Oday Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Oday Mariner by Scott Gurney

Year built	1970
Location of boat	Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York
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	solo
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2001
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes ! I have a 1966 Mariner(the default field above does not go beyond '70). It fufills my needs: sails well in different conditions (light air a special concern), and it is safe for crossing Long Island Sound which is rather open. The cockpit is roomy and the cabin adequate for dry storage of gear and a break from the weather. I have not slept out yet, but intend to.Thankfully, the previous owners took excellent care of her. It came with a genoa jib, but I find the working jib preferable under all but very light wind conditions.
Gear that's been added	Nothing major.
Structural or complex improvements	No.
The boat's best features	The Mariner handles very well. She responds to the slightest change in wind or heading. I often pass all other sailboats in the bay with the exception of pure racing boats.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	I was forewarned about the lack of a self-draining cockpit. There is an automatic bilgepump, but I get worried during heavy storms when I am ashore and the boat is at the mooring.Having the jib sheet cleats on top of the cabin makes coming about a bit frenetic when sailing solo.
Sailing characterisitcs	The Mariner sails well in any wind at all. It is still satisfying to go out in a very light wind, and I feel confident in a strong wind.
Motoring characterisitcs	I got a Johnson 9 horsepower outboard with the boat. I should think that 4 to 5 horsepower is sufficient. She is very manageable under power. I have not had much experience with motoring as I am from the old school that feels it a disgrace to drop the sails unless it is an emergency. The previous owner made very ambitious trips and had to use the engine for long stretches and found it to be very comfortable.
Liveability	It is great for daysailing, but I would rather camp on shore than deal with the cramped interior. I understand later models of the Mariner have a larger cabin with more berth space. I have the older version with the "V" only. The former owner slept out very comfortably. (although I am a bit taller).
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	[builder]
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	I tried brokers, but found their prices too high. I did find a few that were very helpful in terms of advice (Coney's Marine in Huntington especially). I purchased the boat through the local newspaper classified ads after months of research and fruitless calling and visiting boatyards.
Other comments	A good, solid boat that will likely outlive me.

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