Oday Owner Reviews

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Review of the Oday 23 by Mark Swart

Year built 1980  
Location of boat Lake Thurmond, Ga.  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in priv  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely  
Gear that's been added We have added the basics for weekending -- two-burner butane stove, more insulation for inside icebox, storage hammocks. On the near-term improvement list is a drifter for light summer air, and upgrading to two batteries for more power.  
Structural or complex improvements None  
The boat's best features This is a completely different boat than the 22, and the pop-top 23. It is very attractive for an O'Day of that vintage. The deck is flush with the top of the gunnel, whereas many of the larger O'Days have a ridge and continue up for about four inches. It has good headroom, storage room and a Raritan PHII head. Also has a hanging locker across from the head, and the fuel tank is outside in its own cockpit compartment, keeping the smell out of the boat. Boat has shoal draft/swing keel combo, so it keeps it out of the boat. I wouldn't want to trailer it, but it would be possible. We have a bimini, also, which makes the boat much cooler inside during the summer. Plenty of storage under cockpit, and it has an anchor locker on foredeck.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The boat was damaged in Hurricane hugo, and whoever repaired it didn't do it right. When I got it, it leaked around the bow pulpit mounts, causing the wood backing for the bow eye to rot out. If you see an O'Day with a shaky bow eye, this is probably what happened. Not a difficult fix. Also, there is a slight vibration / pulsation at the tiller under sail and power. May be a side effect of the keel design. Motor mount is hateful to swing up and down. Head had to be rebuilt -- cost $40 for a kit, but now works perfectly.  
Sailing characterisitcs Sailing is fine, but reef early. She points to windward quickly in a gust, and I have gotten turned around a few times in large, unexpected gusts (I'd say around 20) with too much sail up (genoa). More of a problem with inland lakes than the boat. I have sailed comfortably with reefed main and full jib in winds up to 22 mph, with gusts higher than that. Downside of keel design is that it heels quickly becuase the weight is carried higher than with a full fin keel.  
Motoring characterisitcs Ours havs a 5.5 hp Mercury. Boat is slow under power, maneuverability is good.  
Liveability For a 23 foot boat, it's good. For males using the head, opening the front hatch makes it a little easier. Boat has 5'4 headroom in main cabin, and more than enough sitting headroom. Fold down table in main cabin makes it seem open. Rear bunks (main cabin couches) sleep well, v-berth sleeps two acceptable, if they aren't too tall. Door between bathroom/v-berth and main cabin gives nice privacy. Boat also has a long cockpit, cruising is comfortable.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) [builder]  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments Boat is good overnighter, acceptable weekender. Minimum lee or weather helm, and a light tiller except at extreme angles of heel. I have fun sailing it singlehanded or with a crew.  

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