Oday Owner Reviews

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Review of the Oday 28 by Randy Nickel

Year built 1985  
Location of boat Dana Point  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
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 brok  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely. We researched this range of boat very diligently. We looked at a ton of Catalina 27s, Cals, etc. We haven't had the boat long (4 months) but it has exceeded our expectations  
Gear that's been added No.  
Structural or complex improvements Not much. Some new lines and head plumbing but it was in pretty good shape when we got it.  
The boat's best features Tracks well when pointing. Wheel steering is very nice. Autopilot is tremendous for single handeling and long trips. The wider beam makes for a very comfortable ride and living space. Being able to sleep 4 adults very comfortably and 6 if needed. Overall, it's a quality design for a relatively low price.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. nothing major. 11 HP Diesel engine works for us but feels a bit like it's at its limit when we are on a weekend trip and trying to make time. Cockpit seems small with wheel. Am always trying to squeeze around it. Other reviews are right about needing another full door to the head to give some privacy.  
Sailing characterisitcs We are more novice sailors and it has been very kind to us. Not a tempermental boat. Sails well at all angles but we have had diffuculty setting up the sails directly down wind as stays are swept and shrouds effect mainsail shape. It seems like when the wind is a'beam to when we are pointing the boat tracks well. You can feel it settle into its comfort zone. We just got back from Catalina Island and the way back was 15 mph winds coming directly across the beam. We set the sails coming out of Avalon and didn't have to adjust it much for the next 5 hours. The boat just took off like it was born for it. With surfing, we hit 9 knots but averaged about 7.2 or so. It was a treat to experience this despite the fact that we are pretty inexperienced.  
Motoring characterisitcs Great manuverability. Only downside is I have a strong prop walk in reverse and have to back out of my slip area to another channel to turn around.  
Liveability Seems, to my limited knowledge, to be the best in its size. The 10' 3" beam adds so much space to be able to walk around. And the full head room requires no ducking. We've been told that many 30' boats have less room.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) [builder]  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I usually don't like to go through dealers with anything but the broker was great in helping us nubies through the process. We got a great deal on the boat and some good insights from the broker along the way. Our broker has two boats in the harbor and races every week. Very knowledgable.  
Other comments We think it's the best boat in the 27 - 28 foot range for familly cruising or day sailing without compromising performance.  

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