Buying a used oday

[Rreynolds]

Hi there, new here. Names Ryan. Today i will be looking at a 1969 oday 17. I don't know much about it or any boat but I love sailing and want one for myself so I can learn faster than only when my friend wants to go out.

About my experience.

Ive sailed sunfish as a kid many years ago and I have been going out w my sailor buddy periodically for a few years. He's a 80 year old man who's been sailing since he was a child in Rhode island. Worked for charlie Morgan and heritage etc. He knows alot.

Question. He mentioned the oday construction. Says older boats were made w plywood in between the fiberglass and that by now it's likely that the boat may not be seaworthy and to be weary of it.

What should I look for as I check it out.

Thank you.

 

[Ken Cross]

First off an older boat isn't going to be perfect. Clearly conditions are related to price, your budget, Your ability to do it yourself, etc.

Having said that look for soft spots on the deck, around chainplates and the base of the mast. Look at the inside for evidence of water damage. Look at the shape of the boat and at crain the fiberglass to indicate stress problems. There are a ton of older boats out there that are doing just fine. When you have specific questions, take pictures and come back here. The ammount of experience and willingness to help will be without equal.

I'd suggest having someone with experience help you check it out. That small of a boat may not warrent the expense of a survey depending on the value of the boat.

Ken

 

[Rreynolds]

Thank you for the pointers. He tells me I need a boom and tiller otherwise its all there. I'm getting it for next to nothing however I don't need junk in my yard that has no chance of another life. I'm hoping I can convince him to get the boom and tiller beforehand. I'd really like to see it perform and not just floating. After all a piece of wood will float and still is only a piece of wood.

Thanks again,
Ryan

 

[Paul Mermelstein]

The boat may or may not be worth it. During the late 1960's and early 70's, boat builders were just transitioning to all fiberglass boats. Many did use plywood cores, impregnated with resin and applied fiberglass. The concern your friend raised is valid: the plywood MAY have had water intrusion and rot. If so, the repairs could be enormous. It is not always easy to tell, either. So unless you have lots of time, skill, and money, you may want to stay away from this one. Depends on your commitment to a long term project. Try looking for another, slightly newer boat (like 1980's) and have your friend look at it with you if possible. There are lots on the market, and not for much money. (My opinion only, of course.)

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Why is it missing these items? It's useless without them. Tiller missing ... how's the rudder? What do the sails look like? Are they fresh and new or do they look like an old dish rag? If it has much in the way of damages, don't bother. Neglect is a pretty sure indication that the boat won't be worthwhile even if it is free.

Keep in mind that with a little searching and negotiating, you can have a nice, clean, functional boat for far less money than it costs to fix up junk to a useful condition. It's a buyer's market for nice, older boats that are in good condition. It would make no sense to waste your time and money trying to fix a boat when you could be sailing.

 

[Rreynolds]

I haven't seen it yet aside from pictures. I agree and that's why I'm asking for as much input as I can get.

Thank you,
Ryan

 

[CarlN]

What's "Next to nothing"? I would guess all Daysailers would go for next to nothing.

Here's an Oday daysailer in Ebay. $100 (but the bidding isn't over). This has a boom and tiller and looks in B- shape.

It's in CT so not handy for you.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ODay-Daysai...tr=true&hash=item4aebf391dc&item=321786188252

The Daysailer is a great boat. Sailed them a lot when I was younger. But I'd watch Craigs List and Ebay for a few months and see what comes up that's not missing parts.

Your 80 year old friend will be able to help pick the better ones.

 

[Rreynolds]

Thank you all for your help. It was complete junk being sold as what he thought was nice. Oh well on to the next one!

 

[Joe]

Good lesson... and you came out on the wise end. The general consensus on this forum has been that a complete boat in decent shape will always be much cheaper than a project boat with major parts missing.

Your reasons for wanting your own boat were explicit. You want to sail more... so.. save up a thousand or so and get a complete, ready to sail boat.

 

[chuckwayne]

As Carlf has suggested, I assume you are talking about an O'Day Daysailer. This boat is a very popular small sailboat that is still in production by Cape Cod shipbuilding in MA.
The class is very active with racing fleets all over the country and parts are readily available either used, new old stock, or new from Cape Cod. The new boat cost $14-18 thousand depending on trim and options.
There have been several iterations of the class, with the early boats - the daysailer 1 in great demand because they tend to be faster. Wood was used in the transoms and if the boat is a Precision in the flat hull sections aft to increase stiffness.
Here in New England, DS1s sell for about $800 - $3000 depending on condition, equipment, and race record(setup and tuning is important)
Google " Daysailer" - note the "e" for more info.
I've owned and raced 3 - my first boat was a 1966 DS 1

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Now that you have the desire, you'll find a nice boat to sail. It doesn't hurt to look at several that you might not find suitable. You will learn a lot just by looking with a critical eye. Good luck with your search!