Oday Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Oday Widgeon by Richard Frye

Year built	1972
Location of boat	Pittsburgh, PA
The boat is sailed on	Lakes
How the boat is used	Weekends and longer
Normal wind strength	Press here to select
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2009
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes. The previous owner took good care of the old girl, and I got an excellent trailer and an old Sear motor to go with it.
Gear that's been added	I gave her all NEW lines, bought new battens for the sails.(original battens were missing. Plus I retired the old Sears motor and replaced it with a 2hp 4 stroke Honda. I've also used an electric motor size 30 that works very well. A gel cell battery is much lighter than a Deep Cycle marine battery. Great for getting in and out of tight places but not for long term use. Much better than paddling. When fishing I use a regular Deep Cycle marine battery. I also made a small storm sail from tough nylon cloth and use it for extremely rough weather conditions or when caught in a situation where the larger sails would be dangerous, and it works great since there are no reefing points in the original sail. My storm sail is about 24 to 36 square feet and has a set of reefing points as well, and can be put on in just a few seconds once the main is lowered.
Structural or complex improvements	I plan on added a hatch for easier acces to the bow storage area. It's useless with the tiny storage door openings. I might add another storage compartment under the seats on each side since I like to go exploring and camping. I need a place for storing proper camping gear for camping on a beach plus I have made a sunshade and boom tent that is there if I need to use it.
The boat's best features	Very stable boat and great for general daysailing with one or two. More than that gets a bit crowded but can be sailed with 4...but that does get crowded.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	So far everything works. One turnbuckle needs replacing, and the bow stay needs replacing. This is from age and use, but still in fair condition.
Sailing characterisitcs	A moderate daysailer. Doesn't point to windward very well. Sails great on a reach and downwind. A fairly dry boat even in rough conditons.
Motoring characterisitcs	Moves smoothing with small outboard or electric.
Liveability	N/A
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	Did many years ago...they were good.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	No. bought mine from an indivivual.
Other comments	Great boat and she still has a lot of life left in her. And going on 38 years old. Not as fast as some boats but very stable and a fun all around sailboat for anyone who loves sailing.

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