The Moody Yachts 33S 1979 vs Moody Yachts 36S 1977 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Moody Yachts 33S 1979 at 33,0 ft versus Moody Yachts 36S 1977 at 36,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Moody Yachts 36S 1977 tips the scales at 14 700 lbs — 4 195 lbs less than the Moody Yachts 33S 1979 at 10 505 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 23 hp for the Moody Yachts 33S 1979 and 40 hp for the Moody Yachts 36S 1977. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Moody Yachts 33S 1979 carries 32 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Moody Yachts 36S 1977. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 10 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Moody Yachts 36S 1977 displaces 14 700 lbs — a 4 195-lb difference over the Moody Yachts 33S 1979 at 10 505 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 4,5 ft and 5,0 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Moody Yachts 33S 1979 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Moody Yachts 33S 1979 uses a Single helm wheel versus a 1 wheel on the Moody Yachts 36S 1977. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. For auxiliary power the Moody Yachts 36S 1977 carries a 40-hp engine against 23 hp on the Moody Yachts 33S 1979. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
Hull speed is rated at 19,3 knots for the Moody Yachts 33S 1979 and 7,3 knots for the Moody Yachts 36S 1977. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Moody Yachts 36S 1977 carries 72 gallons versus 42 gallons on the Moody Yachts 33S 1979 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Moody Yachts 36S 1977 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 14 700 lbs displacement and 36 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Moody Yachts 33S 1979 at 10 505 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.