Have owned, ODay 22, 25, Catalina 27, then my current Oday 28. Obviously I am a ODay fan, but think I have some good reasons to like the manufacturer, and
Overall: Even as a 80's boat it looks reasonably current., up-to-date. Not modern, like a Star Wars Storm Trooper, but not Cape Dory traditional either. It is a traditional overall layout, but modest modern look.
Decks: Side decks are very wide. Easy and safe to move forward at the dock or underway. I have 5 grown children with spouses and children. They spend as much time underway sitting on the deck as they do sitting in the cockpit. It is just that comfortable and secure. The cabin dog house is in good proportion to the rest of the boat. It is easy to step up onto, and down from, again while at the dock and underway. Although modest in its height, it gives 6ft head room below. And when fitted with a dodger, it still allow quick and easy room to pass by , moving to the bow. The coaming in the cockpit is also a nice size. Good for sitting comfort while in the cockpit, but easy to traverse while moving to the deck.
Interior: I have read numerous ODay 28 reviews that refer to the main cabin as a ballroom, and if I had to pick a word to describe the main cabin I would say, it fells like a ballroom. Everyone who has entered this boat has said, WOW!!!! THis thing is huge. The vee is a bit narrow, but will fit two. The opposing settees are both proper bunks, without "converting a dinette". PS: most dinettes, on boats I've seen, are pretty flimsy. The quart berth is truly useable, and is actually the best bunk on the boat. It is wide, easy to get in and out of and is physically separated by a cabinet from the settee in front of it.
Sailing: sails nice. It is not a racer. I think the Catalina 27 sailed a bit nicer, but that was the only advantage of the Catalina had over the Oday.
Isuues: This boat can be "wet". Not while sailing, but rather leaks. Look at the vee. If the wall carpet is black stained (especially in the very vee of the cabin), that is the deck hardware leaking. And this is common on these boats. Look at the carpeting on the side wall of the quart berth. If it is black stained, that is the genoa track leaking. Again, common on this boat.
What are my feeling on my ODay 28? I love this boat. Someone earlier said they owned thiers for 29 years. I can totally understand why. This is a big boat in a mid-size boat package.