I have a 1985 O'day 28 which has the orgininal engine. It is a Universal 10 hp diesel. The engine is reliable but underpowered. I can power at about 5 kts with 2000 rpms. The engine is rated at 3500 rpms but anything above 2000 and I get a lot of black smoke out of the exhaust. I would recommend more hp.We had friends with an O'Day 28 and wow, what a great big 28 footer....keel stepped mast. Our friends had a tiller...they wished for a wheel but eventually went golfing instead.....the boat is extremely stable and does not like to round up....will sail forever with the rail in the water and the owner gets tired, but not the boat.
I think you would want a diesel...I'd download the brochure and see what size of diesel was std. equipment then look for a little more H.P than on the brochure....the boat is a dream.
Joe,JoeR said:I have a 1985 O'day 28 which has the orgininal engine. It is a Universal 10 hp diesel. The engine is reliable but underpowered. I can power at about 5 kts with 2000 rpms. The engine is rated at 3500 rpms but anything above 2000 and I get a lot of black smoke out of the exhaust. I would recommend more hp.