Oday Owner Reviews

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Review of the Oday 272 by Joe Riley

Year built 1987  
Location of boat Chesapeake Bay  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
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? No, flat out  
Gear that's been added Yes, items that were worn, no major improvements  
Structural or complex improvements No  
The boat's best features Great cabin and cockpit layout, good swim ladder.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Terrible sailing performance, this is a very slow boat going to weather. This is my third boat and my first wing keel. Maybe this boat would be a good choice for a lake or protected waters, but for the choppy waters of the Chesapeake, its a poor performer.  
Sailing characterisitcs This boat loves to reach, or perhaps I should say that it hates to go to weather. If you happen to be out alone and have a stiff breeze and flat seas you can do well enough, but usually there is significant chop and there lies the problem with this boat. When this boat hits the chop, the pitching makes the winged keel act like a sea anchor and she can lose all forward boat speed by hitting the wakes of a single powerboat. I will say that when she is reaching, she passes many boats with alot more waterline. With the motor kicked up and only 1 thru hull, she can perform in certain conditions.  
Motoring characterisitcs N/A  
Liveability N/A  
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  
Other comments I sold this boat the year after I bought it. I'll never buy another wing keel. I was tempted by the minimal draft, but the price you pay in performance is much too steep. If you want to cut through chop without losing forward momentum, get a deep fin keel.  

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