The 192 was introduced in 1985 Model year (23 years after first Mariner was built
, 6 years after last Mariner was built)
Mariner was built from 1962 to 1979 in 3 different versions of the deck;
1) 1962-68 the boat was basically open bow to stern with a cuddy that had 2 berths and room for a head. Flotation as under the seats in hte cockpit. Cockpit was not self-bailing and boat could flood if swamped.
2) 1969-72 the introduced the first version (style?) of the 2+2 model. Cabin shape was basically the same as the earlier version but now had 4 berths (hence the 2+2) and a self-bailing cockpit, cabin now had aft bulkhead and main hatch. Flotation under berths.
3)1972-79 same basic configuration as 1969-72, but restyled cabin shape (now more rounded and no longer had a stepped, 2-level top.
All Mariners had flotation, all had 200# of lead in bilge, that along with the 165# cast-iron CB made them self-righting if somehow capsized. Optional from 1962 - 72? was a 3'3" draft fin-keel instead of the CB with added lead in bilge.
In 1979 the O'DAY 19 was introduced to replace the Mariner. Inside ballast was 300# and hte CB was now fiberglass (about 52#). Not "technically" self-righting, but sailed with proper care and seamanship should be unlikely to capsize. Proper care and seamanship means sailing her like a centerboard boar should be sailed. That means reducing sail if wind increases, and ALWAYS keeping hte mainsheet in hand while sailing! That way, if a gust hits, you can instantly release the mainsheet to spill the wind and keep the boat upright. If the wind gets real strong (as well as if you are afraid you might somehow capsize) it is good practice to close up the cabin entrance to prevent water from entering the cabin if, as I say.... you somehow managed to capsize. The cockpit locker lid needs to be locked closed as well to stop water from pouring in there if the boat capsizes. HOWEVER, the 19 was never designed to be out in the type of conditions where a capsize is unavoidable, she is a near coastal boat, NOT an offshore cruiser and one should head in to shore long before conditions get that bad.
Is it possible to capsize an O'DAY 19? YOU BET! Are you likely to ever capsize the boat under "normal" conditions? I seriously doubt it, you would have to do everything wrong and almost purposely fight against the boat to get her to go over beyong the point that water comes over the side. There should be just enough "Weather Helm" in hte rig (that is the tendency for the boat to round up into the wind if pushed) so that if the boat gets overpowered by a gust, she resist just about all of your efforts to prevent turning into the wind long before she come close to going over.
Employing the above precautions (mainsheet in hand, reducing sail, heading for home before wind gets too strong) has allowed me to enjoy 18 seasons without a capsize in my DS II and 8 seasons with a 12' Widgeon without capsizing. I sail on windy Buzzards Bay (near Cape Cod) and don't always avoid windy days as much as I probably should! Yet, I can confidently avoid going over. Yes, I have had a few close calls, but my DS II doesn't have any ballast (except Me!) to keep her upright, I guess the thought of possibly dunking my 4hp outboard underwater in the event of a capsize also keeps me on my toes and provides further incentive to stay upright. In 18 seasons, I can count on one hand the nuber of times that I took more than a gallon or two of water over the lee side while sailing, and only scared myself once or twice that I might not stay dry!
A 19 should therefore be a lot LESS likely to capsize. Again, YES, it COULD happen, but it SHOULD be extremely unlikely. O'DAY included "Positive flotation" in the 19, that means enough foam to keep her (along wiht normal crew and gear) afloat if ever holed or in the unlikely event of a capsize. The mast was also filled with foam. Sail her like a centerboard boat that COULD capsize (but again, should NOT ever capsize!) and you too will enjoy many, many years of capsize free sailing!!
OH ,and the O'DAYs fro mthe 1960's era are by now prone to having flotation foam that may have become waterlogged due to various conditions (eve njust many years of condensation) and so, like a lot of older boats, it is not unheard of for them to not float as high as they should if they were to swamp. Newr boats, like hte 19 have better foam that is less likely to get waterlogged.
