Oday 22 1973 Performance Modifications

[Sweet.Al]

Hi,

I recently purchased a very nice trailer that came with an oday 22. At first I just saw this as a temporary skipping stone, to something perhaps more speedy and convenient. I'm an engineer, so I love tearing stuff up and seeing its intricacies in order to redesign and give it a new life.

Now I've done some serious digging.. going as far as laying on the dirt looking for any signs of osmosis on the hull, taking apart the whole kitchenette and investigating hull, deck construction intricacies, I also took the time to SERIOUSLY SCRUB the bilges and storage as an attempt to understand its current condition and from my amateur point of view I'd say its a well built boat, that was cared for a better part of its life BUT needs some detail oriented maintenance work.

I understand this model was made for affordable family cruising... but after doing some very close inspections the most pressing matter is the compression post, I haven't quite dug into this one, the wood I am able to see looks ok, no superficial sign of rot. However there is some very evident compression dent around the post on the floor. When I saw the dent it occurred to me that theoretically speaking if i were to replace the wooden compression post with a more resistant aluminum profile It'd be possible to install a bigger mast a bigger mast means a higher sail area, higher sail area means more speed, but it is not speed that I'm after, but the possibility of going faster in weak winds.

I am obviously no naval architect, and wouldn't even dare to tinker with something I clearly do not understand . But my basic understanding of theoretical structural analysis deems it a possibility and it being a possibility I'd loose nothing exploring it.

Again, I'm a total amateur and perhaps this is just the first sign of sailboat madness... I guess one day we will know...

Cheers,

 

[dlochner]

Welcome the SBO. The O'Day 22 is a classic and you're correct, not the fast 22 foot boat out there.

The sail plan is only part of the equation, the other parts are hull form and ballast. A taller mast will require a deeper keel and/or more ballast and the speed gains will be marginal. The boat will become more tender, i.e, heel further and more easily, which might feel faster, but will be slower due to increased leeway (side slip).

Boat speed is also limited by hull design. Most sailboats and older sailboats are displacement hulls which have a limited top speed or hull speed. Adding more power does not increase boat speed above hull speed. Some newer designs and power boats have planing hulls which allow them to get up on top of the water. On these boats generally more power yields more speed.

With that said, sailing performance can be modestly improved. A clean bottom, properly tuned mast, good high quality sails, reduced weight aloft, and proper trimming will make the boat more fun and faster.

One of the great joys of sailing is that it takes a few hours to learn and a lifetime to master. In between there are some great sails and experiences. Enjoy.

 

[rgranger]

@dlochner made some good points. Top speed on a 22 is around 6 kt

...but your idea of wanting better performance in light air is valid. A larger mast would be one way (the hard and expensive way) to achieve this. You would also have to redesign the standing rigging.. probably have to build your new mast out of carbon fiber so you don’t put to much mass up high etc...Or you could buy and rig a spinnaker or Geneker to achieve more sail area. Then spend the time you saved sailing.

 

[Hydro Therapy]

I owned a 1980 O22. it was the second version so it was a bit different then yours. Mine was a fractional rig with a centerboard that pivoted out of the keel. I had a lot of fun with that boat. It was tender so I would not add more sail area. Yours is the original version which is a masthead rig with a keel, no centerboard added. It may be a bit more tender then the version I had. My vote would be to leave the mast stock and enjoy the ride.