Oday Owner Reviews

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Review of the Oday 23 by P Smith

Year built 1984  
Location of boat Westbrook, CT  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1984  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? After viewing the boat at an 1983 Boat Show, my wife and I were stricken with the quality of the finish. We had considered the Kells, but we ordered this boat. We were stepping up from a Canadian boat, a 17' Siren. The 1984 O'Day we ordered was considered an Anniversary Edition (I have always thought this meant there were little oval plaques either side of the cabin). The dealer was great, but tried to counsel us to the 25, saying it would make a big difference. Our family was very young at the time and we were worried about the steep entrance to the cabin. We stayed with the 23'. Small Change has become a member of the family over the past 24 years. Our kids grew up on her. She sails exclusively on Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River. People in the yard always say she looks much younger than she is (wish I could say the same). There is no doubt that we would do it again.  
Gear that's been added We have added furling gear and replaced the original NP sails with Doyle's and have made minor adjustments and fixes.  
Structural or complex improvements Replaced engine mount, rebuilt cabintop at base of mast due to delamination and replaced the Hand, toe and cabintop slide rails.  
The boat's best features Finish  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Chain plates leak, must stay on top of them.  
Sailing characterisitcs A very stiff boat. She likes weather but is comfortable while waiting for the afternnon breeze to pick up. Just the right size.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motors well. We have had 3 engines. The original Chrysler 9.9 Sailor was a workhorse. Died after about 15 years. This engine had incredible torque, especuially in reverse (handy since the yard we were first in required backing in). The next Evinrude Yacht Twin 8 was very touchy and sensitive to gas quality. Currently, we have a Merc 4 cycle and it is a charmer. The boat moves well under power, but feels better under sail.  
Liveability Weekend stays are like camping. If you like that, this will be a dream. I do not believe I will live long enough to boil water on the alcohol stove.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) [builder]  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any The Dealer was New England Sails. They were absolutely wonderful. Long since gone from the location we bought from.  
Other comments  

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