Oday Owner Reviews

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Review of the Oday 30 by mark stevens

Year built 1982  
Location of boat so coast maine  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1999  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes-exceptional value. Lots of boat for the money. more room below than larger boats.Handles open ocean very well. solid construction.  
Gear that's been added Radar,GPS Chart plotter.She pretty much came fully loaded other than that.  
Structural or complex improvements replaced cutlass bearing and shaft.Had to use sawsall to cut halfmoon out of rudder section to pull shaft out and reglass. Easier than dropping the rudder. Also rewired ,new batteries, new cushions.had to fix oil leak in universal 16hp.leak was at bottom of timing chain cover. an almn. tappered press in plug was used at time of manufacture to seal off an access hole after adjustments made. Very difficult due to limited space without pulling engine foward. I removed plug remnants with dremel and right angle attachment,the tapped hole to accept a tappered bolt as the new plug. On first try I used too long a bolt and blocked off oil passage. a shorter bolt has sealed the hole and oil pressure is good with no more leaks. Also I wedge the centerboard in the up position. She sail fine without it and I no longer hear it bumping in the well at night.  
The boat's best features Lots of room, good value, sails well on most points, feels bigger than she is.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Poor design of Universal deisel 16 hp with regard to using pressed in taper alumn. plug to seal off hole at bottom of timing chain cover. I now understand they use a tappered bolt instead. Also with the inner lining I can't get at back of stantions to tighten or check. Also I do not trust the stantions,I believe them to be inherently weak in structure and design. Not enough reefing points-should have third set with ties. Rubber gromet in spreader where side stay passes through rotted out. Advise all to check. Ice box inadequate and engine insullation lacking. Also should have 3-blade prop. I don't think she is under powered just under propped.Also I moved the traveler from the cockpit to the coach roof and this made the cockpit much more user freindly.  
Sailing characterisitcs sloppy downwind, But then I don't have whisker pole to help. And I would advise a cleat be added to deck at centerline both sides to be able to pull boom down and to steady the main when running for long tacks. I think her beaminess contributes to this rolling  
Motoring characterisitcs Not the best . Ok for in harbour use. Should improve with 3-blade prop  
Liveability Tons of room for a couple for extended stay. Adequate holding capacities. Good size quarter berth. Could use a double sink instead of a single. Engine access pretty good from all sides. I am 6'3" and feel comfortable below decks. I canfit comfortably in all berths including the v-berth.  
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 My wife and I use her for weekend cruising and day sailing. We are considering upgrading her rigging,winches and life lines and cruising her down the ICW to the Keys and Bahamas. I have confidence with some modifications,she can be a comfortable live aboard cruiser for a couple.  

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