Oday Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Oday Daysailer by Dave Horn

Year built	1983
Location of boat	Madison Lake, Minnesota
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	2000
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Absolutely. I wanted a boat that for a solo sailer would be easy to tow and launch, stable yet exciting to sail, have a relatively roomy and comfortable cockpit for when 3-4 people will be on aboard, be suitable for shallow waters, and be cheap to keep.
Gear that's been added	I've added a 12V Trolling motor, compass, wind vane, lights, and stern mounted flags.
Structural or complex improvements	I fabricated a steel bracket that attaches in place of the rudder, to support the mast during towing and to help support the mast during set-up at the launch. It allows me (without help) to attach the base of the mast to the pivot plate on top of the cabin, and push up (or lower) the mast without the mast striking the top rear cabin area.
The boat's best features	I like the roomy cockpit, and with the retractable center board, its ability to sail into shallow waters and fit nicely on a small trailer. Since I need to store the boat on a trailer when not in use, I like the fact that it is easy to tow, and quick and easy for one person to set up (or take down) when all those pesky fishermen are clogging up the launch area.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Like others have commented, depending on maybe wave height and boat loading, the boat may experience minor leakage through the center board pivot mechanism and/or board control line access holes. After a day of sailing, there may be a gallon or so of water in the area between the cockpit floor and outer hull. The easiest way to remove the water is with a small hand pump through the floor access porthole(s). I really haven't had a convenient opportunity to inspect or repair the situation because cross-members on the trailer prevent me from removing the center board.
Sailing characterisitcs	I find the boat very stable and predicatable under sail, yet fast and fun. It's very easy for one person to sail. Downwind sailing performance would be better if the boat had a vang and the boom extended out farther without contacting the rear shrouds.
Motoring characterisitcs	I keep a small 12V trolling motor on board for getting through small channels, and around in harbor areas.
Liveability	For day sailing trips, the cockpit is roomy, relatively comfortable, and dry. The small forward cabin is a great place to store everything you'll need for such an outing. If someone really wanted to "rough it", one or two people could probably stay over night on the boat with sleeping bags and some mosquito netting over the cabin "door."
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	[builder]
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	I bought the boat from White Bear Boat Works in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. I was very satisfied with their service.
Other comments	The Oday Daysailer has really met my expectations (and more!) for being inexpensive to own and operate, easy to tow and launch, and in providing a fantastic sailing experience!

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