I am thinking about buying a 1978 OD23. I have owned larger boats. Just want to hear any feedback on alterations that may be needed to easily single hand the boat and what lessons current owners have to share.
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O'Day 23
I've never owned an O'Day 23, but I've looked at them and talked to Rudy Nickerson of D&R Marine about them. Rudy worked at the O'Day factory in Fall River Ma., years ago and is very knowledgeable about them. He bought all the O'Day molds and parts when they went under. According to Rudy, the O'Day 23 is one of the best boats that they built after 1974. Before 74, the 23s had issues with the cast iron keels and centerboards getting stuck, until they started going to lead, with a fiberglass centerboard. I think that the 23 is going to be more suitable for single handing, as they came equipped with Gennie winches on the combing, unlike my 222 model that has them on the cabin top. Some of the 23s had a pop cabin top, and I suppose that some sailors like this feature, but I don't. If this boat has a hinged Tabernacle mast, I'd say that it's a big plus. You're going to want to be able to get your mast up and down without having it lifted by a crane. I like the 23 because it has a full stern rail. I saw an O'Day 23 sitting on a roller trailer in a boat yard in Rhode Island years ago, which indicates to me that these hulls are solid enough to sit on a roller trailer. Some sailboats like the Catalina 22 need to have bunk trailers. My O'Day 222, the 192, and the 240, all came new with Load-Rite roller trailers up here in New England. These trailers even had keel rollers. If you have any further questions about this boat and you would like to talk to Rudy, he's located in Assonet Ma. and his number is; (508)644-3001. Here's a link to another O'Day site called; I love O'Days. The best of luck! Joe
I've never owned an O'Day 23, but I've looked at them and talked to Rudy Nickerson of D&R Marine about them. Rudy worked at the O'Day factory in Fall River Ma., years ago and is very knowledgeable about them. He bought all the O'Day molds and parts when they went under. According to Rudy, the O'Day 23 is one of the best boats that they built after 1974. Before 74, the 23s had issues with the cast iron keels and centerboards getting stuck, until they started going to lead, with a fiberglass centerboard. I think that the 23 is going to be more suitable for single handing, as they came equipped with Gennie winches on the combing, unlike my 222 model that has them on the cabin top. Some of the 23s had a pop cabin top, and I suppose that some sailors like this feature, but I don't. If this boat has a hinged Tabernacle mast, I'd say that it's a big plus. You're going to want to be able to get your mast up and down without having it lifted by a crane. I like the 23 because it has a full stern rail. I saw an O'Day 23 sitting on a roller trailer in a boat yard in Rhode Island years ago, which indicates to me that these hulls are solid enough to sit on a roller trailer. Some sailboats like the Catalina 22 need to have bunk trailers. My O'Day 222, the 192, and the 240, all came new with Load-Rite roller trailers up here in New England. These trailers even had keel rollers. If you have any further questions about this boat and you would like to talk to Rudy, he's located in Assonet Ma. and his number is; (508)644-3001. Here's a link to another O'Day site called; I love O'Days. The best of luck! Joe
Great Boat
Dana I bought my 1980 O'Day 23 down in Westport Point, MA and trailered it up to VT 2 years ago. It's a pretty great boat for my situation. My mate and son (2 years old) love the boat. We overnight 2-3 weekends a month. With its 8 foot beam and displacement, it sails like a bigger boat, but has all the bonuses of a small boat. I trailer mine spring and fall with an F-150, gas is cheap (three 3-gallon tanks last year!) and single hands like a dream with a roller furler. When sailing solo in a blow, the boat will round-up into the wind to keep you based in reality. They have a tabernacle for the mast, so rasing it is easy with 2 people. The shoal draft keel makes it easy to poke around in shallow water. Mine has a head with a holding tank, I carry a coleman stove and always utilize the cooler under the starboard-side cockpit seat. Best of all, maintenance is a breeze and Rudy has almost any part you need. I just replaced my tiller handle. The only other thing to add is a small trickle-charging solar panel and you're good to go. Good luck. Stickman Fun Tickets
Dana I bought my 1980 O'Day 23 down in Westport Point, MA and trailered it up to VT 2 years ago. It's a pretty great boat for my situation. My mate and son (2 years old) love the boat. We overnight 2-3 weekends a month. With its 8 foot beam and displacement, it sails like a bigger boat, but has all the bonuses of a small boat. I trailer mine spring and fall with an F-150, gas is cheap (three 3-gallon tanks last year!) and single hands like a dream with a roller furler. When sailing solo in a blow, the boat will round-up into the wind to keep you based in reality. They have a tabernacle for the mast, so rasing it is easy with 2 people. The shoal draft keel makes it easy to poke around in shallow water. Mine has a head with a holding tank, I carry a coleman stove and always utilize the cooler under the starboard-side cockpit seat. Best of all, maintenance is a breeze and Rudy has almost any part you need. I just replaced my tiller handle. The only other thing to add is a small trickle-charging solar panel and you're good to go. Good luck. Stickman Fun Tickets
First...
I keep our 23 at a slip so all of the trailering hassles aren't there. I singlehand alsmost 95% of the time so here's what I've changed. I added a Harking roller furling with a custom 120% jib. Best jib I've had so far. I tried a 150 and it was simply too big. I also added a snatch block at the mast head that I use for a spinnaker. I bring the halyard down forward of the forstay and belay it at the bow pulpit. I've added jiffy reefing on the main. I brought the reefing line aft to the cockpit as I have found that about the time the wind really picks up is about the same time that I REALLY don't want to be up on the foredeck. My best addition is the Raymarine T1000 tiller pilot, 'Otto'. Before the pilot I had a tiller tamer and it was a ROYAL pain. Works great except for a dead run with a following sea. Next up is to hook Otto to my ancient Garmin GPS-28. Yes, it actually still works. My next project is to completely rip out ALL of the electrical and start completely over. I've purchased a 40 watt Kyocera solar panel (my slip doesn't have electrical) and a new group 27. I will also be having a new switch/breaker panel made that I designed and running all new wiring. When I had the mast down last time I replaced the masthead and steaming lights and added a spreader light. Russ
I keep our 23 at a slip so all of the trailering hassles aren't there. I singlehand alsmost 95% of the time so here's what I've changed. I added a Harking roller furling with a custom 120% jib. Best jib I've had so far. I tried a 150 and it was simply too big. I also added a snatch block at the mast head that I use for a spinnaker. I bring the halyard down forward of the forstay and belay it at the bow pulpit. I've added jiffy reefing on the main. I brought the reefing line aft to the cockpit as I have found that about the time the wind really picks up is about the same time that I REALLY don't want to be up on the foredeck. My best addition is the Raymarine T1000 tiller pilot, 'Otto'. Before the pilot I had a tiller tamer and it was a ROYAL pain. Works great except for a dead run with a following sea. Next up is to hook Otto to my ancient Garmin GPS-28. Yes, it actually still works. My next project is to completely rip out ALL of the electrical and start completely over. I've purchased a 40 watt Kyocera solar panel (my slip doesn't have electrical) and a new group 27. I will also be having a new switch/breaker panel made that I designed and running all new wiring. When I had the mast down last time I replaced the masthead and steaming lights and added a spreader light. Russ
Ditto
Dana, For what it's worth, I have only two seasons of sailing under my belt, all of it on a 1983 Oday 23 that my wife and I bought from the original owner, and we love the boat. I'd second pretty much everything Stickman has said. I've only sailed a few other boats, so I don't have much to compare it to. But I can say that the boat has handled well in different conditions on Lake George, where we keep it. We were complete novices when we started sailing (having completed only a weekend sailing school before taking our own boat out), and the boat was very forgiving of most of our many mistakes. Stickman is right about the boat rounding up in a blow--a characteristic that I appreciated more than once! The cabin can get tight, but with just the two of us, it's plenty spacious for a weekend. We're also learning about maintaining an old boat, and so far, everything we've had to fix has been manageable. And with Rudy and sailors like Joe on this forum, we always have good resources when we have questions. Bob
Dana, For what it's worth, I have only two seasons of sailing under my belt, all of it on a 1983 Oday 23 that my wife and I bought from the original owner, and we love the boat. I'd second pretty much everything Stickman has said. I've only sailed a few other boats, so I don't have much to compare it to. But I can say that the boat has handled well in different conditions on Lake George, where we keep it. We were complete novices when we started sailing (having completed only a weekend sailing school before taking our own boat out), and the boat was very forgiving of most of our many mistakes. Stickman is right about the boat rounding up in a blow--a characteristic that I appreciated more than once! The cabin can get tight, but with just the two of us, it's plenty spacious for a weekend. We're also learning about maintaining an old boat, and so far, everything we've had to fix has been manageable. And with Rudy and sailors like Joe on this forum, we always have good resources when we have questions. Bob
O'Day 23
Hi Dana, I have a 1979 O'Day 23 which I purchased in 1982 from the original owner. I guess the fact that I still have the boat speaks for it self. For most of her life she was sailed on Lake Erie from Buffalo. Several years ago I moved her down here to VA where I now live, and sail on the Chessapeake Bay. I have been more than satisfied with the performance and liveability. If I have any complaints it would be that she can be a touch on the tender side, and will not sail as close to the wind as I would like. But you couple that with what others have noted, that she is very forgiving and will keep you out of trouble, and I can live with that short comming. Modifications that I have completed include a Harken roller furling (what I consider the best money spent) a cockpit mounted traveler, and I led the main halyard back to the cockpit. I mostly single hand, as swimming to my wife is staying alive in the water. Last winter I replaced the main blulkheads in the cabin, and just recently installed a manual bilge pump. The shoal keel is really great down here for exploring the many rivers and shallow anchorages, or sailing on the bay. I think that it is a very attractive boat and I have gotten many compliments over the years. Good luck, and happy sailing. George
Hi Dana, I have a 1979 O'Day 23 which I purchased in 1982 from the original owner. I guess the fact that I still have the boat speaks for it self. For most of her life she was sailed on Lake Erie from Buffalo. Several years ago I moved her down here to VA where I now live, and sail on the Chessapeake Bay. I have been more than satisfied with the performance and liveability. If I have any complaints it would be that she can be a touch on the tender side, and will not sail as close to the wind as I would like. But you couple that with what others have noted, that she is very forgiving and will keep you out of trouble, and I can live with that short comming. Modifications that I have completed include a Harken roller furling (what I consider the best money spent) a cockpit mounted traveler, and I led the main halyard back to the cockpit. I mostly single hand, as swimming to my wife is staying alive in the water. Last winter I replaced the main blulkheads in the cabin, and just recently installed a manual bilge pump. The shoal keel is really great down here for exploring the many rivers and shallow anchorages, or sailing on the bay. I think that it is a very attractive boat and I have gotten many compliments over the years. Good luck, and happy sailing. George
My two cents
I have a '79 23 that I bought from the second owner eight years ago. I sail on Long Island Sound, mostly daysails with the occasional overnighter at a marina. I very frequently single hand the boat on after work evening sails. You really don't need to do anything to the boat to be able to single hand; they are small enough to make it work in their original configuration. That being said, I made several upgrades to help make single handing easier: roller furling. Do it. No question, the single most cost-effective upgrade you can make that will enhance your ability and comfort in single-handing the boat. I bought the CDI and have never had any problems. If you want other opinions about the CDI or other furlers, just search the archives on this site for as many different takes on the various options as you can possibly stand. I also put in a tiller tamer. I have had great success with my unit; I certainly got my money's worth ($24). Not an autopilot, but if the boat is well-balanced, you can go for quite some time without touching the tiller. I also recommend "Winchers", those blue rubber rings that fit over standard winches to make them self-tailing. No, its not as good as a new set of winches, but I didn't have the cash to upgrade. I agree with what the others have said are the pluses and minuses of the boat; I have never regretted my choice of the Oday 23. On a slightly different note, the Admiral's favorite feature of the boat is the head in the separate compartment. The Oday 23 and some of the older configurations of the 22 are the only boats less than 25 feet long I have ever seen with that feature. Very popular with the ladies.
I have a '79 23 that I bought from the second owner eight years ago. I sail on Long Island Sound, mostly daysails with the occasional overnighter at a marina. I very frequently single hand the boat on after work evening sails. You really don't need to do anything to the boat to be able to single hand; they are small enough to make it work in their original configuration. That being said, I made several upgrades to help make single handing easier: roller furling. Do it. No question, the single most cost-effective upgrade you can make that will enhance your ability and comfort in single-handing the boat. I bought the CDI and have never had any problems. If you want other opinions about the CDI or other furlers, just search the archives on this site for as many different takes on the various options as you can possibly stand. I also put in a tiller tamer. I have had great success with my unit; I certainly got my money's worth ($24). Not an autopilot, but if the boat is well-balanced, you can go for quite some time without touching the tiller. I also recommend "Winchers", those blue rubber rings that fit over standard winches to make them self-tailing. No, its not as good as a new set of winches, but I didn't have the cash to upgrade. I agree with what the others have said are the pluses and minuses of the boat; I have never regretted my choice of the Oday 23. On a slightly different note, the Admiral's favorite feature of the boat is the head in the separate compartment. The Oday 23 and some of the older configurations of the 22 are the only boats less than 25 feet long I have ever seen with that feature. Very popular with the ladies.
All good points
We have had our 80' now for 3 seasons. Everything that's been offered is true. Haven't added the furler but would most certainly do it if I intended to keep ours. (2 footitist) What I have added to date makes the boat easily single handed and a lot more fun to sail. 1. Lazy Jack system 2. Both halyards led aft to cockpit through clutch 3. Bimini (a lifesaver) 4. Cam cleats for jib/genoa sheets 5. Jiffy reef mainsail 6. Spinnaker halyard 7. New halyards and genoa sheets It's a great boat for thin water. We too have received numerous compliments on the boat's lines and looks. Maintenance is minimal and if you need to, it is trailerable. It's no slouch on the water either. Properly trimmed she'll sail with most boats. I do wish it could point a little higher. Had my sails reconditioned by Sailcare last year but I'm sure a new set would improve performance. Check the rudder for water. Ours has some small hairline cracks and when we did the bottom two years ago I noticed some seepage when we painted it. Make sure the centerboard pendant is in good shape as well. Check the chainplates for leakage. They are known to leak if not attended to periodically. I won't ever regret buying it. Would love to have more space and standing headroom but I'd miss the versatility. Good luck!
We have had our 80' now for 3 seasons. Everything that's been offered is true. Haven't added the furler but would most certainly do it if I intended to keep ours. (2 footitist) What I have added to date makes the boat easily single handed and a lot more fun to sail. 1. Lazy Jack system 2. Both halyards led aft to cockpit through clutch 3. Bimini (a lifesaver) 4. Cam cleats for jib/genoa sheets 5. Jiffy reef mainsail 6. Spinnaker halyard 7. New halyards and genoa sheets It's a great boat for thin water. We too have received numerous compliments on the boat's lines and looks. Maintenance is minimal and if you need to, it is trailerable. It's no slouch on the water either. Properly trimmed she'll sail with most boats. I do wish it could point a little higher. Had my sails reconditioned by Sailcare last year but I'm sure a new set would improve performance. Check the rudder for water. Ours has some small hairline cracks and when we did the bottom two years ago I noticed some seepage when we painted it. Make sure the centerboard pendant is in good shape as well. Check the chainplates for leakage. They are known to leak if not attended to periodically. I won't ever regret buying it. Would love to have more space and standing headroom but I'd miss the versatility. Good luck!
Sail Big, small sailboat
As soon as I saw the interior set up, I was sold on our '79 O'day 23. The double settees with a folding table on the bulkhead was the perfect interior. The sliding sink and stove under the cockpit was a added suprise. As stated by others, the porta-potty behind an actual door was perfect for my wife. I suggest you purchase a book titles, "Sailing Big in a small sailboat" by Jerry Cardwell. I have read this book so many times that it is now held together by duct tape, hot glue and scotch tape. Jerry's ideas and tips has greatly enhanced our time we spend on our boat. Rudy at D & R Marine has also been a great help when it comes to replacing things. Good luck with your 23.
As soon as I saw the interior set up, I was sold on our '79 O'day 23. The double settees with a folding table on the bulkhead was the perfect interior. The sliding sink and stove under the cockpit was a added suprise. As stated by others, the porta-potty behind an actual door was perfect for my wife. I suggest you purchase a book titles, "Sailing Big in a small sailboat" by Jerry Cardwell. I have read this book so many times that it is now held together by duct tape, hot glue and scotch tape. Jerry's ideas and tips has greatly enhanced our time we spend on our boat. Rudy at D & R Marine has also been a great help when it comes to replacing things. Good luck with your 23.
I love mine--1984 OD23
Buy the nicest one you can get your hands on. The small premium you will pay will save money in long run. Keep it simple and light, a bunch of added junk will get in the way and slow down boat. Five or six horse 4cycle out board is best. I have had a 10 horse and it is harder to tip up in your shallow waters.A one foot square solar panel and 1 group 27 battery will power depth finder and stereo all day long. Need at least a 150 gennie to sail strong on light wind. Look and watch for chain plate leakage which will make edge of bulkhead into mush - seal deck/chain plate joint often. Try not to stand on deck in areas right next to top companion way hatch- deck will flex and lead to early fractures in corners. Get a bimini-this has boosted my enjoyment more than anything. If needing a trailer,go with a tamdem axle with brakes. Just having roller furling is enough to single hand for me. But if you want lines led aft,think and look twice before ya drill and then seal well. When your ready to move on give your boat to an interested kid instead of a jet ski. Enjoy your boat! Lance
Buy the nicest one you can get your hands on. The small premium you will pay will save money in long run. Keep it simple and light, a bunch of added junk will get in the way and slow down boat. Five or six horse 4cycle out board is best. I have had a 10 horse and it is harder to tip up in your shallow waters.A one foot square solar panel and 1 group 27 battery will power depth finder and stereo all day long. Need at least a 150 gennie to sail strong on light wind. Look and watch for chain plate leakage which will make edge of bulkhead into mush - seal deck/chain plate joint often. Try not to stand on deck in areas right next to top companion way hatch- deck will flex and lead to early fractures in corners. Get a bimini-this has boosted my enjoyment more than anything. If needing a trailer,go with a tamdem axle with brakes. Just having roller furling is enough to single hand for me. But if you want lines led aft,think and look twice before ya drill and then seal well. When your ready to move on give your boat to an interested kid instead of a jet ski. Enjoy your boat! Lance
A Good Daysailor / Small Cuiser
I'm on my third year of sailing my '79 O'Day 23 on Lake Erie. I think it's a super boat for single handing or taking friends and family out. I've not cruised it yet but have many miles in smaller boats with fewer amenities and space, so i'm sure it will work just fine. Planing on taking mine to the North Channel of Lake Huron this summer. A few comments, I do not feel the boat is tender, but the rudder will stall with a subsequnt unplanned round-up in a puff when over canvesed. Last summer in heavy air I snapped my rudder in two pieces just below the lower pintal. When I repaired the rudder I extended it 14 inches. Subsequently the rudder no longer stalls like it did and thereforeit dosen't round-up. The boat now balances well over a wide range of wind and sail plan combinations. This winter I am building a folding rudder with a 3' 6" draft. This is the best improvement I've made along with my autopilot. I do not have roller furling and probably will not add one even though most of my sailing is single handing, I preffer the set of hanked on sails and don't mind changing them on a boat this size. Clark Teal
I'm on my third year of sailing my '79 O'Day 23 on Lake Erie. I think it's a super boat for single handing or taking friends and family out. I've not cruised it yet but have many miles in smaller boats with fewer amenities and space, so i'm sure it will work just fine. Planing on taking mine to the North Channel of Lake Huron this summer. A few comments, I do not feel the boat is tender, but the rudder will stall with a subsequnt unplanned round-up in a puff when over canvesed. Last summer in heavy air I snapped my rudder in two pieces just below the lower pintal. When I repaired the rudder I extended it 14 inches. Subsequently the rudder no longer stalls like it did and thereforeit dosen't round-up. The boat now balances well over a wide range of wind and sail plan combinations. This winter I am building a folding rudder with a 3' 6" draft. This is the best improvement I've made along with my autopilot. I do not have roller furling and probably will not add one even though most of my sailing is single handing, I preffer the set of hanked on sails and don't mind changing them on a boat this size. Clark Teal
A Good Daysailor / Small Cuiser
I'm on my third year of sailing my '79 O'Day 23 on Lake Erie. I think it's a super boat for single handing or taking friends and family out. I've not cruised it yet but have many miles in smaller boats with fewer amenities and space, so i'm sure it will work just fine. Planing on taking mine to the North Channel of Lake Huron this summer. A few comments, I do not feel the boat is tender, but the rudder will stall with a subsequnt unplanned round-up in a puff when over canvesed. Last summer in heavy air I snapped my rudder in two pieces just below the lower pintal. When I repaired the rudder I extended it 14 inches. Subsequently the rudder no longer stalls like it did and thereforeit dosen't round-up. The boat now balances well over a wide range of wind and sail plan combinations. This winter I am building a folding rudder with a 3' 6" draft. This is the best improvement I've made along with my autopilot. I do not have roller furling and probably will not add one even though most of my sailing is single handing, I preffer the set of hanked on sails and don't mind changing them on a boat this size. Clark Teal
I'm on my third year of sailing my '79 O'Day 23 on Lake Erie. I think it's a super boat for single handing or taking friends and family out. I've not cruised it yet but have many miles in smaller boats with fewer amenities and space, so i'm sure it will work just fine. Planing on taking mine to the North Channel of Lake Huron this summer. A few comments, I do not feel the boat is tender, but the rudder will stall with a subsequnt unplanned round-up in a puff when over canvesed. Last summer in heavy air I snapped my rudder in two pieces just below the lower pintal. When I repaired the rudder I extended it 14 inches. Subsequently the rudder no longer stalls like it did and thereforeit dosen't round-up. The boat now balances well over a wide range of wind and sail plan combinations. This winter I am building a folding rudder with a 3' 6" draft. This is the best improvement I've made along with my autopilot. I do not have roller furling and probably will not add one even though most of my sailing is single handing, I preffer the set of hanked on sails and don't mind changing them on a boat this size. Clark Teal
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