Oday Owner Reviews

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Review of the Oday 25 by Bill Robb

Year built 1978  
Location of boat on the south shore of Lake Erie  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
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 1995  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Buying an O'DAY 25 was the best decision I ever made. It has been ideally suited to Lake Erie sailing. It's shallow draft ( less than 3 feet board-up ), Its' stability with its' encapsulated 1,500 lb. lead keel, and its' 5'6" headroom down below, make this one of the most comfortable 25s on the water.  
Gear that's been added Although the boat had "luff-wire type jiffy reefing, I felt that an upgrade to a true roller furler ( the HOOD ) with a better sail was a wise decision. Jiffy reefing systems are trouble-prone in strong winds. Harken winches, extra Genoa track & blocks, & an optimized full-batten main increased performance to the equal of any 25 cruiser out there.  
Structural or complex improvements My O'DAY did have the inboard OMC Zypher 15 HP Saildrive. A little known fact about these engines is that they are prone to corrosion at the engine/lower unit junction if you don't change the ENGINE zinc regularly. Because the previous owner didn't know this, I had the motor stop on me due to water in the lower cylinder. A complete re-build was done while the engine was out and is now like brand-new. I personally would never have an outboard on this boat - although many do like them.  
The boat's best features O'DAY practically invented the trailorable cruiser concept. They know how to make a sea-worthy craft that just happens to fit on a trailor. You will never feel that this boat is anything less than a safe and stable craft that will take practically anything you can throw at it. Personally, I been caught out in squalls that quickly built to 40 knots+ wind and 5-8 foot seas. Not my choice but the O'DAY had no trouble!  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Except for the above mentioned problem with the engine, I've experianced no unusual problems in the 6 years that I've had it. Of course, there will be an expected level of maintenace associated with a 23 year-old boat. Other than that it has held up surprisingly well. The fact that it is such a low-maintenance boat makes it perfec for first-time sailors.  
Sailing characterisitcs While not as fast as a deep fin keel would be, it holds its' own on a reach. I've seen 6 1/2 knots many times and hit 7 a few times. Off the wind it needs a big headsail to keep up and it won't point quite as well as the fin keelers, but it's a cruising boat - not a race boat.  
Motoring characterisitcs The Saildrive is without a doubt the best engine to have on this boat. It will take you to hull speed in every condition I've ever been in and never balked once while out on the water. I have the "cruising" prop and think it's just fine for this boat. A folding prop is overkill, I think.  
Liveability This boats' liveability is absolutely top-knotch for a 25 footer. I have not been on any 25 with as much room as this one. I've cruised the Lake Erie Islands for a week on her with 3 friends and never felt cramped. The cockpit is one of the most comfortable avalable and the seats are wide enough to be comfortable enough to sleep on. This is a great 25 footer!  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) [builder]  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I bought mine from a sailing friend - so have no idea how things might be with a broker.  
Other comments It's a great boat! This year, 2001, I moved up to a 30 footer - and it's an O'DAY of course!  

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