Oday Owner Reviews

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Review of the Oday 37 by Captain Rich Kinard

Year built 1980  
Location of boat Sassafras River, MD  
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 2000  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely! In 4 years we've sailed over 8,000 miles, most of it blue water from Annapolis to Bermuda and Newport, RI. She's handled well in winds from 0 to 60 knots, including surfing 30 foot waves in 60 knot winds. Very stable with high stability index (159).  
Gear that's been added Added 1) upgraded navigation/communication gear including GPS, chartplotter, radar, and SSB; 2) microwave; 3) 16K heat pump; 4) offshore life raft canister; 5) maxiprop; 6) traveller; 7) boom vang; 8) four extra winches in cockpit for cutter rig and drifter; 9) refrigeration compressor for ice box; 10) whisker pole; 11) navigation computer w/stand for nav station; 12) red/white LED lights throughout vessel; 13) engine room Halon extinguisher; 14) size 8d batteries; and 15) foul weather gear hooks throughout cabin.  
Structural or complex improvements Added 1) inner forestay to make cutter rig; 2) streamlined fins between skeg and rudder; 3) larger fuel tank (48 vs 30 gal); 4) all halyards & toping lift led aft thru combing to cockpit; 5) elevated sail storage in V-berth; 6) rotated aft berth 90 degrees to make them fore and aft; and 7) pivoting lee boards/clothes (like Navy 44) to main cabin settees.  
The boat's best features Outstanding stability index in gale force winds. Excellent crew safety in center cockpit with little reason to leave during storm conditions. Capable of running fast and stably in rough sea states.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Needs excellent sail trimmers and new sails to go fast during light weather sailing.  
Sailing characterisitcs Fast and stable in rough weather and sea states.  
Motoring characterisitcs Good fuel economy cruising (1 gal / hr). Max speed motoring of 7 knots with clean bottom and 32 hp Universal Diesel.  
Liveability Outstanding with microwave and heat pump. Good for sailing from 25oF thru 100 oF, if dockside (needs AC for heat pump).  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) [builder]  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Don't trust the marine surveyor's comments. Check the bilge pump and hull integrity yourself before buying.  
Other comments Excellent, safe, cruising and blue water racing boat.  

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