272 What does LE designate?

[John Jackson]

We have just sold our O'day 25 after 10 years and have recently sailed a 272. We found it very enjoyable for a couple.Could someone tell us the option package difference between a 272 and a 272LE?Besides the chainplates,check for soft deck, Leaks, what should we be looking for in a used 272?Last but not least how much work to rebed Keel?

 

[dennis young]

LE designates Luxury Edition

I've never seen a 272. I think the big difference is probably that the LE has wheel steering with a binnacle compass. Mine also has a cockpit anchored and cleated main sheet (as well as the traveller option over the cabin roof), a vang that also serves as a preventer, an integral stern swim ladder, 3 opening ports, pressure water, maybe a few extra teak trivia and the teak/holly cabin floor. I suppose they both have the specially designed reefing furler up front and the really nice broadloom lining the interior from stem to stern.If you have pressured water, test the system for leaks, and get the Westerbeke looked at.

 

[John Jackson]

Diesel Problems?

I was under the impression that the Diesel was fresh water cooled on the O'Day verses raw water Which would be a better bet if the engine needed to be overhauled. The present owner says that the bimini has a tear in it and the packing around the shaft leaks a gallon per hour . Other wise the boat is in good shape.Oil pressure excessive noise when first started, Rough idle, Blue smoke. What other conditions should we look for?

 

[Tom Ehmke]

John, check the archives. Also the boat reviews

There is a list of standard features for both the 272 and 272LE in the archives as this question has been asked before. Also the owner reviews mention the differences. Many of the standard 272's have most of the features of the LE. Wheel steering on the LE is a major difference.The 272 is fresh-water cooled. There is a raw water/coolant heat exchanger behind the engine which cools the engine. The raw water is what you see discharged from the exhaust.Black smoke means oil is burning. Sounds like rings. I would be concerned.We enjoy our 272. It is an ideal pocket cruiser/day sailor. If the price and condition of the boat are right, I would recommend a buy if you want a smaller cruiser which can be easily single-handed.Tom