather upholstery and extra opening portlights, but the first owner also had heating and a bow thruster installed.
‘Our first successful improvement was to remake the aft cabin berth with a deeper mattress and underlaying slats. Venturing outside to secure the gas also became tedious, so we fitted an electric valve/sensor. I also replaced the fridge with a modern 12V model and installed a holding tank. Finally, we increased the battery capacity and included a larger shore power charger, smart alternator regulator and a galvanic isolator.
‘We fitted a Bruntons Autoprop early on, which increased our sailing speed by between 0.5 to 1.0 knot. Later we added a rod kicker with the control line led aft. We also replaced the manual windlass with an electric one and moved it forward to help prevent the chain bunching up. Our most recent upgrade has been to fit dinghy davits.
‘The instrumentation has been upgraded with a Raymarine chart plotter in the cockpit, Quantum radar, AIS700, an Icom DSC VHF and an ICS Nav6plus Navtex and instrument repeater. Plus, we now have an internal Wi-Fi network with router for marina Wi-Fi.
‘We’ve had a few faults, but not many. The pressure relief valve on the hot water tank often discharged into the bilge, which we corrected by fitting an expansion tank, and a persistent leak into the forepeak underfloor was eventually diagnosed as anchor locker drain failure.
‘The original genoa was poorly cut and the positioning of the shrouds and track prevented her from being sailed close-hauled. The original sailmakers had compensated with a belly in the foot but our new sail corrected much of this with a higher-cut clew.’
John and Lesley began sailing by taking flotilla holidays in their early 40s and soon decided to get their own boat.
They bought a new Moody S31 but soon found it too small for their needs as impending retirement, with the option of longer cruises, loomed.
‘We sail regularly as a couple, though often we sail in company with friends in their own boats. We are mainly day sailors with a penchant for overnighting in marinas. With days to spare and a fair forecast, we cruise the south-west coast from our base in Plymouth. For our main holiday we prefer the Channel Islands, Western Normandy and North or South Brittany.
‘Under sail she is not the most close-winded but on a fetch or beam reach she is delightful. On a very broad reach the genoa becomes blanketed by the main so we switch to a poled-out cruising chute. Our new mainsail is fully battened, loose footed and has a decent roach, which makes it much more powerful than the original and consequently requires reefing earlier. The two of us handle her easily as the mainsheet is within reach of the helm and all lines are led back. The stack pack also helps, as does the autopilot.’
What the experts say about the Moody 36 MkII
Nick Vass B,Sc B,Ed HND FRINA MCMS DipMarSur YS, Marine Surveyor www.omega-yachtservices.co.uk
The later Moody 36, built by Marine Projects in Plymouth, is a contemporary-looking yacht that has stood the test of time.
During surveys I have found fairly large blisters on the topsides on several boats, mainly around the portside anchor locker drain but these are from delamination rather than osmosis.
I have concluded that water has entered through the drain hole and saturated the plywood stiffeners that protect the hull from the anchor chain.
The area then stays wet and might delaminate.
My advice has been to keep the anchor locker drain holes free of debris, only have chain in the locker and no other clutter, and paint the area around the drain hole with epoxy to prevent water ingress.
Keel bolts are also a concern on the Moody 36.
Moody used high-tensile steel studs, nuts and backing plates rather than stainless steel.
Although high-tensile steel is stronger than stainless, it rusts, so it’s a good idea to keep the bilge dry and paint the exposed parts of the studs, nuts and backing plates to keep them rust-free.
Rather than using real teak slats, Moody used teak veneer on plywood for deck and cockpit seat coverings, which quickly delaminated.
Fortunately, most did not have it on the decks.
Most Moody 36s I have surveyed have had Volvo Penta MD2040B engines, which are more robust than their D1-40 successor.
However, they do suffer from limescale build-up in the coolant system and their iron castings can become porous.
Check the engine for signs of overheating and get an engineer to take the cover off the heat exchanger.
The exhaust elbow will need to be replaced every 10 years or so, too, as they clog up.
The saildrive diaphragm seal will likely have been replaced several times by now, even on a late example.
Check the service history to make sure that the seal has been replaced, as it can be costly.
There should be a date stamp on the seal but it’s sometimes hard to see.
Ben Sutcliffe-Davies, Marine Surveyor and full member of the Yacht Brokers Designers & Surveyors Association (YDSA) www.bensutcliffemarine.co.uk
I’ve surveyed many Moodys over the years and they do sell quickly on the second-hand market, but it is essential to look carefully at them before purchase.
Check the ply-faced teak in the cockpit.
This material was popular with many boat builders during the 1990s and 2000s.
On most of the boats I’ve surveyed over the last eight years, the ply-faced teak has needed replacing.
Nick mentions the keel bolts being high- tensile; I, in many ways, prefer the reliability over stainless but it is essential to keep an eye on the fastenings.
This can be difficult on the bilge-keel version due to the water tanks under the side berths!
The main cap chain plate anchorage within the saloon is impossible to inspect with the fitted internal joinery.
This is a concern especially if high moisture is identified on the side decks in that area and the covers are wet internally.
Many owners have cut small inspection hatches in the sides of the covers.
I am aware of at least two failures of the chain plates after the fastenings behind these panels failed.
The rudder is supported by a substantial skeg and I have had several experiences of very high moisture in both the blade and the skeg around the support shoe where fastenings have loosened over time.
Alternatives to the Moody 36 MkII to consider
Island packet 370.
A Yamnar 4JH3BE 56hp engine came as standard. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly
Florida-built Island Packets were constructed to a high specification and supplied with a substantial inventory.
Although the 370 has high topsides and a tall coachroof, her pleasant sheer line lends her a well-balanced look.
Construction was meticulous, using vinylester resin infusion, tri-axial weave glass and PolyClad2 foam, finished with an ultra-high gloss Durashield gelcoat.
The hull/deck join is through-bolted and bonded and she has a full-length shallow keel with encapsulated lead ballast and a deep rudder, connected to the keel at the foot.
A deep companionway descends into a cosy, bright saloon.
The table folds away against the main bulkhead, hiding a comprehensive drinks cabinet, and all cabinetry work is top quality.
The settees make good berths, the port side converting to a double by sliding out an extension board.
Stowage is plentiful as the 600-litre freshwater tank sits beneath the saloon sole and ventilation is ample through the 11 opening portlights.
Her superb galley houses a huge fridge, full-size cooker, microwave, water filter, twin sinks and copious stowage.
The aft quarters contain an offset double berth and a nav station/chart table, with a removable bulkhead panel dividing it from the saloon.
Side decks are well protected by the high coachroof. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly
The forecabin features a roomy island berth and en suite heads with shower stall.
The cockpit is well organised with wide coamings incorporating rope lockers.
The steering pedestal supports a table and a stout grab bar, and a high bridge deck and two 50mm/2in drains prevent water collecting.
Under the aft seats are deep stowage lockers.
Her decks are snag-free with shrouds and tracks terminating on the teak-capped bulwarks.
On the foredeck are twin rollers and chain lockers.
Her masthead rig is keel-stepped with single, straight spreaders and forward/aft lowers, with single chain plates.
The cutter-rig model has a self-tacking staysail with boom and a 110% high-cut genoa/yankee.
Although the headsail winches are near the helm, the mainsheet and all other sail controls are on the coachroof.
Under power she has plenty of grunt but like all long-keelers takes her time making directional alterations so a bow thruster is worth having.
The Maxi 1100 has a spacious and deep aft cockpit. Credit: Tom Benn/[email protected]
The Maxi 1100 superseded the 1050, giving improved sailing performance and accommodation.
Designed by ex-Olympic racing helmsman, Pelle Petterson, she has a fine entry, near-plumb stem, shallow bilge and a retroussé transom.
In addition to being quite quick, Maxis were extremely well built.
The 1100 has a carbon-reinforced floor grid that dissipates the rig and keel loads.
Above the waterline, hull and deck are a Divinycell foam sandwich, encapsulated in a vinylester resin-infused, multi-weave skin.
A deep fin keel with a 2.4-tonne lead ballast bulb or an extended shoal fin were offered, both with a deep spade rudder.
She has a tall, keel-stepped mast with twin, swept spreaders.
Shrouds lead to a single inboard chainplate each side, connected to the hull frame.
A gas-sprung kicker and powerful backstay tensioner control the main, which is slab-reefed with lazy jacks.
A deep cockpit sports a big wheel, but the helm area is spacious, with foot supports and flat coaming seats.
Sail controls are led aft.
Coachroof-mounted jib tracks keep the sidedecks clear but the handrails are too short.
Her foredeck sports a short bow-plank and a deep anchor locker with windlass.
The long, straight saloon settees provide room for six to dine comfortably around the sturdy, well-fiddled table.
Her large aft cabin has a roomy double berth, beneath which are the water tank and batteries.
The forecabin is quite spacious too.
Under sail she’s fast, stiff and easy to handle, with a light, positive helm. She tacks rapidly and effortlessly, and her large wheel enables the helm to sit out with the mainsheet to hand and a clear view forward.
The Sunbeam 37 holds it price due to its high build quality. Credit: Sunbeam Yachts
Built in Austria by Schochl Yachtbau and designed by J&J to withstand the rigours of the North and Baltic Seas, the centre cockpit Sunbeam 37 was solidly constructed to a high standard, using top- quality materials and components.
They also featured a comprehensive standard inventory, which included a 55hp Yanmar 4JH3E marine diesel engine and encapsulated lead ballast.
She has timeless looks with a positive sheer and streamline superstructure.
All had teak-capped toe rails and many also had full teak decks.
Below, the beautifully crafted, dark mahogany interior gives her a warm atmosphere without being too gloomy.
The layout is similar to the Moody 36 MkII and the proportions are equally generous, especially in the aft owner’s cabin where her huge island double berth dominates and the en suite heads are a real boon.
Duncan Kent is a technical writer for marine publications and websites
The forecabin is equally plush with plenty of stowage but has no en suite.
The later 37.1 model had an en suite head to port, in place of one of the tall hanging lockers.
She has a longitudinal galley, running aft along the corridor, that is well-equipped with bags of easily accessible stowage although, like the Moody, the far end is a little dark.
The forward-facing nav station has plenty of chart and instrument stowage.
Under sail, she is a powerful performer thanks to her generous sail plan.
With her deep, lead-ballasted fin keel and large, semi-balanced rudder she is stiff, quick and easy to manoeuvre, well-balanced and light on the helm.
The Sunbeam 37 tends to hold her price on the used boat market, easily as well as the most popular Swedish-built yachts.
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Dear Readers
- Sailboat Reviews
A roomy, well-built middle-of-the-road cruiser with both aft and center cockpit versions.
The history of S2 Yachts is in many ways a parable for the modern fiberglass sailboat industry. Begun in 1974 by an experienced fiberglass builder, the company grew rapidly, building first some unattractive “two-story” cruisers, followed by a series of conventional cruiser-racers in the late ’70s and early ’80s, then a successful fleet of race-oriented cruisers in the mid ’80s. Finally, as sailboat sales took a nosedive in the late ’80s, the company converted its entire production to powerboats.
In late 1989, the company was approached by the class association of its popular 26′ racer, the S2 7.9. Would the company be willing to do a small run of 7.9s for those serious racers who wanted to replace their seven-to nine-year-old boats? The company thought it over and said, yes—provided they could be guaranteed 10 orders.
As we write this, the class association and S2 dealers around the country have been unable to come up with the 10 orders, and the company has cancelled the offering, perhaps the end of sailboat building by this prosperous company, and perhaps also an unfortunate commentary on the sailboat industry.
During its heyday, S2 developed a strong reputation for good quality boats. The company was founded by Leon Slikkers after he had sold his powerboat company, Slickcraft. As part of the sales agreement, he was not to make powerboats for a period of time, but there was no restraint on sailboat building. So he built a new plant which was, at the time, a model for production-line efficiency. Among other things, the hulls were laid up in an enclosed, climate-controlled room, and they remained in molds until most of the interior was installed to ensure that there was as little deformation of the basic molding as possible.
In the late 1970s, S2 did start building powerboats again, and soon established its Tiara line at the top end of the market. As evidence of Slikkers’ insight into the business (as well as a bit of luck, perhaps), when the conglomerate that owned Slickcraft began to see declining sales in the early ’80s, S2 was able to buy Slickcraft back at a fraction of its original sale price. And of course, S2 enjoyed the boom in powerboat buying which accompanied the decline in sailboat sales during the mid and late ’80s.
From the start, Slikkers also assembled an experienced crew of builders and sellers from the local area. At the time, Holland, Michigan, was the home of Chris Craft as well as Slickcraft and several other smaller powerboat builders.
The company continues today with a strong crew, managed primarily by Slikkers’ son, David, and other family members. The company personnel helped establish a reputation for good relationships with S2 owners, a reputation which continues, even though the company is no longer in the sailboat business.
In preparing this story, we talked with a number of S2 9.2 owners who reported that they are still able to get information, advice, and some parts and equipment from the company.
The Boat and Builder
As its nomenclature suggests, S2 Yachts was one of those few American companies willing to commit to the metric system when the government said it would be a good thing to do. The 9.2 stands for 9.2 meters, as with the company’s other boats (7.3, 7.9, 10.3, etc.). S2 stuck with the classification for a long time, only advertising the 9.2 as the S2 30 after it had been in production for years (not to be confused with the later S2 30 designed by Graham & Schlageter).
The boat overall is 29′ 11″, the most common length of 30-footers in those days when one of the popular racing rules—the Midget Ocean Racing Club (MORC)—required boats to be “under 30 feet.” The boat was built in two configurations, from 1977 to 1987. The 9.2C was a center-cockpit version, and the last one built was hull number 427. The 9.2A was the aft-cockpit version, and the last one built was hull number 520.
From talking to the company, it is unclear whether the hull numbers represent the actual number of boats built. In the 70s, it was not unusual for companies as part of their marketing strategy, to start a production run with hull number 10, or even hull number 100, so that a model would appear to be more popular or successful than it actually was. The people currently at S2 simply didn’t know if that had been done, but we suspect the total of 947 hull numbers is more than the actual number of S2 9.2s built. Nonetheless, the 9.2 had a successful run.
The 9.2 was designed by Arthur Edmunds, who was S2’s “in-house” designer. Beginning in 1981, S2 built a number of racing-oriented cruisers designed by the Chicago naval architects Scott Graham and Eric Schlageter, but all of the earlier cruising boats were done by Edmunds. Edmunds also contributed engineering and design detail to Graham & Schlageter’s hull designs.
We would describe the 9.2 design—and all of Edmunds’ S2s—as moderate and conventionally modern. The hull has short overhangs, a relatively flat sheer, a long fin keel, and spade rudder. The boats are reasonably attractive, and the aft-cockpit model has pleasing proportions. The center-cockpit model has a high, boxy superstructure whose profile is relieved by good contour moldings of the deckhouse, cockpit, and aft cabin.
One advantage of the conventional looks of the 9.2 is that it is not likely to go out of fashion—a plus for the boat holding its value. Though the rigs were identical on all versions, shallow-draft keels were a popular option; these reduced the draft from 4′ 11″ to 3′ 11″. The deeper keel doesn’t seem excessive for most waters and is our choice. The lead ballast is internal. S2 did a good job of embedding and sealing the lead in the keel cavity, so leaking should be minimal even in a hard grounding.
The hull is a conservative hand-laid laminate, and the deck is balsa-cored. S2 used a conventional inward-turning flange to attach the deck, with an aluminum toerail for protecting the joint. S2 is known for good glass work, particularly gelcoats, and almost all the used 9.2s that we have seen still are cosmetically good or recoverable with a good rubbing out.
Sailing Performance
‘Adequate’ would be a good way to describe the sailing performance of the 9.2. The boat came with a deck-stepped Kenyon spar and North sails as standard, later with Hall or Offshore spars. The rigging and other sailing hardware was good enough in quality that little re-rigging or upgrading is likely to be needed.
The used 9.2 we examined thoroughly, for example, had internal halyards, reef lines and outhaul, a good Harken mainsheet traveler, Lewmar #8 halyard winches, and two-speed Lewmar #30s for the jib sheets. On the down-side, every equipment list of used S2s we looked at listed the original North sails, with an occasional newer furling genoa. One disadvantage of a late model boat with good gear is that the owner is less likely to upgrade before he sells it, so the second owner probably will be facing the purchase of new sails.
When we sailed a shoal-draft 9.2, our initial reaction was surprise at its tenderness. Other owners in our survey agree that the shoal-draft model heels fairly easily, and a number thought that even the deeper draft model was tender. Several reported that you need to reduce sail fairly early to keep the boat on its feet and sailing well.
The boat sails reasonably well. The one we were on, however, would not go to weather decently—a combination of the shoal draft and a well-worn suit of sails. On other points, the boat was respectable. Close and broad reaching, it moved very well and was just a bit sluggish running.
She’s not a fast boat by contemporary standards. In most areas, the 9.2 carries a PHRF rating of 180 seconds per mile (six seconds slower for the shoalkeel), which is six seconds per mile slower than a Pearson 30 and 12 to 15 seconds slower than the popular Catalina 30 with a tall rig. In contrast, the 9.2’s racing-oriented sister, the S2 9.1, a 30-footer, rates 50 seconds per mile faster.
On the plus side, the boat is easy to sail, with a good balance between main and jib sail area. The running rigging and deck hardware is well set up. Oddly, not one equipment list for used 9.2s that we looked at had a spinnaker or spinnaker gear, an indication that the boat is rarely raced. However, if someone is interested in an occasional club race, the boat should sail up to its rating, assuming the sails are good and the boat well handled.
The deck is well laid out, though the walkways are a bit narrow for getting forward, and there’s a considerable step up into the center cockpit. Details of the deck—anchor well, bow fittings, cleats, halyard runs, and so forth—are well executed.
Performance Under Power
A few of the 1977/1978 boats were sold with an Atomic 4 gas engine. After 1979, diesels were installed. Through 1984, the engines were 12-hp or 15-hp Yanmars, or 12-hp Volvos. In 1985, a Yanmar 23 was optional.
The Atomic 4 was a good engine for the boat, as was the Yanmar 23. However, a number of owners report that the boat is underpowered with the Yanmar 12 and 15, and the Volvo 12. For a 10,000 pound boat, 12 to 15 hp would be adequate by traditional standards, but many sailors seem to want a little more these days. The Yanmar 15 in the boat we sailed had no trouble pushing the boat in calm waters, but the owner did say that the boat couldn’t buck any kind of head sea. For some, the optional Yanmar 23 will make the later models more desirable.
In the center-cockpit model, many owners complained about the inaccessibility of one side of the engine and the difficulty of getting at the dipstick, but otherwise the engine was serviceable. A few boats were apparently sold with raw-water cooling rather than a heat exchanger. We’d be cautious about one of the older boats with raw-water cooling unless it had been kept exclusively in fresh water.
The interior was undoubtedly the strong selling point of the boat. For the most part, the belowdecks finish is well done, and there’s about as much usable room below as you could get without making the hull significantly larger.
S2 was one of the first sailboat builders to use fabric as a hull liner, and it became almost a trademark of S2 interiors. The fabric is a neutral-colored polypropylene, treated to be mildew resistant. When we first saw the fabric, we were skeptical, wondering how it would hold up to saltwater soakings. But having owned a smaller S2 for five years, we finally became converts; in fact, in refitting our current boat, we used the fabric extensively, rather than replacing aged vinyl and wood veneer ceilings. The fabric is contact-cemented to the hull, and it holds up amazingly well, absorbing virtually no water. It is quite resistant to mildew and stains. The new owner of an S2 will want to find a good, compact wet/dry vacuum cleaner, which is the required maintenance equipment for the fabric.
The rest of the interior has teak veneer plywood, Formica, and solid teak trim, and the workmanship is good. Layouts changed little throughout the production of the boats. The aft-cockpit model is conventional, with a V-berth that is a bit short, a large head and hanging locker, a large dinette/settee with a settee opposite, and an L-shaped galley with a chart area/quarter berth opposite. There’s adequate stowage under the berths and decent outside stowage in the lazarettes.
The center-cockpit model moves the main cabin forward and the head aft, near to and partially underneath the center cockpit. The galley is opposite the head, running lengthwise down the port side of the cabin and partially under the cockpit. The aft-cabin is roomy, with an athwartship double berth and good locker space. The shortcoming of the center cockpit is that there is virtually no outside storage.
Choosing between the center and aft cockpit is largely a matter of personal preference. With children, or two couples cruising, the aft cabin is hard to beat for livability.
Overall, the interiors are well enough designed and executed that little major work or upgrading should be necessary on most used boats. Many people will want to replace the alcohol stoves on earlier models, perhaps add refrigeration (or replace the original Unifridge), and perform the normal long-term maintenance of re-upholstering, but otherwise the interiors should need little major attention.
Conclusions
The S2s were well-built. Whereas other production companies frequently cheapened or upgraded models from year to year to find marketing niches, S2 made boats to sell near the high end of the production boat market, and kept the quality at a consistent level.
The 9.2s have maintained their value about as well as any 30-footer in the current market. Because the only significant advantage of the 1986 model is the larger Yanmar engine and newer equipment, we would gladly take one of the older 9.2s at a lower price, since the necessary upgrades could easily be done (sails, cushions, electronics) and the final cost would still be much lower than the newer boat.
It’s easy to pay too much money for a used boat these days, but S2 owners generally think they have a good product, and they’ll probably be harder to dicker with than many sellers.
RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR
Somehow this article is almost an exact copy of an earlier article here: http://www.sailingbreezes.com/sailing_breezes_current/articles/july99/s2review.htm by Thom Burns. Some sentences are exactly identical…
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Best Center Cockpit Sailboats
PETERSON 44
Spaciousness and privacy below the deck are among the things that draw many boaters to center cockpit sailboats . With some of the models having roomy owner cabins and elaborate ergonomics, these boats continue to attract an enthusiastic following, especially by those who seek after sailing vessels for overnight cruising and day sailing.
Owning these sailboats require some huge investments, as you’ll need to pay top dollar for even the more affordable models. Prices can range from around $19,000 on the modest side to a whopping $2 million or even more for models with cutting-edge designs. For this reason, it is best to go through a few reviews before taking the plunge.
We’ve reviewed some of the best center cockpit sailboats with modern designs that guarantee complete comfort and will give you value for every dollar spent.
Check out the listings for Hylas 44 .
This elegant cruiser is perfect for a group as it offers excellent cruising accommodation for a small family or two couples. The 45-foot 5-inches Hylas 44 German Frers design is an offshore center cockpit cruiser famous for her great build quality, sleek look, and low profile. With a superb accommodating layout, easy driven hull, and smooth motion, this cruiser glides with great stability on the water.
The center cockpit features a very spacious owner’s stateroom with a private head compartment, shower, toilet, sink, and vanity. The cabin is well lighted with adequate ventilation and ample shelf. There is enough storage room for extra drawer and locker just in case sailors wish to spend extended periods onboard.
The galley or cook areas is to starboard and is tastefully equipped with a Grunert freezer and refrigerator, stove with an oven, and double stainless steel kitchen sinks on the centerline. It also includes a pressure H & C water system and more than enough storage space for dry goods and dishes. The galley has adequate ventilation and lighting that allows meals to be prepared easily both at anchor and during motion.
There is a large and comfortable dinette to port in the main saloon, including a settee to starboard. The guest cabin features a settee to starboard, an offset double berth to port, an overhead hatch for ventilation and light, a hanging locker, and a private head compartment with shower, toilet, sink, and vanity.
All these features and many more make the Hylas 44 one of the best center cockpit sailboats any sailor would want to own.
- LOA: 45 ft 5 in
- Hull Material: Fiberglass
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Engine Type: Inboard
- Power: 55 HP
Check out current listings for Tayana 64 .
If you have deep pockets and scouting the market for the best center cockpit sailboats, you probably should take a look at the Robb Ladd-designed Tayana 64. For decades, Tayana has established itself as a trusted name in building superior sailboats, and this model lives up to that reputation.
This modern cruiser is handsomely built with a sleek profile, curved deck-salon windows, and a bright, open interior that showcases its exquisiteness. But her true beauty is in her perfect combination of full power and effortless handling. She is a 64 feet sailboat with an 18-foot long beam, featuring a powerful hull and easy sail plan.
Below the decks offers one-of-a-kind accommodation with high-quality furnishings and attention details that is unmatched in many sailboats in this category. The beautiful layout maximizes the 18-foot beam to provide comfortable accommodation for a small group of up to three couples, plus additional crew quarters.
The interior layout of the stateroom features everything you would expect from a high-performance and exquisite sailboat. It includes a double berth outboard that comes with a head and separate stall shower. A second stateroom is located adjacent to the starboard and is furnished with upper and lower berths.
The third stateroom is equally well-furnished with high-quality fixtures, solid teak doors, beautiful satin varnish, and dovetail drawers just like it is throughout the entire sailboat. Access to the extremely spacious owner’s aft stateroom is through the walkthrough galley.
The fully functional walkthrough galley is on the port side. It features a microwave oven, freshwater foot pump, LPG solenoid switch panel, refrigerator and freezer, three burner stove with broiler and oven, centerline double stainless single, and lots more.
The Tayana 64 is indeed the ultimate ocean cruising sailboat!
- Power: 160 HP
See current listings for Peterson 44 .
Doug Peterson, together with Jack Kelly, brought to life the latter’s dream boat with an underbody designed for excellent movement on the water. What started originally as a 10-boat project ended up as a few hundred sailboats as the model was well received. Today, there are over 200 hulls with the design cruising the oceans. Little wonder it listed among the best center cockpit sailboats.
The model’s interior layout has a classic two-cabin and two-head design. This Peterson 44 features two private staterooms equipped with exquisite king-sized V berths that offer amazing comfort. It also includes two heads with showers plus cute vanity counters. The cabins feature one double bunk and one single bunk.
The galley features a deep freezer, a large refrigerator, a gimbaled propane stove with an oven, microwave, and double sinks.
For navigation, the Peterson 44 center cockpit sailboat has a modern GPS radar autopilot, an SSP radio, and wind-vane steering.
- Power: 62 HP
Click here to see Morgan 44 listings .
While center cockpits boats can offer you great comfort below the decks, having one with a spacious aft deck to accommodate deck chairs is a huge plus. At 44 feet 2 inches, the Morgan 44 doesn’t just give sailors the beautiful experience of cruising in a high-performance sailboat; it also allows them to bask and enjoy the breathtaking view of the sunset across the ocean after a fun-filled day of sailing.
But let’s talk about the main attraction found below the decks, and the reason this boat takes its place among the best center cockpit sailboats. Cruisers, as well as liveaboards, will appreciate the enhanced privacy provided by the well-separated sleeping areas in the stateroom aft.
And for added comfort, there is an onboard generator that powers the air conditioning system, as well as the watermaker. So, there’s no need to worry if you plan on cruising in tropical waters or warm regions.
The center cockpit has a master suite with two forward suites. The master suite features a queen centerline master berth, ensuite head with head, tub, and shower. It is also tastefully furnished with double hanging drawers and lockers for “His” and “Hers,” with a vanity make-up station.
Each of the forward suites comes with a comfortable double V-berth with a private head door. A pull-out shower faucet, including hanging lockers and drawers, adorn the cabin.
The galley is considerably spacious and lighted enough to allow the cook to prepare meals both underway and while docking. The galley features a top-loading freezer, a refrigerator, stainless steel faucet, a range with an oven, and other useful cooking equipment.
Overall, this beautiful Morgan 44 sailboat gives you the best bang for your buck. Besides, it is affordable considering all the features and powerful specs of the cruiser.
- LOA: 44 ft 2 in
- Power: 76 HP
About Chris
Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.
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Browse a wide selection of centre cockpit sailboats from various makes, models, and prices. Find your ideal boat with features like ketch, cutter, or sloop rig, and compare listings from different locations and brokers.
ft. Year. to. Price. to. Price Drop. info. Boat Type. Power-All. All Power. ... 1995 Endeavour Cat 35. $70,000. Pop. 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 46. $198,500. North Point Yacht Sales Southern Bay ... viewed brands for center cockpit sailing vessels this month were Gulfstar, Hinckley, Irwin, Moody and Morgan. With 66 center cockpit sailboats currently ...
Find more information and images about the boat and contact the seller or search more boats for sale on YachtWorld. ... 1987 S2 35 Center Cockpit | 35ft. Spring Lake, Michigan. US$29,999 . 864 hours. Own this boat for $265/month. Customize. Bay Marine - Grand Haven.
S2 35 center cockpit By Condition. Used S2 35 center cockpit 1 listing. Find S2 35 Center Cockpit boats for sale in your area & across the world on YachtWorld. Offering the best selection of S2 boats to choose from.
Find the best center cockpit sailboats for cruising with a protected cockpit and improved performance. Browse 83 models from different builders, countries, prices and hull materials.
Find a variety of center cockpit sailboats from 30ft to 82ft in length and 6 to 15 passengers in capacity. Browse new and used boats from popular brands like Beneteau, Hylas and Hunter with prices, photos and details.
A detailed review of the Moody 36 MkII, a centre-cockpit cruiser that combines practicality, comfort and performance. Learn about her design, construction, deck layout, interior, sailing and equipment features.
centercockpit preowned sailboats for sale by owner. centercockpit used sailboats for sale by owner. Home. Register & Post. ... 31' Seafarer 31 ft MK1 Gulf Coasts Carrabelle Florida, Florida Asking $8,000. 33' Caliber 33 ... 27' Nor'Sea 27 Center Cockpit City Island, New York Asking $29,500. 39' Corbin Corbin 39 New Bern Bridgeton, North Carolina
A review of the S2 9.2, a roomy, well-built middle-of-the-road cruiser with both aft and center cockpit versions. Learn about the history, design, and features of this 30-foot fiberglass sailboat built by S2 Yachts from 1977 to 1987.
HYLAS 44. Check out the listings for Hylas 44. This elegant cruiser is perfect for a group as it offers excellent cruising accommodation for a small family or two couples. The 45-foot 5-inches Hylas 44 German Frers design is an offshore center cockpit cruiser famous for her great build quality, sleek look, and low profile.
Find Centre Cockpit boats for sale in United States. Offering the best selection of boats to choose from. ... ft. m. Price. to. USD. Year. to. Class. Power. Power-all-power. All power. Power-aft-cabin. Aft Cabin. ... 1977 Freedom 40 Center Cockpit. US$110,000. ↓ Price Drop. Cortez Cove Yacht Sales | Cortez, Florida. Request Info; New Arrival ...
Preowned sailboats for sale over 35 feet preowned sailboats for sale by owner. Home. Register & Post. View All Sailboats. ... 27' Nor'Sea 27 Center Cockpit City Island, New York Asking $29,500. 32.83' Beneteau Oceanis 323 Miami, Florida ... 28.58' Ericson 29 foot sloop Madison County FL, Florida Asking $2,000. 25.5' Hunter 25.5 Oak Point, Texas
Learn about six classic center cockpit designs that are popular in the U.S. market, from Celestial 48 to Hylas 44. Compare their features, performance, construction and layout in this article by Zuzana Prochazka.
Center cockpit sail boats for sale 485 Boats Available. Currency $ - USD - US Dollar Sort Sort Order List View Gallery View Submit. Advertisement. Save This Boat. Hylas H48. 2025. Request Price. The "First in Class" Hylas H48 design has been the choice of voyagers in mid-size yachts for decades and for very good reasons. ...
Find detailed information about the CORONADO 35 sailboat, a fin with rudder on skeg masthead ketch built by Coronado Yachts from 1971 to 1976. See dimensions, displacement, ballast, sail area, rig and sail particulars, and more.
1971 Coronado 35 Center Cockpit Cruiser For Sale! Please note, we have not had an opportunity to board the vessel to verify information. This is a seller-supplied description of the boat: ... 502 sq ft /46.64m2 Listed SA Ketch: 535 sq ft /49.70m2 Shoal draft 3.8'/1.16m.
Centre Cockpit sailing vessels for sale on YachtWorld are listed for a range of prices from £17,465 on the more reasonably-priced side up to £1,718,542 for the exclusive custom-built yachts. Find Centre Cockpit boats for sale in your area & across the world on YachtWorld. Offering the best selection of boats to choose from.
Find Centre Cockpit boats for sale in North America. Offering the best selection of boats to choose from. ... ft. m. Price. to. USD. Year. to. Class. Power. Power-all-power. All power. Power-aft-cabin. Aft Cabin. ... 1985 Stevens 47 Center Cockpit Cutter. US$125,000. ↓ Price Drop. La Paz Cruisers Supply & Brokerage | Puerto Penasco, Sea of ...
A used centre cockpit sail boat on TheYachtMarket.com ranges in price from £14,000 GBP to £4,180,000 GBP with an average price of £392,000 GBP. Factors including the condition, age, model and specification will affect the price of a centre cockpit. Used Sail Centre cockpit for sale from around the world. Search our full range of used Centre ...
35.17 ft / 10.72 m: LWL: ... Like the LWL, it will vary with the weights of fuel, water, stores and equipment. A boat's actual draft is usually somewhat more than the original designed or advertised draft. For boats with adjustable keels (centerboards, daggerboards, lifting and swing keels), Draft (max) is with the board down. ...
S2 35 Center Cockpit boats for sale 1 Boats Available. Currency $ - USD - US Dollar Sort Sort Order List View Gallery View Submit. Advertisement. Save This Boat. S2 35 Center Cockpit . Spring Lake, Michigan. 1987. $29,999 (Sale Pending) Seller Bay Marine - Grand Haven 25. Contact. 616-421-9543. ×. Advertisement. Request Information ...
ft. m. Price. to. USD. Year. to. Class. Power. Power-all-power. All power. Power-cruiser. Cruiser. Power-other. Other. ... 1987 S2 35 Center Cockpit. US$29,999. Bay Marine - Grand Haven | Spring Lake, Michigan. Request Info; Featured; 1980 S2 8.6. ... Sloop, Racer/Cruiser, Centre Cockpit and Cruiser, the S2 boats listed generally have a deeper ...
classic sailboat R30. daysailer racing with center cockpit. Overall length: 9.2 m. Width: 2 m. Draft: 1.35 m. Designed as a simple yet elegant day sailer, the Spirit 30 is a pocket rocket on the water. Sporting a 1930s-inspired, modern classic design and uncluttered decks, she is aesthetically beautiful and simple to sail.