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Review of the Oday 25 by Charlie Pregger

Year built 1976  
Location of boat Chipman Point, Lake Champlain  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength less than 10 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? After one season I fell in love with my "Big Dog" She is fast for a 25, points very well, turns on a dime, is easy to handle, and very comfortable, so yes, I would buy this boat again in a sec.  
Gear that's been added Big Dog was quite well equiped when I bought her. She was equiped with reef points and storm jib, self furling genoa, all lines to the cockpit, winches for both main and jib, stereo tape deck and AM-FM, electric pump to the galley sink etc. I did replace the stove because one burner on the old one caused flame at the stove propane distributor. I am adding two gas tanks for the 6hp auxillary outboard to extend motoring range. Other than that, varnishing is all she needed.  
Structural or complex improvements She doesn't need any  
The boat's best features What I love most about this sweet boat is the way she handles. While I have never sailed her alone, I'm sure I could. Mostly I sail with my partner, who handles the anchor and the bow lines, but really dosen't sail much. So I love the fact that all the lines are accessable in the cockpit. The comfort of the cabin, after a long day, is also very welcoming. I'm over six foot tall and can almost stand up straight. The private head and v berth are also great. I did not like the self furling genoa though. It bowed out from the fore stay, losing drive. I am thinking of having the built in halyard removed and replaced with those hooky things (???) that attach to the fore stay. But then again, I couldn't use the small jib or storm jib without taking down the genoa. Then again, on Lake Champlain, the breeze is mostly gentle. This requires thought. But mostly, this is a great boat.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. There are minor annoyances, like the rough tweed fabric on the cabin cushions and the dark green fabric on the cockpit cushions, which get as hot as...., but the se are easilly fixed. She does heel a bit more than my first boat, which surprised me since she is 4 ft longer, but then, my first boat was a clipper maraine with a 600 lb. centerboard.  
Sailing characterisitcs 1st, she is very fast for a boat her size. 2nd, she handles very well, is very responsive to the helm. 3rd, she points very well, which on Lake Champlain is very important since you most always have to beat.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motoring (which I prefer: NOT) is also enjoyable because she is so responsive to the helm. She is very easy to maneuver in tight places.  
Liveability I've already mentioned how comfortable this boat is. As with any boat (the one sleeps 6), the cabin can get tight with all the stuff you need for a few day's sail, but under the cockpit there is a HUGH "hold" that can easily accomadate most of that stuff, so the cabin can be just living space. In fact, the hold is big enough for me to sleep in - not that I'd want to, but it is big. So this is a real crusing boat, good for an extended trip. And there will be many.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) [builder]  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Salesmen - what can one say?  
Other comments A great boat, and she's in the water and rigged. Look out Lake Champlain, here comes Big Dog!  

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