Considering a 302

woodster · Dec 7, 2013

Mackaroni said:
Hello. I am new to this forum and thought I would ask for some opinions on the 302. I am considering purchasing an 88 302, but have never sailed on one, let alone on an ODay at all. I have some time on a C&C 29 and a Tartan 30 and was wondering how it compares to these boats? Stability? Speed? (Speed is such a funny concept if you consider that I normally sail a Compac 16, which is a turtle.) As much as I love my Compac, it is too small to comfortably take my family sailing.

I will definitely hire a surveyor if I get serious about the boat (haven't looked at it yet other than online), but are there things I should be concerned about or look for in this year/model of boat? I would value any opinion from owners or anyone who is familiar with the boat.

Thanks

by all means use a surveyor and make sure he pays close attention to the keel attachment in regards to the thickness of the hull stump there have been reports of some models not being thick enough and needing reinforcement...there was thread post in the past 10 days or so that describes this well....

regards

woody

Pat · Dec 9, 2013

The 302 is a very good sailing boat, and very comfortable for overnights. My friend
Jeff had one and many of us in our club thought it might be the best sailing boat in our club...Jeff had no trouble with his keel attachment. The boat would comfortably seat six for dinner on his table and the galley was well designed. Over the 14 years Jeff sailed Flying Cloud, he made numerous improvements both inside and outside. Inside he installed teak battens behind the settee's as well as marine air conditioning and indirect lighting. He replaced the original upholstery with a maroon leather /grey pinstriping, and all these additions made his handsome boat a very pleasant home away from home. He did have occasional trouble with the furler which I believe was made by furlex (?)...He replaced this I believe, but I could be wrong...fixed it at least as I sailed with him many evenings as we never had trouble with anything. With his Sirrus receiver, the music was always fine. You do need to check the keel bolts though to insure there are no leaks. Pat

Pat · Dec 17, 2013

I have not been on a 322, but that said, I think the open(ing) bulkhead into the V-berth, and from there, everything was bumped up in size.....several people we talked to felt like the 322 was a little under canvassed compared to the 302, but looking at the pictures of them both sailing it does not appear that way to me. Obviously, the keel attachment on 322 needs to be looked at by a surveyor...I would love to have a 322 or
302. Merry Christmas time.....Patrick

rajhnsn · Dec 19, 2013

Is the difference between the 302 and 322 the sugar scoop transom? I know that this is the difference between the O'day 34 and 35. I think one of the main factors for any boat is where you are sailing and how you are using it. I would assume that Mackaroni is from Baltimore so I assume you will be sailing on the Chesapeake Bay and the Patapsko River. From my experience on the bay, I'm glad that my boat is not any smaller. I think a 302 is good for the bay but if possible consider a 34/35. Regardless I am convinced that O'days are a great value overall.

the_alpine · Dec 24, 2013

The difference between 302 and 322:

302 322
smaller bigger
head to starboard head to port
aft cabin port aft cabin starboard
combo nav table/ice box dedicated nav table/icebox
centered swim ladder offset swim ladder