37' O'day - Seaworthy?

[Al Kelly]

I have been looking for a passagemaking cruiser. I have located a 37' mid cockpit, 4' draft O'Day. I don't know much about the seaworthiness of this particular vessel. Any information pertaining to seaworthiness in crossing the pond (Atlantic) would be helpful. How close will it point to the wind? How fast will it sail (speed demon not required)? How quickly will it right if knocked down? How much does it heel before it gets stiff? Does it have a history of losing keels(assuming it is a bolt on)? etc. Thanks for any info. tex2@erols.com

 

[Don Evans]

Practical Sailors' Review

If you email me I will fax you a copy of their review. I am also a fan of this O'Day model, and have talked with a few owners about their boats. The ODay 37 was never intended to cross oceans, but does not mean they could not. Stock, that is without any further modification, the OD37 is considered a coastal cruiser, not a blue water passagemaker. Would I take it across the pond? Maybe,if after sailing it for a few years and got to know its weaknesses. I would upgrade its systems and add to its margin of safety and if I felt confident in my skills. After all its very rarely that a boat fails its skipper, but usually the other way round. There are better built boats out there that were made for crossing oceans IMHO. You are however getting a lot of boat for their asking price, and perhaps this is one reason that attracted you to it. I would also check the owners section here and email them directly for their opinion. Good luck on your decisions.Don

 

[Russell Marcks]

To Don and Al

I have sailed the 37 CC briefly on the Gulf. Nice boat. I to have always been attracted to it. Unfortunately, my experience with it is not great, but I did find it an easy boat to sail, seems to point well, lots of room, etc. Other than what Don mentioned, the only concern I had was the side decks at the shrouds. Not alot of room there to move forward if you had to. Although going forward on deck is always dangerous, I consider it more so on this boat. You tend to be a bit off balance while getting around the shrouds. But I guess there are worse things to be concerned about.Don,I don't have Practical Sailor that far back and would like to see that review. Could you mail it to me at:Russ Marcks3724 Raymond DriveEnon, OH 45323-1204Thanks a bunch