how seaworthy is a 1977 O'day 23?

Joe11688 · Jan 10, 2009

Charleston O23 said:
I recently purchased a 1977 O'Day 23. It is in very good condition. The previous owner recommended that I stay in the Harbor; however on calm nights I would like to take it off shore a few miles (no more than 10). My off shore sailing experience is minimal, but I have spent a lot of time off shore in powerboats. Does anybody have any recommendations?
thank you in advance,
Jason

Congrats on buying this O'Day 23 Jason! My friend Rudy Nickerson of D&R Marine Assonet Ma. sells all the O'Day parts and is very knowledgeable about O'Days having also worked for them years ago at their Fall River plant. Rudy told me that the O'Day 23 is one of the best boats that O'Day ever built, especially the later models such as yours. Is she sea worthy? You bet she is. I've sailed my O'Day 222 all over five different bays and sounds, and I know that she's sea worthy. I think that the former owner has more concern for your safety and well being, where you're kind of green at sailing. It's a whole different ball game than power boating. So this is my advice to you; Get used to this boat and get a feel for it. Learn to reef the sails. Learn to maneuver it so well that you can pick up a mooring under sail, or sail up to a dock, much later on when you get good with it. If you're planning on sailing singlehanded, get an autopilot for the tiller. One of the most important things to get for it right now if it doesn't have one, is a windex for the top of the mast. I recommend it highly. The Windex will literally teach you to sail. Some say, " it's better to feel the wind on your face to judge wind direction" and I say "horse feathers!" I guarantee you that once you get used to this boat, you won't even have to ask about seaworthiness, you'll already know it, and you'll be ready to do some distant coastal cruising. I know that you're going to really enjoy this boat.
The best of luck!
Joe

Dexter · Jan 10, 2009

I have a '74 Oday 20 and it has handled 8 ft seas without much problem. I take mine out on the Great Lakes without worry.

Scott On Eagles Wings · Jan 10, 2009

Jason, congradulations on your boat. We have a 1980 23' and have been caught in some very snotty weather from time to time on Lake George NY and Havestraw bay on the Hudson and I am still here writting. We now have four seasons under our belts, still learning and loving every minute of it. As you have questions post them here; the folks here have been an invaluable resorce saving me lots of time and money. Were do you plan to sail?

Bikes-n-Boats · Jan 11, 2009

Jason

I've been sailing for some 50 yrs on the Great Lakes and both Florida coasts. I currently have a 1979 O'Day 23 and for my needs at this time in my life it is a fantastic boat. I have modified the rudder which made a night and day difference to the boats handling. I also have a autopilot, 5 ft reef available in the main and a true storm jib.

Last summer I was comfortably single handing on western Lake Erie in measured 30 knots of air and true 4 ft seas. At no time did I feel uncomfortable or threatened. As with most modern designs the question isn't the boats seaworthiness but rather the skippers capabilities.

I agree with Joe, learn your boat before pushing it to far, you already have the basic seafaring skills from your power boating experiences you just need to learn the unique handling characteristics of a sail boat.

Having owned many boats with a lot of miles under their keels, I think with some tinkering the O'Day 23 is a fine day sailor or small family coastal cruiser.

Clark

wade · Jan 24, 2009

Hey Clark ( AKA bikes n boats),
I have the same boat. I am curious about the modifications made to your rudder or any other changes you have made. Wade

Bikes-n-Boats · Jan 25, 2009

Wade

The original rudder as you know is fixed and as such has to have less draft than the keel, or about 2 ft. The rudder has a low aspect ratio, short and fat, as a result it stalls easily and looses the ability to generate a lateral force and overcome the boats natural and desirable tendency to head up in a puff. As a result it rounds up, and gives the impression of a strong weather helm.

I actually snapped my original rudder in a strong puff, so I had the need to build a new one. I designed a folding rudder with 3 ft 6 in of draft and a NACA 0012 airfoil, the rudder is also tapered fore and aft and laterally. The rudder was built with a cypress core cased in glass and epoxy. The rudder head is built of aluminum and wood. the whole assembly is lighter than the original.

As I said in my earlier post the performance improvement is amazing. I can now maintain a close hauled course with 30 to 40 degrees of heal and not round up. I know those are pretty excessive conditions but I was already down to a reefed main and a storm jib, and having to much fun to stop sailing.

I've also installed two speed sheet winches and a main halyard winch. The head stay and upper shrouds have been increased to 3/16 in and the lowers will be increased this spring. The lower gudgeon support structure was significantly reinforced as was the motor mount area. I have a 9.9 hp Honda with a power lift, and its heavy. My next big improvement will be a new main with two reefs and 2 + 2 long battens.

I know some will say I'm investing too much in a boat of this age and value but I'm 68 yrs old, with a lot of experience, and know what I want. The O'Day 23 fills all my needs and will probably be my last boat. The boat is trailer-able and big enough for extended cruising solo or with a crew of two. Its also just right for teaching my grandchildren to sail.

Thanks for the interest. Clark

48dodge · Jan 29, 2009

Charleston O23 said:
I plan on sailing in the Charleston,SC area. I am originally from NJ (Barnegat bay area) so I do not know the waters very well in Charleston. I would like to use her primarily for family camping on some of the small islands in the area, however I would also like to spend nights offshore as well.

I think you'll like the Charleston harbor. Lots of challenges if you're looking for them. 3 rivers converging plus tides, you never quite know what your exact line is going to be. Makes for some interesting racing. With the jetties, the harbor is usually fairly calm unless the wind is really up. Can't wait to get my 222 out there!

Sea Drifter · Feb 6, 2009

ODay 23 is Great for Coastal Sailing!

I sailed my 1980 ODay 23 for a number of years from Niantic, CT in the bay, Long Island Sound, and through Orient Point and Greenport at the end of Long Island. There was never a problem. The biggest issue I had was when caught in a tide rip off Plum Island in 4 foot seas under power (outboard), and was putting the bow under in each sea, with the sea way cascading down the deck at me. The prop spun free when it lifted out of the water. I set a reefed main to satbilize the boat, and we did fine!

Shoaldrafter · Jun 18, 2009

Re: 1975 ODay 25 rehab

Clark,

You are not so old. There are many of us your age bracket. I know a boat builder who still is building them at 83.

Maybe now is the time to build your own design?

Best of sails. May a zepher carry you away.

Ed K
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how seaworthy is a 1977 O'day 23?

Charleston O23

Joe11688

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Dexter

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Scott On Eagles Wings

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Charleston O23

Bikes-n-Boats

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HELMSMAN101

wade

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Bikes-n-Boats

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48dodge

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Sea Drifter

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ramar2

Shoaldrafter

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