I am looking at an O'Day 22 with the shoal keel. It's a real project. Complete interior overhall, paint, outboard, plus the trailer need help too. Here's my question. I have been looking at other boats with swing keels. Will the shoal draft keel on this O'Day keep it from being a true "Trailer Sailer"? Or is it just as easy to launch and retrieve as a swing keel? I want to take this boat to area lakes and even the Great Lakes once in a while. Any advice?
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Jim
Owner Review
Steve, I own a 1975 version of what you are looking at. In my opinion, I would not own the swing keel version. It's another maint. headache. I have sailed most of the time solo. I have had her in 40 plus winds, with no problems. As long as your trailer is set up for the boat, shoal or swing keel should not be an issue. I have had no problems loading her on to the trailer, or taking her off. Another person to contact is "Rudy" at "D & R Marine". The link to his web site is below in this message. Also check the "Owner Review" section on the 22 home page. Stay in touch with us. There is wealth of information, knowledge, and experience to be had. Good luck on your decision. Jim s/v: Dream Maker 1975 O'Day-22
Steve, I own a 1975 version of what you are looking at. In my opinion, I would not own the swing keel version. It's another maint. headache. I have sailed most of the time solo. I have had her in 40 plus winds, with no problems. As long as your trailer is set up for the boat, shoal or swing keel should not be an issue. I have had no problems loading her on to the trailer, or taking her off. Another person to contact is "Rudy" at "D & R Marine". The link to his web site is below in this message. Also check the "Owner Review" section on the 22 home page. Stay in touch with us. There is wealth of information, knowledge, and experience to be had. Good luck on your decision. Jim s/v: Dream Maker 1975 O'Day-22
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Mike
All trailer sailers....
some type of "keel." The stub keel on the 22 is very similar to the stub keel on the O'day 23; the only real difference is that the stub keel on the 23 has a pivoting centerboard inside (for that matter, so do the later models of the 22). I have no real experience in launching or retrieving these boats from a trailer, but I can't see how a 22 or 23 with the centerboard fully retracted is any more difficult to deal with than a plain shoal keel 22. By the way, the same goes for a true swing keel boat (where the ballast is in the centerboard) like the Catalina 22. My main complaint with the older 22s is that they don't point very high and tend to make a lot of leeway going to weather.
some type of "keel." The stub keel on the 22 is very similar to the stub keel on the O'day 23; the only real difference is that the stub keel on the 23 has a pivoting centerboard inside (for that matter, so do the later models of the 22). I have no real experience in launching or retrieving these boats from a trailer, but I can't see how a 22 or 23 with the centerboard fully retracted is any more difficult to deal with than a plain shoal keel 22. By the way, the same goes for a true swing keel boat (where the ballast is in the centerboard) like the Catalina 22. My main complaint with the older 22s is that they don't point very high and tend to make a lot of leeway going to weather.
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David Garrett
I'll let you know in a couple of weeks...
I just bought a 1973 O'Day 23 with a shoal keel that has the pivoting CB inside. The previous owner said he had no problems launching or retrieving it. I plan to launch it in two weeks and will write and let you know how it goes. One comment about swinging keels, my last sailboat was a 21' MacGregor with a swing keel. The first problem was the winch was completely rusted. I replaced it with a brake winch. Second, the keel would stick if it was raised all the way up. The only way to get it to drop was to let some slack in the cable, get in the water and give the keel a swift side kick. It would drop everytime, but the force of the 800# keel against the cable, winch, and board the winch was mounted on was always a concern.
I just bought a 1973 O'Day 23 with a shoal keel that has the pivoting CB inside. The previous owner said he had no problems launching or retrieving it. I plan to launch it in two weeks and will write and let you know how it goes. One comment about swinging keels, my last sailboat was a 21' MacGregor with a swing keel. The first problem was the winch was completely rusted. I replaced it with a brake winch. Second, the keel would stick if it was raised all the way up. The only way to get it to drop was to let some slack in the cable, get in the water and give the keel a swift side kick. It would drop everytime, but the force of the 800# keel against the cable, winch, and board the winch was mounted on was always a concern.
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Warren
30 Years With An O'Day 22!
To launch the 22 is not too bad if you can get the trailer deep enought into the water. You may need to add a tongue extension. Make no mistake about it it is more of a hassel that a swing keel would be. It is quite abit more hassel when it comes to pulling it out of the water. You need to seek out a level ramp, so the keel will "center" on the bed of the trailer. I built "V" type keel guides for the front and rear of the trailer bed, they really helped! Good Luck!
To launch the 22 is not too bad if you can get the trailer deep enought into the water. You may need to add a tongue extension. Make no mistake about it it is more of a hassel that a swing keel would be. It is quite abit more hassel when it comes to pulling it out of the water. You need to seek out a level ramp, so the keel will "center" on the bed of the trailer. I built "V" type keel guides for the front and rear of the trailer bed, they really helped! Good Luck!
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Jerry Holly
Inherited 22
The 22 I inherited was in storage since '95 as was the 9hp outboard. Never covered, water collected inside requiring complete restore/replace of cabin wood. Will give boat "TLC" to save it but motor may be lost. The trailer rides very low and only has single set of tires supporting weight - I suspect may not be original. Any pictures of proper working trailer will be appreciated.
The 22 I inherited was in storage since '95 as was the 9hp outboard. Never covered, water collected inside requiring complete restore/replace of cabin wood. Will give boat "TLC" to save it but motor may be lost. The trailer rides very low and only has single set of tires supporting weight - I suspect may not be original. Any pictures of proper working trailer will be appreciated.
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Josh
Trailering...
Well, if anyone has run into every problem you might see, it's been me. As Warren stated, getting it on the trailer straight can be a problem, but you would have that problem with a swing keel or power boat as well. Getting it deep enough into the water is definately a problem. Most launches I've found in my area just aren't made for this! As Warren also stated, you might want an extension for your hitch. Another idea is to get a four inch drop hitch, and put it in up side down as to raise the tongue of your trailer three inches. This lowers the tail of the trailer which allows the back end off the boat to float sooner. The trailer I have isn't stock and the boat sits a bit high on it. One of the MAJOR things to watch out for at any dock, make sure that there is no drop off! I lost my trailer over the lip of a six foot drop off at the end of the boat launch. The water level in Lake Mich. was down five feet least year. I wish that they would have posted a notice that was more then a 3" x 5" card so I would have seen it. Now I have an extendible pole that I walk down the pier with poking into the water to see if theres anything I should be aware of before launching. Trailer recovery isn't fun. Of course, when the trailer fell out from under the boat, the boat launched beautifully! I've had many other problems with boats and launches here in Milwaukee, and have found only one worth using. The two biggest problems though have been the drop off at the end of the launch and finding one that goes in at steep enough angle to prevent me from having to back my van six feet into the water before the boat floats. I don't think that a center board model will be any diffrent though. Gaining that few inches isn't going to give you much if the launch is just too shallow for sailboats. BTW, where in the Great Lakes are you? Josh
Well, if anyone has run into every problem you might see, it's been me. As Warren stated, getting it on the trailer straight can be a problem, but you would have that problem with a swing keel or power boat as well. Getting it deep enough into the water is definately a problem. Most launches I've found in my area just aren't made for this! As Warren also stated, you might want an extension for your hitch. Another idea is to get a four inch drop hitch, and put it in up side down as to raise the tongue of your trailer three inches. This lowers the tail of the trailer which allows the back end off the boat to float sooner. The trailer I have isn't stock and the boat sits a bit high on it. One of the MAJOR things to watch out for at any dock, make sure that there is no drop off! I lost my trailer over the lip of a six foot drop off at the end of the boat launch. The water level in Lake Mich. was down five feet least year. I wish that they would have posted a notice that was more then a 3" x 5" card so I would have seen it. Now I have an extendible pole that I walk down the pier with poking into the water to see if theres anything I should be aware of before launching. Trailer recovery isn't fun. Of course, when the trailer fell out from under the boat, the boat launched beautifully! I've had many other problems with boats and launches here in Milwaukee, and have found only one worth using. The two biggest problems though have been the drop off at the end of the launch and finding one that goes in at steep enough angle to prevent me from having to back my van six feet into the water before the boat floats. I don't think that a center board model will be any diffrent though. Gaining that few inches isn't going to give you much if the launch is just too shallow for sailboats. BTW, where in the Great Lakes are you? Josh
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Josh
Jerry
Don't quote me on it, but I think the stock trailers for the 22's were single axle. I don't have a stock one, but that's what I've seen and been told. How is the suspension on the trailer? Any broken springs? You probably want it to ride low, as it will allow the boat to float quicker when dropping it in. My waterline is about five feet off the ground, so I have to get my trailer way in there for the boat to come off it! Josh
Don't quote me on it, but I think the stock trailers for the 22's were single axle. I don't have a stock one, but that's what I've seen and been told. How is the suspension on the trailer? Any broken springs? You probably want it to ride low, as it will allow the boat to float quicker when dropping it in. My waterline is about five feet off the ground, so I have to get my trailer way in there for the boat to come off it! Josh
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Mark
outboard broke?
What is the problem with the o.b.? Sometimes some carb cleaner, a new inlet needle/seat, spark plug are all that's needed. If you have spark, sometimes a shot of carb cleaner in the intake will get it going. btw, if the carb cleaner fires, but won't keep running, it may be the fuel pump diaphragm is shot/brittle. Easy fix. I'd be happy to advise. Or find a vo-tech small engine class. They work cheap.
What is the problem with the o.b.? Sometimes some carb cleaner, a new inlet needle/seat, spark plug are all that's needed. If you have spark, sometimes a shot of carb cleaner in the intake will get it going. btw, if the carb cleaner fires, but won't keep running, it may be the fuel pump diaphragm is shot/brittle. Easy fix. I'd be happy to advise. Or find a vo-tech small engine class. They work cheap.
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Mark
outboard broke?
What is the problem with the o.b.? Sometimes some carb cleaner, a new inlet needle/seat, spark plug are all that's needed. If you have spark, sometimes a shot of carb cleaner in the intake will get it going. btw, if the carb cleaner fires, but won't keep running, it may be the fuel pump diaphragm is shot/brittle. Easy fix. I'd be happy to advise. Or find a vo-tech small engine class. They work cheap. Also, you may want to pull the water pump impeller, replace it. They get brittle, also.
What is the problem with the o.b.? Sometimes some carb cleaner, a new inlet needle/seat, spark plug are all that's needed. If you have spark, sometimes a shot of carb cleaner in the intake will get it going. btw, if the carb cleaner fires, but won't keep running, it may be the fuel pump diaphragm is shot/brittle. Easy fix. I'd be happy to advise. Or find a vo-tech small engine class. They work cheap. Also, you may want to pull the water pump impeller, replace it. They get brittle, also.
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Lee Check
Your new Boat
Hi Steve, might I suggest you contact Greg Branam at Sail Boats Inc, there in Indy. Greg belongs to the Eaglecreek Sailing club and has a excellent knowledge of boats. He can also refer you to others in the club who have swing keel boats. He's a Hunter sailor but I sailed with him on his older Holder. I owned a Highlander day sailor when I lived there in Indy."just might be coming back too" any way good luck with your project..
Hi Steve, might I suggest you contact Greg Branam at Sail Boats Inc, there in Indy. Greg belongs to the Eaglecreek Sailing club and has a excellent knowledge of boats. He can also refer you to others in the club who have swing keel boats. He's a Hunter sailor but I sailed with him on his older Holder. I owned a Highlander day sailor when I lived there in Indy."just might be coming back too" any way good luck with your project..
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