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Review of the Oday 31 by Art Mezzo

Year built 1986  
Location of boat Lighthouse Point, Toms River, NJ  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 5-6  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2005  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. This is our first season and we are still working out some of the issues with a 20yr old boat. The rollers in the Schaeffer blocks are beginning to disintegrate, the marine head has reached the end of it's life as well as some of the electronics and the hot water heater. She has had some delamination in her rudder (easy fix). Nothing unexpected. My wife and our 3 boys have had a great season. The boat loves a breeze (15 knots) and has been a pleasure to sail in most conditions. The cockpit is dry and hull shape handles the smaller waves (3-5ft) with ease. We haven't really tested her yet. Being a medium displacement boat, her light breeze performance is the only area we found some what lacking. The 14hp universal is barely adequate. She has excellent accommodations for a 31 footer. Some more storage for clothes and the like would be welcome however as a weekender the space is fine. Considering what is available in this size, and the current prices of used O'days, I think this boat is quite a value.  
Gear that's been added The boat was pretty well equipped when we bought her (including air conditioning, davits and a dinghy). We've replaced several lines and plan on replacing some of the blocks. We've purchased new safety gear. We've added a TV and a DVD player. A new head is in order. We've removed the hot water heater and don't plan on replacing it (the storage space is more important for us). I will also be adding a whisker pole while she is on the hard.  
Structural or complex improvements Only fixing the delamination on the rudder.  
The boat's best features Her sailing ability.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The universal is to small.  
Sailing characterisitcs We've sailed the boat in 5-30 knot winds with -1 to 5ft seas and found her to handle very well. Because of her displacement her light breeze performance is less than stellar. The feel of the helm is positive. I've found reefing the main and allowing the jib to drive the boat the best solution when the wind picks up. This seems to keep the boat balanced without sacrificing performance. At any rate, the boat sails better with both sails reefed rather than sailing on the main or jib alone.  
Motoring characterisitcs Under power the helm is responsive however the lack of power is evident if fighting the tide. We have the standard 2 blade fixed prop so there is some prop walk in reverse.  
Liveability Great for weekending with the family or maybe a week if just a couple however, the lack of storage would make longer stays prohibitive. The head is typical of an early 80's sailboat - small. Sleeping accommodations are excellent for a boat of this size.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any The boat was purchased from Sandy Hook Yacht Sales in Ocean Gate, NJ. I have nothing but good things to say about their entire staff, particularly George who handled the purchase. By the way this boat was purchased from Daniel Primich who reviewed it in 2002.  
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