O'Day 30...Good Bad or Ugly

[FlyboyTR]

Hello,
We are considering the purchase of an 82 O'Day 30 (centerboard version). The original motor was replaced in 98 with a 24 hp Yanmar and 3 blade prop. Unfortunately, the boat is not local and I will have to travel to look at it. To my current knowledge, this is the only major refit on the boat.

I am a lifelong power boater that in the last year got involved in sailing. I was drawn to this boat because of its size, apparent condition, engine upgrade and the 3.5' draft (centerboard up) which is a requirement to be able to get the boat to our dock! In reading and trying to learn...some people say the boat is junk, sails like a dog and other sing its praises. I understand the "opinion factor" because we have a Macgregor 26-s (classic...pure sailboat, not the powerboat thing) and I am amazed at the endless negative comments...none of which we have found to be valid. So...I do understand... Regardless, my sailboat knowledge is limited , I know nothing about an O'day, so any guidance in what to look for, places to inspect, etc, etc. Would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Benny17441]

O'Days have a good reputation in general as a quality production line boat. I personally like the concept of the short fixed keel/ centerboard combo. It allows for a boat to maintain stability and pointing ability with the benefits of a shallow draft. This comes at the expense of added ballast weight (around 500-600 lbs.)to compensate for the loss of turning arm force that a longer fixed keel would offer when the boat is heeled. The centerboard may also require additional maintenance from time to time. I will defer to O'Day owners as far as things to look at and how does the boat actually sail. It might be a bit more tender but I would not anticipate any major sailing drawbacks from the design.

 

[FlyboyTR]

O'Days have a good reputation in general as a quality production line boat. I personally like the concept of the short fixed keel/ centerboard combo. It allows for a boat to maintain stability and pointing ability with the benefits of a shallow draft. This comes at the expense of added ballast weight (around 500-600 lbs.)to compensate for the loss of turning arm force that a longer fixed keel would offer when the boat is heeled. The centerboard may also require additional maintenance from time to time. I will defer to O'Day owners as far as things to look at and how does the boat actually sail. It might be a bit more tender but I would not anticipate any major sailing drawbacks from the design.

Benny,
Thanks for the input. A little tender would not be a problem! Our Mac 26 is water ballasted an is quite a bit tender at first...but hardens up quickly.

 

[Jackdaw]

For someone relatively new to sailing and not racing, the O'day 30 (or indeed ANY production boat) will sail fine. Of much more importance to your overall happiness with the boat will be its condition. It's a 35 year old boat, and has systems that you're not used to on your Mac. And they get old, and sometime fail. Also, Oday's have a deserved reputation of bulkhead/chainplate weakness due to water ingress, so look hard at that. And at wet decks in general. Nobody wants to speed their first year with the boat replacing soggy wood.

 

[Roland5048]

I've sailed an 80's O'Day 27 a few years back that was in our charter fleet. A nice boat, handled well, a bit tender but nothing outrageous. Find a competent surveyor in the area and have him/her do a thorough going over. Nothing wrong with an older production boat that has been well maintained and at a reasonable price. Good luck.

 

[njlarry]

First, does it please your eyes? I love the lines of most o'days. They are well made boats designed for coastal cruising with just the right amount of exterior and interior teak. Unlike some other makes, they do not have any kind of archelles heal other than i think the 302 which can have keel stub issues. All good old boats may have wet decks or chain plates from water ingress. Some areas of wet decks should not be a deal breaker. If the boat has been well maintained then she may be worth a survey.

 

[FlyboyTR]

My sincere thanks for all the info and guidance. I just received an email from the agent that included a note from the seller that he has decided not to sell...and to remove his listing. Oh well...our search will continue for a 3.5' draft boat that fit our needs. Thanks again to all...

 

[Barnacle Phil]

I've had a 1982 O'day 30 for about 9 months and I really enjoy it. I'm not a racer by any means and like the way she handles. There were two items that were redone on my boat before purchase. The engine and also the binnacle was reinforced due to some water damage. The next area of concern that I discovered was the head. "Might as well just get a new one," I've been told. I will eventually replace all the wiring so it makes sense and the old bilge hoses so they don't look so ugly. The exterior handles occasionally will drip a bit through a couple of the screws and require a good butyl or the like. Also, the mast needs a good wrapping to keep out the drips. None of these except the binnacle are really drastic, but the survey is likely to show you some of the items mentioned. If you haven't gone to the O'day owners site, try this link and read all the comments.
http://oday.sailboatowners.com/reviews.php?mid=123&model=30

 

[FlyboyTR]

I've had a 1982 O'day 30 for about 9 months and I really enjoy it. I'm not a racer by any means and like the way she handles. There were two items that were redone on my boat before purchase. The engine and also the binnacle was reinforced due to some water damage. The next area of concern that I discovered was the head. "Might as well just get a new one," I've been told. I will eventually replace all the wiring so it makes sense and the old bilge hoses so they don't look so ugly. The exterior handles occasionally will drip a bit through a couple of the screws and require a good butyl or the like. Also, the mast needs a good wrapping to keep out the drips. None of these except the binnacle are really drastic, but the survey is likely to show you some of the items mentioned. If you haven't gone to the O'day owners site, try this link and read all the comments.
http://oday.sailboatowners.com/reviews.php?mid=123&model=30

Bill,
Thanks for the information. Even though we missed the boat I had posted about...I still really like that boat. I will add your areas of concern to my list of "things to check." Thanks again!