Oday Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Oday Javelin by Rick Joseph

Year built	1978
Location of boat	Jackson,MI
The boat is sailed on	Lakes
How the boat is used	Day sailing
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	abou
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Absolutely! I've had Mutineers, CL14'S, and an O'day Widgeon. The Javelin has been everything I wanted in a sailboat. I wanted stability and roominess, something I could easily singlehand, and was easy to rig and operate.
Gear that's been added	The boat is pretty much the same now as when I bought it from the original owner who seldom used it. I added a jam cleat for the centerboard line which I think works better. I also added a bunge type cable that can be cleated to the underside of the tiller. It does a good job of keeping the rudder down, but will kick up if needed.I bought a new trailer a few years ago after a tree fell on the old one. I also bought a full mooring cover from Sailor's Tailor. This cover has provided excellent service. I wouldn't buy a cover from anyone else.
Structural or complex improvements	None; I never saw any reason to complicate anything.
The boat's best features	It is very stable, even in high winds. I've had some pretty tender boats, and I didn't enjoy the constant movement from the seat to the rail.You can stay in the cockpit of the Javelin in just about any wind.I've never dumped it in all the years I've sailed it.It's also easy to rig. The mast steps easily on the pivot pin, and launching is easy.It's been a great little daysailor.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	I have found that over the years, the pivot bolt on the rudder would loosen and cause the rudder to float up occasionally while underway. I solved that problem by installing a small bunge style cord that when cleated down, will hold the rudder down, but allow it to kick ip if it needs to .Outside of that small inconvenience, I have had no real problems with anything.
Sailing characterisitcs	The boat is somewhat slow to react to puffs, which is good if you don't want to be heeling over all the time with each wind change.The bow cuts right through the water; no slapping around going through waves like what happens in board boats like Sunfish.It's just easy to sail, with simple controls that will suit anyone from a beginner to more advanced sailors.It's also comfortable to sit in, having back support along the entire cockpit.
Motoring characterisitcs	I have a 4 HP outboard I bought with the boat. It would be very handy for getting in and out of slips or canals, but since I sail on an inland lake, I really don't need it. I have used the motor in the fall months when we just want to cruise a bit. The boat is well suited for that and moves nicely.
Liveability	Thsi really is not applicable. There is cuddy storage.
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's been a great boat, that I'm sorry to say I'm selling. We just bought a new Hobie Getaway which my wife enjoys a great deal. So, the Javelin is going. It's been a great ride, but I guess it's time for someone else to enjoy it for a while.Someone will be getting a fine boat.

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