Oday Owner Reviews

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Review of the Oday 23 by Mardon G. DeMichele

Year built 1978  
Location of boat Bokeelia, FL  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
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 1995  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Definitely. Shoal draft and weight work well in Charlotte Harbor. Built well.  
Gear that's been added Bought Yamaha 9.9 with high thrust prop. Added block to stern pulpit to assist in raising, lowering, and adjusting depth of outboard. Bought 9' inflatable w/3 hp suzuki. Both store well. Two port-a-seats add immeasurably to comfort in cockpit, cabin, and foredeck.  
Structural or complex improvements Rebedded lifeline stantions. Had to cut holes in hull liner to reach nuts. Replaced standing rigging.  
The boat's best features Room under cockpit for dingy motor, multiple bumpers, fender board, auto pilot etc. Door to head offering privacy. We use it for daysailing, and overnights. I can carry lots of tools, spare parts, and stuff for two without having it lay about. We store the rollup dinghy in the V-birth and/or on deck and sleep in the Salon. Two can sleep in the port settee which expands. Shoal draft w/board is ideal for SW FL and our canal at low tide. Seperate compartment for gas tank keeping smell out of cabin Easy launch and retrieval. I haven't towed it, yet, but I store it at a yard on it's trailer. Had the same bottom paint for 7 years.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Surface cracks at base of stantions. I worry about rudder if grounded in rough seas. Seems vulnerable to pounding. Stern pulpit makes it a pain to remove. Thought seriously about making kickup rudder, but haven't bothered.  
Sailing characterisitcs Sails well and plenty fast even with my older sails. Routinely outsail 25 and some 30 footers. Genniker works well off the wind. Points as well as any cruiser with at least a small genny. Easy to drop sail when soloing. Can stand securely below and through forward hatch to attend halyards on mast in rough seas. To drop sails when soloing, I heave to with a back winded genny, lock the tiller and go through the cabin to the forward hatch where I release the jib halyard, and pull the jib down haul dropping the genny on the deck. Then, a quick turn and I loosen the main halyard dropping the main on the bimini. All while securely standing on the V birth with both hands free. Tiller is light and boat is easy to balance saving wear and tear on the autohelm. Don't miss traveler. Allows mainsheet to be kept out of the way. Only use centerboard when beating or to dampen rolling seas. Have had no centerboard problems. Bimini eliminates need for lazy jacks. Main just lays on the bimini Until I have time to tie it.  
Motoring characterisitcs Four stroke Yamaha 9.9 pushes it at 5 knots at half throttle. Can carry on normal conversation. Plenty of power for getting through confused seas such as Boca Grande Pass. Turning motor turns boat on a dime. Idleing in reverse slows well enough to allow for very smooth landings.  
Liveability We don't cook on it, except to boil water. Generally eat cheese, crackers, cold cuts etc. from a cooler or patronize marinas. Enough room to put everything away. Even have room for throw pillows. Use bimini to keep off sun and rain and morning dew. Spend most of the time in cockpit, on deck, in dinghy, or on beach. At night, with port-a-seats, can get comfy below for reading and listening to music.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) [builder]  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought from private party. No surprises. Great value.  
Other comments Solid, well made, good sailor. Will handle a lot rougher seas than it's current captain.  

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