Thanks to all who have replied so quickly today ! … that is far more than I would have expected! I appreciate that it may be hard to find such a boat in excellent condition without some wetness or other issues…. I need to think about this a lot. The draft issue is that I moor in a cove in Niantic, CT where MLW is about 3-4 feet so my ODay 23 is perfect. In an extreme low tide, I just nestle down in the mud a little. I often motor/sail just in the river or the river “delta” late in the day so can take the greater depth of an O’Day 28 provided I don’t close in to far toward shore, or go in the mud in the lower part of the river “delta” .. that has a dredged channel out to LI Sound and is plenty deep enough for 6-7 ft draft.
The O’Day 28 would mean being at one of the docks (very expensive!) compared to the mooring, and would be more difficult getting in/out since I often sail alone late in the day and return in the evening after the dock boys have left. The mooring pick up is easy. My current boat has been meticulously maintained and has no cabin leaks or deck leaks or softness anywhere.
I’ll keep my eyes open, and think about what you all have posted for me! I’m assuming I could have the wheel steering taken out, and replaced by just a tiller, and the cost would not be too exorbitant.
Thanks again.