Moody 31 Comparison of good and less good bits of a Moody 31 MkII v 31S and Vice Versa

[Martin Smith 2]

Hi I’m currently looking for a Moody for my first yacht ownership. We’ve been to look at a 31 MkII and satisfied ourselves that it meets all of our needs in terms of space, size and our ability to afford the berthing and ongoing maintenance bills. However as the title I wonder if the newer Moody 31S should also be considered, is there a significant difference in their speed in the real world, how about onboard stowage from phot's it looks like the MkII wins that one. How about fuel and water capacity? Has anyone here owned or sailed both that could comment on these areas?

Many Thanks.

Martin

 

[Dick Holness]

Hi I’m currently looking for a Moody for my first yacht ownership. We’ve been to look at a 31 MkII and satisfied ourselves that it meets all of our needs in terms of space, size and our ability to afford the berthing and ongoing maintenance bills. However as the title I wonder if the newer Moody 31S should also be considered, is there a significant difference in their speed in the real world, how about onboard stowage from phot's it looks like the MkII wins that one. How about fuel and water capacity? Has anyone here owned or sailed both that could comment on these areas?

Many Thanks.

Martin

We owned an S31 (note, the name is S31, not 31S) for 12 years, thought it was a cracking boat. Ours was a bilge keeler and even so, was a very quick boat upwind if we set it up correctly.
Yes the stowage is better on the older 31 - indeed, the two are completely different designs with different hulls and rigs. If anything the S31 is a small version of the 336 in hull shape and rig design, with a double spreader rig. A few were built as a cruiser racer, with a taller fractional rig - however most were masthead.
The S31 had a newer engine, the Volvo 2020 rather than the 2002, and has a saildrive. (Some 31’s had the more powerful 2003). I would say that at times in our S31 I wished for a bit more horsepower.
Can’t comment on fuel/water tank capacity, but I imagine they are similar.
I’d suggest that if it’s just 2 of you on board, the reduced stowage if the S31 is not an issue and that’s what I’d go for (and tiller steered, not wheel, but then I was brought up as a dinghy sailor!), but if more people and for longer periods you would probably be better off in a 31.
Hope this helps.

 

[Steve Clemens]

We went down this route 19 years ago and missed out on a very good mk2 by 20 minutes. We went to view an S31 bilge keel, which was way out of our budget, and instantly fell in love with it and somehow managed to stretch the budget. We had limited sailing experience then but she looked after us well and even managed our first channel crossing.

We were working up to taking it down to the Med when a fin keel version came up already down there, so we did a swap. We still have Pisces having spent 12 years sailing around the Ionian mostly just two of us, living on board for 2 months at a time, carrying all our kit, a good range of tools and spares, allowing us to remain independent whilst cruising. Pisces is now back in our home port after sailing her back 3 years ago with a crew of 5, even surviving an altercation with a pod of Orcas.

My point is that S31 is a very well built boat with a good sailing pedigree and easily handled when short handed. There is plenty of storage, though you do have to be a bit creative. Pisces will see me out and when age gets the better of me, my sailing boots will go in the bin. I should also add that I was a broker for 12 years and I can honestly say that I did not come across a more versatile 31 footer and as well built as the S31.

The only issue that I have learned to live with is the reduced cockpit locker storage to allow for the very large aft cabin.

Good luck in your search.

Steve

 

[Steve Clemens]

Apologies all, just realized that I was a bit late to the party!! What did you end up with Martin?