1973 Oday 22 Please help a newbie

[JAGM]

I recently got a 1973 Oday 22 for 1 dollar. I've got some questions, but I'll give you the interior/exterior situation/plans first.

INTERIOR

I took out all of the plywood and cleaned out all the dirty foam and other garbage. The only thing on the interior of the boat is the supports in the center, with a crack in the floor under the port support. There are what look like bubbles on the bottom side of the roof of the cabin. Other than that no noticeable damages on the interior. I plan on replacing the plywood that's in crappy condition with marine grade 1/4" mahogany plywood. There is a sink in the bow of the boat on starboard side, in front of the bow berth. There's just empty space on the port side. I plan on moving the sink to port side, but on the opposite side of the support, so I can make more room to expand the bow berth. Besides that no noticable cracks or anything like that on the interior.

EXTERIOR

No problems on top of the boat. Small cracks on sides of boat, but very slight and not deep at all. Look like they need no attention, and some of them are covered with what looks like fiberglass repair stuff. Bottom of boat has bubbles, and keel has small cracks, but don't look too critical. If you like I'd be happy to take some pictures for you to better assess the situation. I just plan on giving it a fresh new coat of paint, and sanding and finishing all exterior wooden handles and such.

Questions-
Do bubbles on the underside of the boat mean I have to cut something out? Or do I not have to take it that far?

Does the crack on the interior of the boat under the support have to be repaired some special way/ indicate something more?

I read in a few places of a rotten core. Do these signs (bubbles, crack) indicate I have rotten core and need to cut open the floor and replace the sole, or am I overreacting?

Do I need mahogany , marine plywood, or can I just get away with normal plywood for the interior?

I've read other posts here about odays, and hopefully someone can clear up some of my concerns. Thanks for reading this, and I appreciate any and all feedback.
Thanks,
Josh

A link to my blog with pictures of interior:
http://captainjoshua.blogspot.com/

 

[JBD010457]

Hi Josh,
You got alot of boat for a dollar! And soiunds like you have some great friends!
There is alot of work to do, but be patient you can get there. I commend you for taking on such a project, especially at your age. Not sure why no one has posted a response to you yet, other than where does anyone begin with advise?
I would not worry about the interior for awhile,except to make sure the bulheads and compression post are stiill firmly supporting the cabin top. You don't need the rest of the interior to sail the boat, assuming that getting the boat seaworthy and sailing it while fixing it up is your goal.
Take small steps and prioritize your lists. I looks like all the rigging is there, just need to verify all of it is trustworthy, by checking all conections for corrosion or other damage. You can coil that ratnest of shrouds, forestay and backstay and tie it up on the mast to keep it out from under foot while working on the boat, but this boat is meant for all the rigging to stay connected except the forestay. With the shrouds connected, the mast raises from the rear, then connect the forestay, then the forestay turnbuckle tensions the rest of the rigging, once the shrouds have been adjusted for correct mast rake and side to side. Final tuning of the rigging is another chapter!
If the bulkheads need to be replaced, do not use any material thinner than the original, 1/4" is too thin, I think original was 1/2", and the compression post was about 1-1/2" square.
You are describing a crack in the cabin, but I did not see it in your pics? A crack and a scratch at two different issues. A pics here will help us on this. That empty space on the port side foraward of the bulkhead is where the porta-potty goes. Later models had metal brackets that held the pot in place.
If you did not get sails with the boat, there should be plenty of guys with used sails available but hopefully you have some to get you started?
You are in the company of very knowlegable folks on this site, so don't be shy to ask. Good luck and stay in school!