32 oday 1991

[Dragon Fly]

looking at an oday 32 4 sale. 1991.
what are particular issues to look for with the rudder size or mositure in the decks or ???
cabin layout looks inviting and functional,
I'm concerned with structual integrity and design difficulties, compared to say an Endeavor 33 for example.
thanks for any feedback. need to decide on an offer soon.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

The Endeavor 33 is a very traditional looking vessel that is built much heavier than an O'Day of any size. Not really comparing apples to apples. But, whether it is an O'Day or an Endeavor, each, if used, can have issues and that is best determined by a qualified surveyor before purchase. I wonder why you question the rudder size? Most boats are properly designed so that the rudder is adequate for the task. Why would one think differently? If you want to quickly check deck moisture without a meter, look for crazing and take a rubber or plastic hammer and tap along the deck listening to different sounds. A sharp crack suggests a good deck. A thud suggests moisture. You cannot expect an older boat to be completely dry, however. If there is a great deal of space where thuds are present, then you may have some issues. If the thuds are minimal, the might not have a worry.

 

[Dragon Fly]

thanks, b.bill, The rudder issue(or non-issue) comes from it being the same depth as the keel and possible damage as a result when grounding, or l;ow tide catches U
when gunkholing. Some are saying the rudder is too large?
also: i agree the Endeavor is a different class of boat and i prefer it over the o'day,
and it's considerably more pricey than an o'day.. by at least $10,000 dollars asking price.
thanks for the reply.
s

 

[Shoaldrafter]

O'Day Rudders

thanks, b.bill, The rudder issue(or non-issue) comes from it being the same depth as the keel and possible damage as a result when grounding, or l;ow tide catches U
when gunkholing. Some are saying the rudder is too large?
also: i agree the Endeavor is a different class of boat and i prefer it over the o'day,
and it's considerably more pricey than an o'day.. by at least $10,000 dollars asking price.
thanks for the reply.
s

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Steve,

The O'Day line of boats was designed by a good team of naval architects. The size of the rudders are important. Specifically for balanced helms.

This can be demonstrated in boats designed in the early 1970's and their subsequent modifications in later designs. In shallow draft boats they developed the bigger and often balanced rudders to conpensate for weather helm.

Yes, with rudder same depth as keel makes it tricky. But it also gets you shallow draft for coastal sailing. Whereas, boats like Endeavor were designed for blue water sailing, like the open ocean where their deeper keels compensated for weather helm.

So, the rudder size is intentional by design of experienced naval architects, that is guys who knew what they were doing.

If you plan to sail mostly way offshore, the Endeavor is way to go. If you plan coastal cruising or bay sailing then the O'Day had you in mind.

Different boats for different folks.

Ed K

 

[RAD]

What year is that 32 ? 1991???

 

[williammarshall]

I recently purchased an O'Day 302 and the rudder is about 8-10 inches longer that the winged keel. Has anyone had issue with this longer rudder? I read somewhere that cutting a chunk off the bottom might solve any worries, but I am sure that there was a reason it was built that way. Not sure I want to start doing rudder mods....Also, anyone ever removed or put refrigeration in this ice box. Tks....