Oday Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Oday Widgeon by Chas.

Year built	1972
Location of boat	NE Illinois
The boat is sailed on	Lakes
How the boat is used	Day sailing
Normal wind strength	less than 10 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	1994
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes. I got her used for only $500, resulting in the most fun for the amount of money spent I've ever done.
Gear that's been added	Made a shroud holder (written up in Sail magazine a few years back) installed a spring-loaded centerboard hold-down. Experimenting with a "fishtail" alternate propulsion system.
Structural or complex improvements	Had to re-rig the centerboard lines.
The boat's best features	Lightweight, but very sturdy. Simple sloop rig. Easily trailered and launched. High bow takes waves really well. Comfortable cockpit. Very stable -- I've sailed standing up. The one time I capsized, I was able to get her back up by myself in a minute or so, and there was only 4 inches of water in her.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	I don't know of anyone with a Widgeon who hasn't lost their rudder. (mine is a replacement installed by a previous owner) The grudgeon lock pin must be installed every time.There is no access to the under-foredeck area, so it can't be used as storage. On the other hand, the whole 'tween hulls is sealed fro flotation.I understand that newer Widgeons had a built-in cooler under the seat. That'd be nice.
Sailing characterisitcs	Quick to accelerate. Doesn't point all that well -- maybe 50 degrees off the wind. If the jib is backwinded at any time, the bow inexorably swings around. Raising the tiller part-way alters the weather helm -- which is a nifty trick if one is sailing without the jib.
Motoring characterisitcs	No motor. Paddling is akward-- the boat keeps swinging.
Liveability	The cockpit is comfy, but completely. I'm thinking of trying sail camping with a boom tent.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	[builder]
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	Bought her secondhand from a couple who needed the room fro their hot tub. I got the better deal!
Other comments	She's ornery, cussed, stubborn, beautiful and fun

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