Compare Mac 26S with 26 Oday shoal w/ centerboard

[Dan D]

I looked at a 1984 O'Day (25th Anniversary) just recently. Please excuse my ignorance, but I'm interested in knowing the sailing characteristics of the O'Day compared to my Mac 26S.

We (wife and I) usually spend 2 to 3 nites on board when we go and we sail almost exclusively on a huge lake (Leech Lake, MN) We've had the Mac for 5 years but would like to move to a heavier boat for roominess in the cabin and stability in heavier winds. The Mac is real tender til it reaches 12-15 degrees which automatically sends a signal to the rear admiral for white knuckles.

I realize this is an ODay site and just like the Mac site where the owners are somewhat biased , I would appreciate a note from you about other boats in the 26-28' range.

Thanks

Dan D

 

[aboodben]

I looked at a 1984 O'Day (25th Anniversary) just recently. Please excuse my ignorance, but I'm interested in knowing the sailing characteristics of the O'Day compared to my Mac 26S.

We (wife and I) usually spend 2 to 3 nites on board when we go and we sail almost exclusively on a huge lake (Leech Lake, MN) We've had the Mac for 5 years but would like to move to a heavier boat for roominess in the cabin and stability in heavier winds. The Mac is real tender til it reaches 12-15 degrees which automatically sends a signal to the rear admiral for white knuckles.

I realize this is an ODay site and just like the Mac site where the owners are somewhat biased , I would appreciate a note from you about other boats in the 26-28' range.

Thanks

Dan D

Hi Dan,
I have a O'day 25 c/b version I rencently purchased and also have a Mac/Venture 21. Althought the O'day has TONS more room and is a lot nicer built, it heels quicker than my Venture 21 does. My O'day settles quickly after heeling to that 12-15 mark like your boat does. But it does bob and weave in the power boat wakes enough to make you want to hurry up and get away from them.
After seeing and going on a Mac 26 slipped near mine I think you will like the room of the O'day.

Ben

 

[Dan D]

Thanks Ben

 

[jsmckay]

Oday 26

I've sailed my Oday 26 all over the southern New England coastline for the past 7 years and have been totally satisfied with its combination of simplicity and performance. The boat still looks and works beautifully. The centerboard lets us go places other cruisers can't reach, yet really helps steady the boat downwind and help it point upwind. The boat will heel in a breeze, make no mistake, but it settles in and the high freeboard helps make you feel secure and keeps you dry. Reefing down will level things out ifyou're shy.

The interior is handsome and functional.

Can't compare to the McGregor, but I love my Oday!

 

[appleman]

I've sailed my Oday 26 all over the southern New England coastline for the past 7 years and have been totally satisfied with its combination of simplicity and performance. The boat still looks and works beautifully. The centerboard lets us go places other cruisers can't reach, yet really helps steady the boat downwind and help it point upwind. The boat will heel in a breeze, make no mistake, but it settles in and the high freeboard helps make you feel secure and keeps you dry. Reefing down will level things out ifyou're shy.

The interior is handsome and functional.

Can't compare to the McGregor, but I love my Oday!

I totally agree! Don't be afraid to reef. It not only makes the ride more comfortable, but sometimes the speed is better too. The boat also has plenty of room for the size boat. In July my wife and I spent 4 days without touching land and the only real limiting factor was work :cry: and time to empty the potty . Still had plent of food and booze :dance:

 

[emergpa1]

I have found that a high carb diet enhances the experience...in moderation of course.
keith

 

[emergpa1]

I've sailed my Oday 26 all over the southern New England coastline for the past 7 years and have been totally satisfied with its combination of simplicity and performance. The boat still looks and works beautifully. The centerboard lets us go places other cruisers can't reach, yet really helps steady the boat downwind and help it point upwind. The boat will heel in a breeze, make no mistake, but it settles in and the high freeboard helps make you feel secure and keeps you dry. Reefing down will level things out ifyou're shy.

The interior is handsome and functional.

Can't compare to the McGregor, but I love my Oday!

I love the room in the oday, and the lines of the hull. Ther is the perfect amount of teak. Pleanty of cockpit room and enough of a head to get privacy. Two sinks, and mine has an outboard for simplicity. The lines are beautiful.
keith