Oday Owner Reviews

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Review of the Oday 322 by Jeff Howell

Year built 1989  
Location of boat Jamestown, RI  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2005  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely. I was in the market for a 34-38 footer, but found the layout to be comparable to larger boats of this vintage. Also, the styling, performance features, and workmanship are superior to similar boats. O'Day owners seem to take very good care of their boats, and mine was no exception; the previous owners had kept it up extremely well considering its age.  
Gear that's been added Mack Pack mainsail handling package; custom made stern rail pilot seats; Davis shroud and turnbuckle covers  
Structural or complex improvements None needed.  
The boat's best features Many. Well laid-out cabin provides ample accommodation for two couples and a few extra guests; Easy access to engine; Swim platform; Jib winches are close to helm for easy single-handing, which I do often. All lines are run to the cockpit. Bulkhead between main salon and v-berth opens to provide light, ventilation, and a feeling of more space. Huge cockpit locker for stowing gear. Lucite companionway hatch allows light into the cabin when buttoned up. Full aft (quarter) cabin w/ door and 7' double-berth (I'm 6'-3") -- private.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. two-blade prop with small displacement engine makes the boat a little unresponsive under power; Shallow anchor/chain locker is limiting. No mid-ship cleats to run dock spring lines to. Stock head sail furler is pretty poor. Engine shutoff is in cockpit lazarette, requiring passengers to move when I need to kill the engine.  
Sailing characterisitcs Rig tends to weather helm in stiff breeze, requiring more head sail to balance than I would like. Winged keel reduces draft and (I think) drag, making the boat relatively fast for its hull shape. It also turns very quickly compared to boats with long, shallow shoal keels. I've had main + 120 Genoa out in 20 knot breeze and had no problem holding the boat single-handed.  
Motoring characterisitcs Underpowered. 5.7 knots at full throttle (3300 RPM) is the best I've gotten. Leaving the dock in strong winds/currents is always an "adventure". Others have reported better performance with a 3-blade prop upgrade, but I still run the stock prop.  
Liveability A week with three is definitely do-able. I've had five people for a long weekend and no-one complained. However, I think the boat a bit small even for a couple to live on for extended periods.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) [builder]  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments The surveyor was impressed at how "clean" this boat was considering its age. He remarked that he had rarely seen a boat this old with no blisters, hull voids, or water in the rudder. Other O'Day owners I have met have shared similar experiences. O'Days were obviously very well made boats that have held up well to the test of time. My first "big" boat, and I would highly recommend the brand to other first-time buyers.  

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