Oday Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Oday Widgeon by John S

Year built	1983
Location of boat	NC
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	2005
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes. It is an excellent trainer for kids learning to sail. It has the exact same rigging as a much larger sloop, so what they learn will give them confidence in the future. It is also a simple boat to singlehand, for someone wanting to get out on the water with minimal expense and complexity, with more comfort than a board boat.
Gear that's been added	foredeck cleat, essential for tying up to the dock, and holding the mast when trailering.
Structural or complex improvements	Not yet.
The boat's best features	classic lines, sturdy construction, quality hardware, big cockpit. The storage space under the foredeck is really useful.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	the mainsheet block on the centerboard trunk is in exactly the wrong place. It makes it impossible to move across the boat when tacking. I have removed it, and will add another block on the boom to move the mainsheet froward about 3 feet, and am considering adding a ratchet block mounted to the CB trunk in about the center.where the CB trunk meets the floor liner has developed cracks with pass water to the bilge. This is a weak point in the design/construction. the bridle mainsheet sometimes gets snagged under the transom corner when tacking. The mainsheet blocks on the boom are too small and snag the sheets when easing the sail. Could cause a capsize. Jib sheets don't release smoothly from cam cleats.
Sailing characterisitcs	Quite stable in puffs. One person's weight can keep the boat level in moderate conditions. The high bow can take moderate waves, and keeps spray down. Fairly neutral helm. tracks well and is not "twitchy" when you move the tiller. Does not point well at all, however. I sailed with main only in windy conditions. very stable, but slow and pointed poorly. Sails much better with both sails.
Motoring characterisitcs	one person paddles while the other steers. works out OK for short distances. 3.5 hp motor came with boat but I havent used it yet.
Liveability	The forward storage area makes a BIG difference. We keep spare pfd's, shoes, anchor, paddle, bailers, spare line, binoculars, gear bags, tools, camera, etc there. Would be nice if there were a small cabin kids could get in, but boat is too small for that. The cockpit seats are are a bit small for a full-sized adult.
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. Bought from next door neighbor for a "good-guy" price.
Other comments	I took lessons in an Oday Widgeon as a child, and my father in law has one we sail on a lake. The tradition of the boat and timeless design appeal to me. When they are a bit older, I plan to let my two young sons take this boat out by themselves. I think it is ideal for that.

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