Oday Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997
Contact us
 
 
 

Review of the Oday 30 by Kinne Sutton

Year built 1982  
Location of boat Rosehaven, MD  
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 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2005  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. My wife and I bought the boat as a wedding present to ourselves. We looked at Pearson's and Hunter's and thought the Oday is more boat for the money. We also researched what other owners thought of their boats and most of the comments for the Oday were very positive.  
Gear that's been added A GPS and a new head. We plan to replace the cabin curtains which came with the boat. Raython ST 4000 Autopilot, which is a blessing when we set sails or when we want to take a break from steering.  
Structural or complex improvements We are in the process of replacing the forward hatch with something more watertight. The forward hatch is one of the weak points of the boat. Not well made and a lousy gasket seal. The replacement will require building up the glass on the deck and refitting a new hatch. A hatch was added behind the mast, but the other owner did not router the core 1 inch and fill with fiberglass. So the core has water intrusion. This winter layup I will correct the problem.  
The boat's best features Very roomy. We sail with 2 adults and 2 dogs. One of the dogs is a 110 lb Lab. The cabin height is 6' 3" and the beam is 10' 6". Plenty of berthing spaces, although two adult in the v berths or two in the dinning/berth is a tight fit. But with the extra berths we can always find enough space to sleep. The boat point well in all winds with the exception of running. Tends to be a dog when running due to the wide beam. The boat handles well under power and the Atomic 4 sip fuel.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Hatch hinge fittings which are made of copper with a chrome coating. They bend and break. We are replacing them with stainless steel. Screw fittings in the teak. I am refilling the holes with wood filler and retapping new holes with bigger stainless steel screws. Portholes which over the years are leaking. The other owner use cauk to try to correct the problem, so I will remove the hatches and reseal them. The steering stand bolts into the cockpit have leaked water and wood underneath the cockpit is waterloged. I will replace the wood, reseal the steering stand fittings and use rubbler gaskets to prevent water from leaking in.  
Sailing characterisitcs As discribed above. The boat sails well. It can handle heavy winds and seas. I have never been scared because of sea conditions. The Oday is built like a tank.  
Motoring characterisitcs The Atomic 4 is a great engine. I have heard of other owners going with the 3 bladed prop, but I use the boat for sailing, not motoring and the 3 bladed prop puts too much drag on the boat. The combination of 2 bladed prop and motor give me a speed of 5.5 knots at 2000 rpm and I mostly use the moter to get in and out of port. There are times when there is no wind and if I am in a hurry, I'll use the motor for cruising, although I prefer to use the boat as designed and sail.  
Liveability Its a weekend or extended stay sailer and not a live aboard. Think of it as a RV on the water. All of us want more space to store stuff. But if you know your limitations, don't try to carry everything you own on board, there is plenty on space.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) [builder]  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any We bought the boat from Clipper Bay Yatchs, Inc located at Harrington Bay Marina, MD. They did a great job. I would suggest a good survey and apply the advise from the surveyer. If the surveyer raises a lot of red flags, then walk away from the deal, no matter how much you think you want the boat and look for something else. There are many great boats out there and the last thing you need is something that you will hate and you buy it  
Other comments In another 5 years we will be looking for a bigger boat. We hear that the Oday 40 is a great boat. Although it is not the only type of design boat out there  

Contact
About
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Limited Liability
Advertise Here
Copyright 1997-2024 SB Owners, LLC
All rights reserved.

OdayOwners.com is not endorsed by or affiliated with any sailboat manufacturer.

Other Sailboat Owners web sites:
CatalinaOwners.com | HunterOwners.com | MacgregorOwners.com | OdayOwners.com | SailboatOwners.com | 10,000 Boat Names |