I am looking at an O'Day 302 as a replacement boat(C&C 33 with bad deck decontamination and other issues). I have read all about the keel issues and am not completely scared away. I am wondering if anyone has done a keel reinforcement and documented it. I have searched but have heard references to people doing it, but little in the way of info on what would be involved. Let me say it is not the perfect boat for me, but looks like it would be nice for a while. Oh and it is one dock over from mine, so it would certainly be convenient. I like the layout below with the one exception of lack of storage. But that seems to be an issue with all smaller modern boats. I am also looking at a Newport 33 that is about 40 miles away, but it does have unknown engine issues. (supposedly just needs a starter, but not sure how correct that is) The O'day 302 looks to be in decent shape and a fair price, but I am concerned about the keel issues. this happens to be one from the first year they were available so I am assuming it is one of the "early ones" that were supposed to be built with the thicker keel stub but even that does not seem to be very robust. I am looking for a small boat to live on for a few years, not a forever boat. I do prefer a decent sailing boat to a tub.
Please note I am not bashing the boat, as I am still considering it with the known faults. The way I look at it is all boats have there weakness, this one seems fairly easily addressed. If I do buy it I will document any work I do to it.
Please note I am not bashing the boat, as I am still considering it with the known faults. The way I look at it is all boats have there weakness, this one seems fairly easily addressed. If I do buy it I will document any work I do to it.