Oday Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997
Contact us
 
 
 

Review of the Oday 28 by R. J. Foley

Year built 1985  
Location of boat Casco Bay, Maine  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2000  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? In a heart beat! Moved up from a 272. The only point in common is it is an O'Day. The 272 was/is very tender, and the 1 foot overall difference, coupled with a 1 foot beam diference make for a totally different boat.  
Gear that's been added Yes, radar, GPS, Asymetrical spinniker, microwave,foredeck lighting, remote engine temp gauge, 1000 watt dc to ac converter, elec. head (for my wife)Up graded depth and wind machine. Added dry deck to head/shower area.  
Structural or complex improvements Not complex, but I changed the travelers sheets and made them green and red (port/starboard). It really makes it easier when sailing with neophites to call out a color rather than windward or leeward!  
The boat's best features Roomy cockpit, cavernous cabin, almost stand up head room, self tailing winches HOT SHOWER!  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Stern mounted radar! While it is easy to fix or work on, it places undue stress loads on stern rail and transom fiberglass. On the mast is still the best place. Interior lighting is lacking.  
Sailing characterisitcs Good in most points of sail. I have a shoal keel, so the windward performance is a little lacking. VMG by GPS has indicated hull speeds greater than what the calculated should be. (Square of water line x 1.34)The 10'5 beam makes for a stable platform. I only use the 2nd reef point and generally around 22-25 kts. Gusty conditions require reducing the head from 150% to 80 or 100%. Swept spreaders hinder reaching and down wind runs.  
Motoring characterisitcs I have a Univesal M12, 2 cyl. 4 cycle diesel. As I recall the prop is 8". The engine is very easy to overload. Depending on sea, tidal and wind conditions, speed is anywhere from 3.8 thru 6.5 kts. I would like a bigger wheel (prop) and slightly larger engine.  
Liveability Very easy for 4 people, especially if 2 are children. The head/v-berth area is a product of poor design. A solid pocket type hatch (door) would have been a better fit than the folding door, and would afford more privacy for the head, and less "sound effects" for 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 No, private sale.  
Other comments If you are reading this and own a "28" than you are familiar with the engine thru hull's location. I don't like to leave the boat with this in the open position. Being that the quarter turn valve is about 4 feet down from the top edge of the port lazzarette, it is no easy task to open and close this valve. However, I took a 4 1/2 foot piece of inch and a half dia. PVC pipe, glued a "T" on one end and cut a slot that fits the handle of the valve. The "T" is aligned with the slot, and indicates valve position, stows nicely, and is very easy to operate.  

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 |