Buying a O'Day Daysailer now--fair cost?

Apr 25, 2015
282
Oday 26 Oscoda, MI
So I bought an O'Day 26' about a year and a half ago and have been working on and off but not as much as I would like (busy with work and family) so I decided to buy an O'Day Daysailer to use around home in some lakes for now. The one I am looking at I believe is late 60's and in damn nice shape. From what some here might know of them, is $900 a good price for one of these rigs? Nice trailer and comes with a battery and trolling motor if needed (might not be bad to use to get away from the dock a tad). Nothing really has to be done with the boat and sails are in pretty nice shape as well.
 
Jun 2, 2004
1,941
Oday Day Sailer Wareham, MA
Without actually seeing the boat it is hard to judge condition vs price. However, IF this boat is In as good shape as you say, well... I think you better snap her up before someone else realizes what a good price this is. $900 is not cheap", but it is the low end of average for a typical DS I in "GOOD" conditon, since they are the preferred version for Class Racing.
What condition is the woodwork in? Roadworthiness of the trailer? Condition of sails? Age of rigging? For that price I assume that the floorboards are long gone? Has the mast been modified to have a hinge just above the cuddy to make stepping/unstepping the mast easier for trailering (not overly difficult to step/unstep the mast with the original "keel-stepped" setup, but not something I would want to do every time I went sailing (if not modified yet, parts cost around $90 and installation is pretty straightforward.))
For comparison, I paid $1400 for my DS II in 1996, that included a pretty good but not perfect trailer (I replaced the axle, springs, hubs, and wheels/tires in 1998 to the tune of $400), original sails from 1979, and cosmetically, she was not bad (a few hours with some rubbing compound and a buffer that Fall made her shine!).
 
Apr 11, 2012
324
Cataina 400 MK II Santa Cruz
Sunbird dialed it. Not to mention that they are a gas to sail!! I'd buy one at that price.
 
Apr 25, 2015
282
Oday 26 Oscoda, MI
Ya I bought it. It's in superb shape for a late 60's. Looks like brand new paint, has new sheets and sails are not too bad even though I wish I knew a place to have sails cleaned etc. I would do that for these and my 26'.
 
Apr 25, 2015
282
Oday 26 Oscoda, MI
Without actually seeing the boat it is hard to judge condition vs price. However, IF this boat is In as good shape as you say, well... I think you better snap her up before someone else realizes what a good price this is. $900 is not cheap", but it is the low end of average for a typical DS I in "GOOD" conditon, since they are the preferred version for Class Racing.
What condition is the woodwork in? Roadworthiness of the trailer? Condition of sails? Age of rigging? For that price I assume that the floorboards are long gone? Has the mast been modified to have a hinge just above the cuddy to make stepping/unstepping the mast easier for trailering (not overly difficult to step/unstep the mast with the original "keel-stepped" setup, but not something I would want to do every time I went sailing (if not modified yet, parts cost around $90 and installation is pretty straightforward.))
For comparison, I paid $1400 for my DS II in 1996, that included a pretty good but not perfect trailer (I replaced the axle, springs, hubs, and wheels/tires in 1998 to the tune of $400), original sails from 1979, and cosmetically, she was not bad (a few hours with some rubbing compound and a buffer that Fall made her shine!).

Floor boards aren't bad and just need refinishing. The mast was update to have the tabernacle on top of the deck so stepping is pretty easy. I might have to replace the teak on the inside edges of the cockpit but it's really not that bad and I will try to refinish it first. Sails are pretty good shape but need cleaning and one small rip near a batten. Trailer is gorgeous and has new tires. All rigging's look great. I will be ordering a few parts from Rudy such as the tabernacle pins and spreader boots. I cannot wait to sail this thing. Picking it up Friday and hope to just take i tout on Sunday when it's sunny and 74 degrees.

I see I can order a new jib and main for about $500 total which I think I will do. That's cheap.
 
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