I have been the proud owner of a 1979 Oday 23 (Morning Dove) for the past 4 years. However, I must confess that I have a "wandering eye" and have lately been wondering about the differences between an Oday 23 and Oday 25. Most of the boats that I sail with are slightly bigger and it seems that I am always the last one to the anchorage, last one around the buoys, etc. Does anyone have experience with both of these boats so as to be able to compare and contrast the two? Does the Oday 25 offer enough advantages over the 23 to justify a move up to the bigger boat?
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Advantages?
I suspect it you'll probably have to tell us what you consider to be an advantage. My guess is you'll STILL be one of the last boats around the buoy. My 25 is fun to sail, but it's not going to win many races unless I put a LOT of money into new sails, spinnaker, lines, etc., and even then, it'll probably be an "also ran". However, my wife and I have stayed on it for a week at a time (actually 10 days) very comfortably. We can loadit on a trailer ourselves, and take it to the coast. We even stayed on it with another couple for 4 days once, and were all comfortable. It's easy to sail, and very forgiving. We've seen other boats in our class get thrown all over the place during strong winds, and our O'Day seems to keep plowing through the weather.
I suspect it you'll probably have to tell us what you consider to be an advantage. My guess is you'll STILL be one of the last boats around the buoy. My 25 is fun to sail, but it's not going to win many races unless I put a LOT of money into new sails, spinnaker, lines, etc., and even then, it'll probably be an "also ran". However, my wife and I have stayed on it for a week at a time (actually 10 days) very comfortably. We can loadit on a trailer ourselves, and take it to the coast. We even stayed on it with another couple for 4 days once, and were all comfortable. It's easy to sail, and very forgiving. We've seen other boats in our class get thrown all over the place during strong winds, and our O'Day seems to keep plowing through the weather.
Right again Herb
When we moved up from a 22 to a 25 we had a real hard time understanding how much that affected everything. Everything from towing to sleeping. Our 25 is quite often passed by a lot of boats. Rarely do we ever get to 6 knots.However we are out in wind and waves when a lot of other boats are docked. For us sailing on Lake Michigan and once a year trailering to Kentucky lake The boat is perfect.We would much rather have a center board than a swing keel. The girlfriend really likes the seperate head. I like the huge amount of storage. It's just enough of a big boat to be stable and just small enough to be manuverable.
When we moved up from a 22 to a 25 we had a real hard time understanding how much that affected everything. Everything from towing to sleeping. Our 25 is quite often passed by a lot of boats. Rarely do we ever get to 6 knots.However we are out in wind and waves when a lot of other boats are docked. For us sailing on Lake Michigan and once a year trailering to Kentucky lake The boat is perfect.We would much rather have a center board than a swing keel. The girlfriend really likes the seperate head. I like the huge amount of storage. It's just enough of a big boat to be stable and just small enough to be manuverable.
Keep the 23
I love my O'Day 25 - but as previously mentioned it's no speed demon. I have not sailed a 23 but have been quite impressed by those that I've seen - I think it is not worth switching for the extra 2 feet. For what it would cost to change up, maybe some new sails or a spinnaker would be a better investment (and make your's feel like a new boat). I am currently resisting the urge to upgrade so I know where you're coming from. I did a lot of work to my boat and I intend to get some use out of my labor. If you do decide to move up, and if trailering is not an issue, I would look at an O'Day 27 - the fin keel will let you point higher and you'll really notice the difference.
I love my O'Day 25 - but as previously mentioned it's no speed demon. I have not sailed a 23 but have been quite impressed by those that I've seen - I think it is not worth switching for the extra 2 feet. For what it would cost to change up, maybe some new sails or a spinnaker would be a better investment (and make your's feel like a new boat). I am currently resisting the urge to upgrade so I know where you're coming from. I did a lot of work to my boat and I intend to get some use out of my labor. If you do decide to move up, and if trailering is not an issue, I would look at an O'Day 27 - the fin keel will let you point higher and you'll really notice the difference.
Not that big a step up
I too have a '79 Oday 23, and I agree with Herb; I don't see the 25 has having a whole lot of advantages over the 23. A little more comfortable to camp on, maybe a little more stable, maybe a little faster, but certainly not a boat that is an order of magnitude "better" than the 23. For me, the true "step up" from the trailerable 23/25 is a fixed fin keel boat with full standing headroom, an inboard engine, permanent head, real electrical system, etc. Just about the minimum size for that kind of boat is 27 feet (although many will argue that the Pearson 26 would also fit the bill).
I too have a '79 Oday 23, and I agree with Herb; I don't see the 25 has having a whole lot of advantages over the 23. A little more comfortable to camp on, maybe a little more stable, maybe a little faster, but certainly not a boat that is an order of magnitude "better" than the 23. For me, the true "step up" from the trailerable 23/25 is a fixed fin keel boat with full standing headroom, an inboard engine, permanent head, real electrical system, etc. Just about the minimum size for that kind of boat is 27 feet (although many will argue that the Pearson 26 would also fit the bill).
is there an echo in here
Wow, I have to chip in even though it is exactly what has been said before. We looked at both the 23 and 25 before we purchased our 25. We we new to sailing and like most people when we were making our decision, we decided that we would never say, "Damn, I wish my boat were 2 feet shorter." The main difference between a 23 and 25 is in the cockpit. The rig and cabin are virtually identical. My 25, like the others, is no speed demon. But we have tested her with some pretty crappy weather and overnight trips, and she has come through with flying colors. My advice, keep the 23. Come to Tampa and sail my 25 and you will see that there's little difference. Just my 2 cents. Ross 1979 Oday 25, Lola
Wow, I have to chip in even though it is exactly what has been said before. We looked at both the 23 and 25 before we purchased our 25. We we new to sailing and like most people when we were making our decision, we decided that we would never say, "Damn, I wish my boat were 2 feet shorter." The main difference between a 23 and 25 is in the cockpit. The rig and cabin are virtually identical. My 25, like the others, is no speed demon. But we have tested her with some pretty crappy weather and overnight trips, and she has come through with flying colors. My advice, keep the 23. Come to Tampa and sail my 25 and you will see that there's little difference. Just my 2 cents. Ross 1979 Oday 25, Lola
thanks for the feedback
Hmm, sailing in Florida is tempting. It gets pretty cold up here in the winter. Thanks everyone for the feedback. You've confirmed what I kind of suspected. The reality is the Oday 23 really suits my needs fairly well at the present time. I rarely have more than 4 people on board, in fact most of the time there is only one or two of us. Most of the time I daysail. My wife and I do spend a few nights on board (weekend cruises) and frankly I find the accommadations entirely adequate. I like the concept of a trailerable sailboat. The thing that attracted me to the 23 is the notion that I might take it to other places (Apostle Islands, Isle Royale, Gulf coast of Florida, etc.) but so far that hasn't happened. The Morning Dove is in better condition now than when I bought her and I'm not sure I want to start over again on another boat (at least not just yet). I guess I'll keep her for now. I do wish it pointed a little better and did a little better in light airs. New sails are definitely on my list. Anyone try an assymetrical spinnaker on these boats? I have a symmetrical, but rarely use it because I don't have crew.
Hmm, sailing in Florida is tempting. It gets pretty cold up here in the winter. Thanks everyone for the feedback. You've confirmed what I kind of suspected. The reality is the Oday 23 really suits my needs fairly well at the present time. I rarely have more than 4 people on board, in fact most of the time there is only one or two of us. Most of the time I daysail. My wife and I do spend a few nights on board (weekend cruises) and frankly I find the accommadations entirely adequate. I like the concept of a trailerable sailboat. The thing that attracted me to the 23 is the notion that I might take it to other places (Apostle Islands, Isle Royale, Gulf coast of Florida, etc.) but so far that hasn't happened. The Morning Dove is in better condition now than when I bought her and I'm not sure I want to start over again on another boat (at least not just yet). I guess I'll keep her for now. I do wish it pointed a little better and did a little better in light airs. New sails are definitely on my list. Anyone try an assymetrical spinnaker on these boats? I have a symmetrical, but rarely use it because I don't have crew.
Morning Dove?
Did you buy Morning Dove from a gentleman named Wally in Northwest Minnesota? Can't remember the name of the town right now and can't find his address. Just curious.
Did you buy Morning Dove from a gentleman named Wally in Northwest Minnesota? Can't remember the name of the town right now and can't find his address. Just curious.
yes, Morning Dove
Yes, I purchased Morning Dove, a 1979 ODay 23 from an individual named Wally in the Fargo Area about 3 years ago. The boat was well equipped and well cared for. I know the boat has sailed in the LOWISA and I also believe it was home ported in Grand Marais, Minnesota at one time. Are you familiar with the boat?
Yes, I purchased Morning Dove, a 1979 ODay 23 from an individual named Wally in the Fargo Area about 3 years ago. The boat was well equipped and well cared for. I know the boat has sailed in the LOWISA and I also believe it was home ported in Grand Marais, Minnesota at one time. Are you familiar with the boat?
Morning Dove
Yes, I am familiar with the boat. If we had known she was for sail, we would have bought her! We sailed on Lake of the Woods 2 times with Wally. Not LOWISA, just an informal cruise for a week with 5 boats. I did not know Wally but we had mutual friends in the group. The first time we sailed on a West Wight Potter 19 and Wally was on Morning Dove. We had several chances to inspect the 23 during the week and my wife and I were very impressed. Late in the week we hit a very large rock with our Potter. Don't know if you are familiar with the Potter, but it has a dagger board that lifts up and down, but does not swing. We did major damage to the hull behind the dagger board housing. After we returned home, our insurance company decided to total the boat rather than removing the floor to check for damage. We took the insurance check and went shopping for an O'Day 23. Could not find a 23 but did find a good old O'Day 25. Bought the 25 and have been very happy with it. The next Summer we again sailed with Wally and the same group. We sailed on our 25 and Wally had an Aloha 8.2 ( about 27 feet ). His boat was about twice as heavy as the 23 with teak interior, standing head room, an inboard diesel, etc. Very nice boat. At that time we found out that Morning Dove was for sale. Had we not already bought a 25 we would have bought her in a minute! Wally was never very happy with the Aloha. He sails alone ( he's a bachelor ) and could not handle the new boat like he could Morning Dove. I think he really wished he had never "moved up". That's how we are familiar with Morning Dove! You have a very nice boat. I am glad to hear you are enjoying her! You mention a spinnaker. We have seen Wally fly it by himself, but I wouldn't want to try it. We use a cruising spinnaker with a sock and have been very happy with it. It can be easily doused and the sock and all dropped down the forward hatch into a bag. You are very close to some of the greatest sailing anywhere--Lake of the Woods. Have you ever tried it out? If you want info you can contact me.
Yes, I am familiar with the boat. If we had known she was for sail, we would have bought her! We sailed on Lake of the Woods 2 times with Wally. Not LOWISA, just an informal cruise for a week with 5 boats. I did not know Wally but we had mutual friends in the group. The first time we sailed on a West Wight Potter 19 and Wally was on Morning Dove. We had several chances to inspect the 23 during the week and my wife and I were very impressed. Late in the week we hit a very large rock with our Potter. Don't know if you are familiar with the Potter, but it has a dagger board that lifts up and down, but does not swing. We did major damage to the hull behind the dagger board housing. After we returned home, our insurance company decided to total the boat rather than removing the floor to check for damage. We took the insurance check and went shopping for an O'Day 23. Could not find a 23 but did find a good old O'Day 25. Bought the 25 and have been very happy with it. The next Summer we again sailed with Wally and the same group. We sailed on our 25 and Wally had an Aloha 8.2 ( about 27 feet ). His boat was about twice as heavy as the 23 with teak interior, standing head room, an inboard diesel, etc. Very nice boat. At that time we found out that Morning Dove was for sale. Had we not already bought a 25 we would have bought her in a minute! Wally was never very happy with the Aloha. He sails alone ( he's a bachelor ) and could not handle the new boat like he could Morning Dove. I think he really wished he had never "moved up". That's how we are familiar with Morning Dove! You have a very nice boat. I am glad to hear you are enjoying her! You mention a spinnaker. We have seen Wally fly it by himself, but I wouldn't want to try it. We use a cruising spinnaker with a sock and have been very happy with it. It can be easily doused and the sock and all dropped down the forward hatch into a bag. You are very close to some of the greatest sailing anywhere--Lake of the Woods. Have you ever tried it out? If you want info you can contact me.
small world
Hi Dale, Thanks for the info. The broker that I bought the boat through was rather vague when I asked about the boat's past. I think there might be a moral in your story somewhere...One of the things I enjoy about Morning Dove is the ease with which I can handle her myself. There are three times each year when I am really glad I don't have a bigger boat: spring cleanup and fitting out (sanding and varnishing, hand washing and waxing the hull,etc), launching, and haul out. I live right next door to the marina and watch the guys with the deep fixed keels struggle to get their boats on and off their trailers. The Morning Dove glides on and off effortlessly; one of the advantages of her shoal/centerboard keel. I haven't sailed on Lake of the Woods yet. Some of the other members of our club (Rendezvous Yacht Club) have participated in the LOWISA. One of the reasons I haven't traveled to other places yet is because I am still exploring and enjoying Rainy Lake. Do you take your 25 to LOW? If you are ever in International Falls, look me up. Our club has a Web site with information about Rainy Lake and our racing/cruising schedule at www.rycweb.org. Oh, I am quite familiar with the Potter 19. My father had one on Lake Pepin and I have many fond memories of sailing down there. If you see Wally, tell him his former boat has found a good home.
Hi Dale, Thanks for the info. The broker that I bought the boat through was rather vague when I asked about the boat's past. I think there might be a moral in your story somewhere...One of the things I enjoy about Morning Dove is the ease with which I can handle her myself. There are three times each year when I am really glad I don't have a bigger boat: spring cleanup and fitting out (sanding and varnishing, hand washing and waxing the hull,etc), launching, and haul out. I live right next door to the marina and watch the guys with the deep fixed keels struggle to get their boats on and off their trailers. The Morning Dove glides on and off effortlessly; one of the advantages of her shoal/centerboard keel. I haven't sailed on Lake of the Woods yet. Some of the other members of our club (Rendezvous Yacht Club) have participated in the LOWISA. One of the reasons I haven't traveled to other places yet is because I am still exploring and enjoying Rainy Lake. Do you take your 25 to LOW? If you are ever in International Falls, look me up. Our club has a Web site with information about Rainy Lake and our racing/cruising schedule at www.rycweb.org. Oh, I am quite familiar with the Potter 19. My father had one on Lake Pepin and I have many fond memories of sailing down there. If you see Wally, tell him his former boat has found a good home.
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