oday 34 5' 7" keel

[Russell]

I am considering buying an Oday 34 with a the deep keel 5'7". I mostly sail on the Gulf Coast and am curious if there is big difference in performance between the "deep keel" or the standard type. Any info would be appreciated.  Thanks, Russell

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.com]

Deep vs. Shoal

Hi Russell -Up here in the Pac NW, you see a lot more deep keel boats that shoal draft, since our waters are fairly deep. The main advantage is performance sailing to weather. However, I don't know if this advantage is worth it in your area if the draft limits you from enjoying shallow anchorages. There is definitely a performance advantage to the deep keel, but you'll have to weigh the pros against the cons of limiting your cruising grounds.Let us know what you decide!Trevor

 

[Griffin]

I sailed in your waters

With a 30' Hunter drawing 4'5"...ran into a few Oyster beds. That said, and having an O'Day 34 that draws 5'7"...Since the rudder has no skeg, the deeper keel will protect it going forward....backing is, of course another story.Just my 2 cents.Griffins/v Brighid's Crossing

 

[J.B. Dyer]

Russell

If it will help, I have an O34 with a shoal keel which pulls 4'5". Mine points well and I can only assume that the long keel would be even better and probably a little quicker. 5'7 is not that deep of a keel. On the shoal keel O34's, the keel and the rudder are the same depth which lends itself to a rudder strike in the event of grounding. With the long keel, you would have a less chance of that happening.The O'34 is a good boat and I'd take mine anywhere. If you have any further questions about them, let me know.