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Review of the Oday 302 by Greg Van Belle

Year built 1988  
Location of boat Anacortes, WA  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2002  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Quite possibly. The used boat market in Puget Sound is flooded with 30 foot sloops, and there were many models that we considered. We did not set out to buy an O'Day 302, but the one we found was the best combination of style, size, and quality.  
Gear that's been added No. The boat was well-equipped by the previous owner. I will be adding cabin heat, but haven't yet done so.  
Structural or complex improvements No. I have only made cosmetic repairs to the gelcoat. I plan to rewire the entire electrical system and replace all raw water hoses.  
The boat's best features The interior, without a doubt. It is roomy, modern, well-equipped, and comfortable. Not many 30' sloops have private aft staterooms. Moving the head aft opens up the salon and makes great use of the wide beam. She is a very responsive boat, easy to dock, and quick to get up to speed.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The electrical system is very basic, and the wiring is too light for the marine environment. This is anomolous to our boat, but the battery charger does not work properly and needs to be rewired or replaced, as do the batteries themselves. The gelcoat is weak and prone to damage, but repairs well. Insulation around the engine compartment is insufficient, making use of the aft berth a nightmare under power. All portlights are crazed and need replacement, but I haven't seen a 14 year old boat on which this isn't true.  
Sailing characterisitcs The 302 isn't the most stable boat out there, and requires attention at the helm in anything over 10 knots. She heels quickly to 20 degrees and beyond and is difficult to flatten out. The upside of this is that she turns like a sports car, especially through the wind. She points well but doesn't run like other boats in her class. It seems the best point of sail is a slight broad reach. The 302 quickly reaches cruising speed and stays there pretty well.  
Motoring characterisitcs The 302 with an 18hp Yanmar has good motoring characteristics. Ours runs high, turning too fast. Re-pitching the prop should solve this. She responds well in the marina and backs as well as you can expect a sailboat to back. To make in port use of the swim step, we back into our slip, and never have a problem.  
Liveability Awesome. I have been known to use our boat as an office to get some work done in peace and quiet. The table is big enough to spread papers out, the ventilation is good, and there is plenty of storage for the things I need. The aft stateroom is a great feature on a small boat, especially with kids aboard.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) [builder]  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any We bought from Fidalgo Yacht Sales in Anacortes, WA. The broker wasn't a sailor, which was obvious, but he knew the boat well and had sailed it. He was very helpful in keeping things moving.  
Other comments Compared in price, equipment, age, and quality, the 302 beat out the Catalinas, Pearsons, and Cals we looked at. We were close to buying a 1980 Pearson 30 that was obviously kept with loving care, and this was the only boat that came close in our search.  

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