Ease of rigging/daytrips with an O' Day 25

[Dan Brook]

My wife, three kids and I love sailing diff. venues, NY harbor, Jersey shore, Lk George... I am curiuos about the difficulty in stepping the mast, launching, and retrieving an O' Day 25. We've sailed MacGregor 26's in the past and had no problems with the mast. I drive a truck, so pulling is not a problem. Also any comments on inboard motors?

 

[Ben Allen]

It Can Be Done, But....

I think you would get disheartened real fast on daysailing an O'Day 25. I sail an O'Day 26, and with the "Stuff" I have, it takes me about an hour and a half to get ready to launch, and about the same to be road ready. Now if you plan to go traveling and sail for a long weekend and such, it will make a great boat for that. We have had (but not recommended) 4 adults and my son on board for a week, and we all still speak to each other.Ben AllenMontgomery, AL"Latte Dah"O'Day 26

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Rigging

The O'day 25 is a great weekender but as Ben says you're looking at some time at each end. I'd agree that you can get it down to ~90 minutes but only after you've done it a few times. I'd be looking to leave it in or looking for another model. Justin - O'day OWners' Web

 

[David]

Great Boat, However it is not a quick setup...

Hola,The O'25 is a great little boat. My wife, son and I have spent a month out on the hook in the Prince William sound. It does well in seas up to 8 feet and will stay put when you settle her in for the night. As for the setup and take down. Even when all things are going very well and you are using the proper mast raising/lowering system the event will take you 90 minutes. That will eventually become a bother. They sail a little better than the Mac. (personal opinion) However, I have never set a Mac up. Hope this helps. Good Luck. -David

 

[Larry Baygents]

O'day25 set up

I have owned one for 21 years. Putting the boat in the water ready to sail takes about 60-90 minutes. My wife and I have done it many times. There are many tricks and shortcuts. The mast is somewhat heavier otherwise the process is much the same. I do not have the mast raising device that takes somewhat longer to employ. Generally more help from your friends will slow the process down. I have occasionally set up and sailed the Mac 25. The mast is lighter on the Mac so somewhat easier. The sailing between the boats is pretty night and day. Basically the O'day does everything somewhat better. I have a roller trailer so the boat basically rolls off any decent ramp well.I have a Johnson 9.9 sail master motor that has been wonderful for 21 years. I would steer clear of Mercury's. Most I have seen were not designed for sailboats. The Honda and Yamaha motors seem really nice, however, everyone I have talked to has had trouble with parts and service on those. Love the motor though.