30ft liveaboard cruiser ???

[mark stevens]

I own a Oday 30 keel/cb and cruise the coast of Maine. My wife and I are considering using this boat with some upgrades to go down the ICW and onto the Keys and Bahamas. We feel that below decks space is adequate for our needs as well as the holding capasities. We are looking for some feedback as to opinions as to the sea keeping capabilities of this boat , particularly in crossing the Gulfstream. She seems pretty sturdy although I have not sailed her in more than 25 knots with some higher gusts and sloppy seas. Not a great joy but tolerable. I know 30 feet is borderline but she is paid for and cruising boats in the 32 to 37 ft length with good pedigree are starting at 50-60k.

 

[Steve Dion]

Get Rogers book.

Mark:Get ahold of Roger

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Cruising your O'day

Mark -There is no reason that you can't be safe in your O'day - people have cruised bigger distances in much smaller boats. Some friends of mine once met a family that sailed a Cal22 from Spain to Tonga!For starters, make sure your boat is in absolutely perfect condition functionally. Start by giving the boat a thorough washing - dirt doesn't matter much but its easier to find flaws on a clean boat.As Steve suggests grab the book and make upgrades if you can to rigging. I would suggest a deep reef in the Main to allow you to use it as a trysail if necessary. Picking you days there is no real reason the boat won't get you there safely. Iw ouldn't want to be more than a day or so offshore, but you won't need to be. I'd pick an inshore route and call it good.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[David C. Hirtle]

30ft Liveaboard Cruiser

Good Morning..Follow your dream. My wife and I lived aboard our 1980, 28' Oday (shoal draft) for almost a year doing exactly what you intend to do. We had just the basic: original refridgeration, hot water, and added an auto pilot (ST4000). The boat was equiped with the original Universal 5411....it ran like clock work! We did purchase a suit of sails which vastly improved her handling, especially in winds over 20kts.Storage was the big concern but we coped with it as you will too! Keep the dream alive. You'll love it!!

 

[Bob Alderson]

Go for it !!

My O'Day 30 has been from CA to Mexico and back twice by a previous owner. He is an airline pilot who prepared himself and the boat.