Oday Owner Reviews

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Review of the Oday 19 by Eric Bergh

Year built 1980  
Location of boat Swanton, Vermont  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2004  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. At the time I purchased the boat I was sailing a 12ft wooden boat that I had made from plans. When my neighbor offered to sell me his ODay I saw it as a chance to sail more often, in the wind/rougher water that was common on Lake Champlain. Perhaps the downside for me has been that our beach is actually a shallow sloping shale ledge, so the ODay must be moored out @150 ft. By the end of summer it is often in only 5-6ft of water. Being on a lee shore the prevailing afternoon winds make catching the mooring while solo sailing a challenge at times. Not the ODay's fault though!  
Gear that's been added Swim ladder on the transom. Swiveling cleats for Jib sheets.  
Structural or complex improvements Aluminum boomkin to rudder to aid in lifting the replacement (and heavy) rudder when motoring  
The boat's best features Larger, roomy and dry cockpit. Non-sailers feel very safe and comfortable. Sails well on a tack, doesn't feel like she'd ever flip.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Companionway leaks during heavy rains. Some stress cracking in aft corners of cabin gelcoat, but this is after years and years of walking on it! The transom could have been built with more reinforcement. I had to beef it up where I added the Swim Ladder.  
Sailing characterisitcs Sails nice and straight. Turns easily when tacking, as long as you have some wind... a real dog trying to come about in a light wind. Goes pretty well wing on wing if you have 1-2 people 'way back!  
Motoring characterisitcs It came to me with an ancient 6hp Evenrude, regular length shaft. Does ok... Not so good when it is choppy - the prop tends to surface alot...Longer shaft would help. But 6hp is fine.  
Liveability Good for a nap, Front hatch props open. Mine does not have any port lights on the sides. Center section of V berth does lift out so you could sit there. Probably ok for an overnight camping trip... No plumbing of course.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) [builder]  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any N/A  
Other comments It is a great boat for a young family or someone who wants to sail weekends, then bring the boat home. It trailers well, though stepping the mast is easier w/2 people. It is certainly an inexpensive way for someone to get started in sailing, or for someone like me, to get back into it in retirement/summers.  

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