Oday Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997
 
 
 

Review of the Oday 27 by John C. Bloom

Year built 1977  
Location of boat St. Joseph, MI  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1999  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, definitely. I bought the boat cheap; meaning it needed lots of work. I don't mind doing the work, but I have trouble finding the time. Originally I thought I'd fix it and sell it for a profit. The more I sail it the more I like it. It's easy to single hand, stable in a blow, and roomy enough for friends and family.  
Gear that's been added Instruments, compass, head and holding tank, batteries, battery charger, AC shore power and lightning protection.  
Structural or complex improvements I replaced both transverse bulkheads, replaced the cabin sole and related stringers, replaced the rudder bearings, re-glassed the rudder, recovered the interior bulkheads, upgraded the alternator, and replaced the mast wiring.  
The boat's best features She is easy to sail, if you trim the sails correctly she sails herself. She has a large, comfortable and dry cockpit. She is heavy enough to stand up to a pretty fair blow.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The transverse balkheads were made of plywood and covered with vinyl. When water leaked down the chine plates (as it often does) it soaked the plywood and had no way to dry out.  
Sailing characterisitcs She is easy to sail. She has a well-balanced and responsive helm.  
Motoring characterisitcs I love the gasoline Atomic 4. The only problem I've had is the carburetor float had a leak in it and it only run fast, if it would start at all. Once I figured out the problem and replaced the float, it runs like a top. I know most people prefer diesel, but I like gasoline because it provides more horsepower (30 hp) and there is no diesel smell (either fuel or exhaust). It's quieter also.  
Liveability One couple, weekends or occational week, comfortable and just enough room. Could have more storage.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) [builder]  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any n/a  
Other comments To bad O'Day is not still building boats. The ones they built are great. Does anyone know why O'Day went out of business?  

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