Cruising on a 34 Oday

[Otto Naesset]

I have a 1984 Oday 34 "TALL" rig. As far as I can tell this was one of a small number that were built. It has a double spreader ISOMAT spar and a 6'2" keel. I would like to know how capable the Oday 34 to cruise on for an extended period. I plan on taking a trip from Michifgan down the ICW to the Bahamas and then island hop to the Virgins. Is this boat capable of such a trip?

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Pick your days

Otto -Your boat is well capable of a trip like the one you describe. While it is not the boat you might want to face a hurricane aboard in offshore waters, in the type of voyage you are contemplating you will be able to see the weather far enough in advance to avoid major systems. This won't save you from squals, but it ought to help keep you out of the really big waves.Before you go, have someone go over it with you stem to stern. This is not because you don't know about your boat; you know it better than anyone. Instead, its because a second set of eyes may see things you are overlooking from familiariy.Jusin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[dave]

O'Day 34 Marion to Bermuda Winner

The O'Day 34 Yukon Jack won the Marion to Bermuda race for cruising boats. For the voyage you describe it can't be any different than the conditions encountered crossing the gulf stream in the 700 mile trip to Bermuda. In short I have a 35 and consider it a coastal cruiser but I intend to do some passagemaking in the future.Dave