Oday Owner Reviews

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Review of the Oday 28 by todd alt

Year built 1984  
Location of boat lake erie  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
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 1992  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, no doubt about it - assuming that I had the same financial constraints that I had at that time. The 28 is one of the best looking Oday's ever built. It is a remarkable boat for the money. My wife, my dog, and I have spent several weeks at a time on this boat, and we use it extensively during the summer months as we both have summer's off. We have found it to be very seaworthy and comfortable. Lake Erie weather can be very unpredictable, and it has weathered a storm or two. I have it set up to be singlehanded, which I do from time to time, and it sails like a dream. Under power with wheel steering, when docking in tight spots, it is a charm to handle. I am still very happy with my boat. I have found very few 28 footers of this vintage that are as nice. I have never suffered any failure with the engine or any of the components.  
Gear that's been added I have added line clutches, extra spinaker winches, Harken roller furling, dodger, bimini, and have replaced the sails. All lines are controled from the cockpit.  
Structural or complex improvements I built a teak nav-station enclosure for the stationary radio and GPS. Otherwise, the boat remains factory.  
The boat's best features Handling under power - wheel steering in a 28ft boat is fantastic. Sails well when in 10+ knots of wind. Roominess in cockpit as well as down below - attributable to the 10' 3" beam.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Galley fixtures are not of high quality, and become hard to use - I had to add electric fresh water pump. Transmission hard to access when checking and changing fluid. I would have preferred a unit with drawers in place of the vanity in the head. Mast boot leaks no matter what you do. The non-skid surface could have been more radical, it does not grip well.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat is a dry and comfortable ride. It points well. It is steady, not tender, and tracks well. It allows for mistakes in steering even in rough weather.  
Motoring characterisitcs The engine is noisy, but vibration is minimal. Being only 11hp, although suffcient for most conditions, can labor when into a headwind and waves. In a docking situation it is very positive, with a good turning radius and control. The prop-walk is minimal.  
Liveability The interior is dry and roomy for a 28 footer. I have had no leakage from windows or ports. The head could have been enclosed in the more typical door fashion. The vanity is almost useless and the space could have been better used as storage. The cushions are very rugged, but soft and comfortable. Generally, the interior is comfortable and very utilitarian. I can spend up to about two weeks on board before I get overly tired of the accomodations.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) [builder]  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Broker - He was helpful, but I knew what I wanted and therefore his participation was minimal. I had a 23' Oday at the time and he sold it for me.  
Other comments It is a thing of beauty.  

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