Oday Owner Reviews

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Review of the Oday Mariner by Tim Guitar

Year built 1966  
Location of boat Lake St. Clair  
The boat is sailed on The Great 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 2010  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, I purchased the boat during the winter and could not get a real good look at the floor structure and the overall integrity of the boat. Also, I was very excited to get a boat and start teaching myself to sail. After I got into the integrity of the boat I found I had a few hundred hours of work replacing all the floor stringers and reworking the floor and the Mahogany companion way. After many hours I became friends with this little guy and when I was completed with the overhaul I treated myself to a weekend on Hubbard Lake in Northern Michigan. This boat was very forgiving, while I learned to sail her with a "How to Sail Book" in one hand and a line in the other. It was awesome!  
Gear that's been added I purchased the boat with a older 4hp Mercury, which pushed her OK in light winds. I have since upgraded to a 8hp Mercury, which pushes her much nicer!  
Structural or complex improvements When it rains the cabin fills with water and is huge pain to empty out! I have a updated the boat with a bilge pump for the cockpit and will put another one in the cabin. Other than this I could not be more pleased with the boat.  
The boat's best features Classic lines! When she is under sail the boat just looks nice. Also, being able to sail right up to the beach and hop out with a fresh cold beer is just awesome. All the other sailboats are off shore aways. I can also push her right through the weeds with kicker. Better than any dingy! I also have the boat rigged with two pole holders and Muskeyee fish while I sail. 6 caught and released over the summer.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Everything, less the water in the cabin is perfect for the beginner sailor.  
Sailing characterisitcs I am teaching myself to sail, so you can only imagine the insane sercumstances I have placed myself and the boat in over the summer. She never once put me in danger, but did scare me to the point that I never made the same mistake twice!  
Motoring characterisitcs Motors nice when the wind absent.  
Liveability cabin is large enough to escape a cold rain. I would not plan an overnight in there unless I had plenty to drink.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Never spoke with anyone  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Privet sale  
Other comments I would like to upgrade to a larger O'Day in the near future. Something with a swing keel and an inboard. Does Oday make such a boat?  

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