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Review of the Oday 22 by Harry Peachey

Year built 1974  
Location of boat SE Pennsylvania  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1993  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. A 22 of this vintage is rock solid, although age is beginning to take its toll. I have minor stress cracking, some deformation of fiberglass in high stress areas, yet when pushed in strong air, she heals over and goes without much more than a few squeaks and creaks. A low maintenance vessel by relative comparison to others of this size.  
Gear that's been added Replaced VHF, companionway hatch panels, oak block securing bow eye, pad on OB bracket, nav light bulbs; Added compass, depth, wind vane, reinforced stern eye to lock/secure OB to hull.  
Structural or complex improvements None needed to date, although planning on re-bedding deck fittings, toe rails and grab rails in Spring '03 to stop precip. entering through deck.  
The boat's best features Hull is rock solid. When you knock on it, it is like knocking on concrete. I am at least the third owner, and except for the first five years I owned it trailer-sailing, it has been in the water every season as far as I know, at least a decade in salt in Barnegat Bay, NJ. No sign of blisters, and although the gel coat is faded pretty good, it's still there. A stable and safe boat, a good choice for a first time owner of this size sloop. Very forgiving, but at the price of performance... not the fasted boat on the water, but a solid when a squall is served up. Some don't like the shoal draft keel on O'22s of this vintage due to reduced ability to point, but very handy to get into thin waters where other raghaulers don't dare to venture.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Nothing yet, but still shaking down as regularly as I can. Age is my boats biggest problem... everything is much better than I would expect on a boat this old.  
Sailing characterisitcs Stable, predictable, solid are the first thought that come to mind. Again, not as speedy as some might want in a 22... Look at J boats if you want performance. If you want a safe, stable, easy-to-maintain platform to take the family out day sailing or to sleep in a secluded cove overnight that is forgiving in unanticipated rough weather, O22 is a good economical choice.  
Motoring characterisitcs I have run mine with an '84 8hp Evinrude kicker and a newer 6hp Merc. This boat will reach hull speed with a 6 HP in opposing moderate winds. Anything larger is fine (but not more than 10hp), and I'm told a 5hp works too. With my adjustable "EZ-in" OB bracket, the power head sits just above water line, but a long shaft is definitely required if you expect following seas, as my prop has been lifted out of the water by large wakes/waves on open water.  
Liveability You'd be desperate to live on an O22. Great day sailer, good weekender with port-o-potti, small sink, small stove, (2) adult berths and vee birth for (2) small kids who get along VERY well.  
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 a friend.  
Other comments O22s hold their value well, often selling years later for the same price when purchased, as long as they were maintained reasonably well. I like mine.  

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