Oday Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997
 
 
 

Review of the Oday 39 by Russell Wakefield

Year built 1984  
Location of boat Bahamas  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Blue water, extended passages  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1995  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? I was an O'Day dealer when the 39's were introduced. My dealership sold many 39's into charter. We had a base in the Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Texas, Maine, and Florida. The 39 gave us the most for the dollar. Repairs were very low compared to other brands.  
Gear that's been added Air conditioning, heating, generator, extra fuuel tank, extra batteries, extra sails, mast lowering device, soun system, etc.  
Structural or complex improvements The O'Day 39 is incredibly structurally sound. I did add a fuel tank because of my offshore voyages. I added a mast lowering device to cross the state of Florida's waterway. My 39 has been thru two hurricanes--no damage. I have made over 75 Gulfstream crossings. I have many stories to tell about O'Days and the Gulfstream.  
The boat's best features Good, strong construction, and plenty of room below. Sails well.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. As I mentioned before, I was an O'Day dealer selling 39's into a charter fleet. We had less trouble with the O'Days than Morgans, Endeavors, Irwins, Valiants, Freedoms, Norseman--I was a dealer for all the before mentioned boats. O'Day was the best overall  
Sailing characterisitcs Points well, handles well in a stiff breeze, steers well, and is comfortable.  
Motoring characterisitcs The 39 backs well and powers along at 7.5 knots.  
Liveability Very livable with two aft cabins and a forward stateroom the 39 has room for living. My O'day 39 has a head in the starboard stateroom and a head and shower forward. Eight can set in the main salon. Separate nav staion.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) [builder]  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I was the dealer. The 39 O'Day is a sleeper. Not that many are on the market. They are becoming a treasured boat. Sailability, livability and low maintenance--great!  
Other comments I wish they would begin building them again.  

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