New to sailing got an O'Day 40 all advice welcome/

[Phil Read]

Ive just aquired an O'day 40 and am desperately in need of sound advice. This may sound silly but I know nowt. What are 'through valves' (possibly flow valves), where are they? why do I need to check them and how. The boat has been stood and is still out of the water, would you change the prop seal, is it a big job, where would I obtain one from, are they a standard item. I believe it should be painted before launch, all advice from paint type and brand to spraying, rolling or brushing and preparation. Any O'Day owners who just want to shoot the breeze with a limey please feel freePhilsadphilandnok@hotmail.com

 

[Don Evans]

Jumping In With Both Feet

Hey Phil, I've read your query a few times and was hoping someone else would wade in...8^), guess not. Most people start smaller and work up, and most are probably thinking "wow, no sailing experience, and he buys the grandaddy of all O'Days" (I know I did). Well ya did, so you better jump on the learning curve train, cause you got a lot to learn.You are starting at the right place, here, but I would buy some further references. Get Nilger Calder's "Boat Owners Mechanical and Electrical Manual", and keep it close buy (or anything from Don Casey). You need to know about "through-hull valves", and bottompaint options and the myriad of other sysytems this boat has. I might also buy some professional guidance from a marine surveyor (I assume you had a survey done?). Have him spend a day with you onboard pointing out the "systems" onboard. How to maintain them and what to watch out for. Also buy a couple of hours of a diesel mechanics time or take a diesel maintenance course. The engine will be the most important and expensive piece of equipment onboard. Gonna repeat myself here but buy or have a knowledgeable sailing guru take you out on your own boat to show you how to "sail her". Your not going to learn sailing by simply reading about it. Practise, practise, preferably on a smaller more forgiving boat, and have that guru show you how to dock her, especially in close quarters. Can you crew with someone elses boat? How did you find an O'Day 40 in England? Can't think there would be many across the pond.Don

 

[James]

"Two foot - itis"

Hello Phil, Welcome to the world of sail. I am no expert, but it seems as if you have a lot to learn in a short while if your going to enjoy the new boat. I had a lot of boat experience but no sail experience when I got my 23 footer. Just learning the new vocabulary so I could talk to someone about sailing and be able to explain what I should do was tough. You will meet many nice and helpful people along the way. There will be some real jerks also! Do not be quick to judge as the jerks will sometimes have the answer. You may have to spend some time around the marina talking but mostly listening to learn even more. I suggest you not be in a great hurry to launch the boat and start by doing a lot of cleaning and searching. Don gave some excellent advice!! A 40 footer is no toy. I have developed "2foot-itis" meaning that I am ready to move up to a larger boat. I also know it will mean more work and more money. I think the 23 will be fine for a few more years. I think for yourself, you will never have to worry about "2foot-itis". Congratulations and have fun. James

 

[Mike]

Great boat

Phil:James and Don have offered some excellent advice in their reponses. Speaking with a surveyor and "going out" for a sail with and experienced skipper will get you started on the right foot.As for your specific questions: "Through valves" and I think you may mean through-hull valves are any passage through the hull to the sea which is controlled by a valve. Some examples are; flush water for the head (toilet), raw water for the engine cooling water, a sink drain just to name a few. They ought to be inspected regularly and should have double hose clamps on the hose at the valve.As for changing the prop seal I would either get a very good manual or seek the help of a friend or hire an experienced mechanic. It is not a particularly difficult job but the engine/shaft allignment is critical. Yes they are a standard item available in many catalogues like Boat US, West Marine, Overton's,or Defender.As for painting you need to determine what type of paint and barrier coat is on the bottom now. I use VC Tar as the barrier coat and VC 17M for the anti-fouling paint. The VC Tar need only be put on but rarely (8-10 years) but the VC 17M needs to be done annually or at the longest semi annually. When I put on the VC 17M I prepare the bottom with a good scrubbing with a 3-M pad, mask the water line and then paint with a Wagner airless spray painter. The airless spray painter saves on paint loss through evaporation; a real problem with an acetone based paint like VC17. At $37.00 a quart (~litre) evaporation is an expensive proposition in a roller pan.Good luck and enjoy your vessel. You've made an excellent choice. For my part I sail an O'day 28 in the Great Lakes. A small guy compared to your stately 40' lady.Regards,MikeS/V PittePat