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

 

[Ron Sabadash]

Rub-Rail Replacement

I have just purchased a 1979 O'Day 37 Center Cockpit boat. The plastic rub-rail (the white part) is broken for about 3 feet. Do you know where I can purchase this material in Canada or USA? Please email me at sabadashr@ns.sympatico.ca

 

[John Glass]

Oday Seaworthyness

Hi Al,Cannot help much with Atlantic crossing. She will probably be OK with a few modifications. Replace the aft cabin flimsy door with a solid door. Mine is 1 inch mahogany reinforced with 1 inch mahogany strips. Seal the door well so that a full cockpit of water will not go below before the scuppers take it away. Same for the cockpit lockers that drain straight into the boat. The forward hatch should either be permanently secured or reinforced. I replaced my washboards with boards that would stay in place. Water backs up into the engine in rough water and port heel. I have a non return valve in the exhaust that did not improve things much. I have also installed a 2 inch shut off valve that I close when the engine is off. I hang the starter key on it to prevent me from starting the engine with the valve closed (again!!). She is very stiff and needs a lot of wind to heel her very far. My draft is now 5.5feet, I have her pretty well loaded . Good luck. John