34 O'DAY-----A BLUEWATER BOAT

[Randy Corbin]

Is an O'day 34 a bluewater boat or is it just a coastal cruiser? Is it strong enough? How are its sailing charactoristics for bluewater sailing? These boat seems to be a good bargin. Can anyone give me some information? Thanks

 

[Dave]

o-day 34 Marion to Bermuda

I don't think anyone would call a 34 a "bluewater boat" but the 34 won the Marion to Bermuda race in the early 1990's. I have a 35 and am preparing for the same trip. It's a great boat by the way.Dave

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

The great debate

Before we begin - any boat can sail anywhere on the right day, and any boat will get you very badly messed up on the wrong day - so, what matters is: how will you use the boat? If you want a boat that can do extended cruising the 34 may be a good pick. If you're comparing it to something like a Cabo for riding out a hurricane - I'll take the Cabo.If you give us some more information on how you think you'll use the boat, we can help determine if its a good pick for you.Justin

 

[J.B. Dyer]

Pick your fight

I have never had mine in open seas, however, I have been caught in 40kt+ winds in large inland lakes with high wave action. It handled as well as anyone could expect from any sailboat. I would not be reluctant to set out on an extended deep water cruise in it, however, I would certainly be cautious about the time of the year and weather conditions. Personally, I wouldn't attempt any passage during hurricane season in any boat, sail or otherwise. The O'Day 34 is a solid built dependable boat that I have developed a great deal of confidence in. I wouldn't be afraid to take it anyplace.I see that you are Tennessee boy. I don't know where Greenback is but if you would like to see my boat, it's at Pickwick. I can be reached via jdyer95016@aol.com.

 

[Mike Whalen]

Greenback

J.B. Greenback is just south of Knoxville on Hwy 411 at the foot the Great Smokey Mountains. Is Pickwick a little tight for a 34? I sail my 25 here further up the Tennessee River at Ft. Loudon Lake (knoxville) but grew up in Memphis and often went to Pickwick. Nice area expept for the smell of that paper plant.Later,Mike

 

[J.B. Dyer]

Not Really

Nope, Pickwick is really a pretty good size body of water but not as big as Kentucky Lake. I moved down to Pickwick last year because it was a shorter drive. There really isn't as much room as KL but you get used to it after a while. I find the conveniance of being closer to the boat off sets the smaller sailing area. It also puts me right at the mouth of the Tombigbee and just around the corner from Alabama up the Tennessee River. It's actually an ideal location for inland sailing. And as to size, there is one 40footer and a lot of larger motor yachts.The biggest asset to the O'Day34 is the 47 foot mast and the relativily shallow draft. I can take this thing just about anywhere I want to without worrying about demasting it or any other preparations.The smell of the plant is not as bad as you think. During the summer months, the wind blows mostly from the S/W keeping it away. It's hardly ever a problem.Come on down sometime when your slumming!