Advice O'day 28

[Dan D]

We're looking at a 1983 O'Day 28 shoal keel. I'm sure I'm over analyzing, but what should I be looking for as far as issues that are normal to that year model? Our only experience with a boat larger than our ciurrent (MacGregor 26 swing keel) is a 1985 Hunter 28.5.

How tender is the shoal keel compared to the full fin keel?

At our ages, we really can't afford to make a bad decision.

Dan D

 

[nightowle]

a shoal keel can be more demanding if you sail in adverse conditions, but otherwise should be fine. It may not point as well as the same boat with full keel. Make sure there are no blisters on the hull. A few small ones are easy to fix, but if you have large ones or many, you'd have to be getting a super price to justify the remedial work.

 

[Joe11688]

We're looking at a 1983 O'Day 28 shoal keel. I'm sure I'm over analyzing, but what should I be looking for as far as issues that are normal to that year model? Our only experience with a boat larger than our ciurrent (MacGregor 26 swing keel) is a 1985 Hunter 28.5.

How tender is the shoal keel compared to the full fin keel?

At our ages, we really can't afford to make a bad decision.

Dan D

I think that the shoal keel O'Day 28 would be my choice for the type of anchoring I like to do in my favorite coves. As for things to look for: I would examine the rudder blade carefully for cracks. O'Day had a company in Clearwater Fl. make all their rudders including the one on my O'Day 222. These rudders were molded in two halves, glued, and pumped with foam. I went through two factory rudder blades and finally had a solid blade made for me by D & R Marine which is still going strong. Rudder blades have been an issue on most of these O'Day boats. Good luck!
Joe