The latest iteration of Moody Yachts’ “monomaran” concept is the DS48 (DS for deck salon), and the new model includes even more features designed to make sailing fun with lots of people, not least of which is the conversation area in the bow that includes a removable table—itself rather a conversation starter.
The deck salon design concept has been a part of Moody’s lineup for over a decade, starting with the DS45, and the primary goal is to give a monohull the same kind of single-level cockpit-to-cabin flow, as well as 360-degree views in the main living spaces, that one might expect on a multihull more than a monohull. These new above-deck spaces are created to be as flexible as possible, with protection from the elements and the ability to take in plenty of light and breeze, while cabins and heads are in a more private below deck setting.
I was able to test sail the first hull in the U.S. right after its debut at the Newport International Boat Show in September, and as we extracted the boat from the complex show docks, the standard bow and optional stern thrusters eased us around tight corners. With these assists, even with the 15-foot, 11-inch beam, the boat escaped into Newport harbor with precision and nimbleness. A clear path between the helm stations, and a Raymarine mast-mounted camera, meant all sides of the DS48 could be carefully monitored from astern. However, it’s worth it to note that this camera is necessary for some forward visibility for vertically challenged sailors who cannot see the bow from the helms due to the position of the hardtop.
The cockpit of the DS48 places the dual helms all the way aft and then opens into a sunken seating area ahead that contains a pair of tables and comfortable entertainment space for eight (increase that number for good friends). Adding to the comfort of this seating, a sliding soft canopy, built into the extended coachroof, can be expanded or retracted to match the conditions. That day we didn’t mind the shade.
We had a light-air day and set the in-mast furling main and self-tacking jib using the electric Seldén furling units. With optional Elvström sails bent on just before the show, this was the first time that this hull, No. 3, was sailed.
Carried by our optimism that the forecast would hold, Narragansett Bay delivered 6 to 8 knots out of the south-southeast. It was the perfect day for a leisurely sail in good company. We beat our way to Castle Hill with 4.4 knots of boatspeed and were even able to crack off a bit to a close reach as we approached. This gave us a bump in our speed up to 6.1 knots. There is a bit of magic when sailing at these lower wind speeds in a calm sea–especially when looking back and seeing only the smallest trace of evidence that we ever passed through the water.
The Jefa steering, felt through optional composite Carbonautica wheels, was mostly neutral, and never required more than a couple fingertips to control. However, there was a small touch of weather helm in the puffs, which I really appreciated. It’s a pleasure when a boat can communicate with the helmsperson–even if they are just subtle hints. The system is also cleverly rigged, such that there is full redundancy. The port and starboard helms are rigged independently with their own integrated autopilots.
Forward of the wheels, each helm station had an optional Raymarine 9-inch Axiom Pro and i70 multifunction display. Engine and thruster controls are also placed at each helm, along with a string of rocker switches for key functions on deck.
Lines are hidden as they run aft, reinforcing the clean and simplistic approach. They reappear near the helms, where a set of clutches on each side allows an electric Lewmar winch to adjust tension. The mainsheet is split so that it runs to both sides, and a second set of forward winches are dedicated to genoa trim. Access to this area is from the side deck or the cockpit.
A smooth jibe led us to a headsail change as we set course for Fort Adams and the apparent wind came back to the beam; we furled the jib with the touch of a button and an eased sheet, and unfurled the genoa, also on a Seldén electric furler. We moved along at 5 to 6 knots and paced a nearby trimaran, as our momentum carried us through some patchy areas of wind.
Taking a break from the helm, walking forward felt comfortable and secure. Tall bulwarks are complemented by tall, fixed, stainless railings (as opposed to wire lifelines) and a long stainless handrail is built into the sides of the coachroof (next to 800 watts of optional solar panels mounted on top). The Flexiteek decks provide plenty of positive traction and are available in different colors as an option.
The foredeck features an optional cushioned sundeck, and in front of that is a bow seating area with the aforesaid table—what the designers characterize as a forward dinette. Under power in flat water, this would be a lovely place to hang out and enjoy the apparent wind with friends and a bottle of champers (or whatever your taste runs to), as well as offer a fresh perspective on dinner while on the hook. Under sail, presumably you’d want to remove the table and stow it in the deep forward sail and anchor chain locker, which has a bracket installed for the purpose.
As we approached the harbor and wrapped up our afternoon on the water, we fired up the 150-hp Yanmar (110-hp Yanmar is standard) and smoothly made headway at 7 knots at 2,200 rpm. In calm waters, the Moody DS48 is capable of up to 10 knots with this larger engine. Below the water, a saildrive and three-blade Flexofold propeller minimize drag when sailing.
Stepping forward from the cockpit seating, a transparent sliding door opens to the galley. The 360-degree views from this enclosed level are impressive and aid in resolving some of the visibility issues caused by the large coachroof from the helm–it’s easy to see right through both sides. An indoor seating area is forward and to starboard of the galley, and with a lowering table also serves as another spot to get some rest. Across from that is the nav station, equipped with a great view and an optional remote autopilot and remote engine control so that you can helm the boat fully protected from the elements if desired.
Forward of the main living space and down a few steps, the DS48 has a primary cabin forward, with an en-suite head with separate shower. This build also includes a walk-in closet/powder room. Twin hatches add to the cabin’s brightness and open in opposite directions to capture breeze in a wider variety of docking situations.
A guest cabin is to starboard, with twin bunks (a double is also available) and the same luxurious type of head arrangement. Storage is a little sparse in these cabins, but a utility room to port (standard) aims to give much of that back and contained an optional washer/dryer unit in this hull. Ceiling height is challenging in this room, but all dry storage space should be welcomed on a boat. This space can also become an additional cabin as an option.
Small details make a large difference in comfort onboard, and it is worth noting that the doors below deck were all nicely gasketed–this helps minimize noise from closed doors when in any sort of wave action. The cabin lights also all included USB charging outlets; it’s tough to ever have too many of these.
The engine and utility room, located below the galley and cockpit seating, is accessible through gas-spring indoor floor hatches and the cockpit lockers. The optional Fischer Panda generator, Yanmar engine, fuel tanks, steering system, an optional 800ah lithium battery bank, optional watermaker, and many electrical components are all here. It is an expansive space, although not incredibly tall, that has impressive sound insulation.
Some systems—such as the batteries, the optional EFOY fuel cell, and earlier-mentioned washer/dryer—were held in place with ratchet straps. While this may be economical, it wasn’t an approach one would expect on a yacht of this level and contrasts its higher-quality construction elsewhere.
The lightly-chined hull carries its beam all the way aft. It is molded with a gelcoat exterior, and then an immediate osmosis-resistant vinylester composite layer. Polyester resin and fiberglass then sandwich a balsa core above the turn of the bilge, and continue without the core below this level. The deck also features a balsa-cored composite construction, with areas of single-skin (no core) where appropriate.
For excursions ashore, a dinghy garage sits directly below the helm stations. It’s accessed through a deck hatch or the fold-down swim platform, the electric option in this case. A set of stairs from the cockpit to the platform opens simultaneously, and an optional powered davit can swing the dinghy out for launching.
With such a comfortable platform for boarding from a dinghy, it would be challenging not to invite others on board when at anchor. And at the dock, this boat is equipped standard with stainless boarding ladders to port and starboard. Combine that easy access with the great entertaining platform that the Moody DS48 provides, and there are sure to be plenty of fine memories created with friends, new and old, on the water.
LOA 50’7”
LWL 45’4”
Beam 15’11”
Draft 7’1” (std), 5’11” (shallow)
Air Draft 79’0”
Displacement 46,650 lbs (light)
Ballast Not available
Sail Area 1,409 sq ft (Main and self-tacking jib)
Engine 110hp Yanmar (std), 150hp Yanmar (option)
Designer Dixon Yacht Design
Builder Moody, moody-yachts.com
Pricing $1.13 million base, $1.5m as sailed (varies with exchange rate)
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