O'Day 35 Shoal Draft - Rudder Concern???

[Mike]

I am thinking of purchasing a 1986 O'Day 35. Boat appears to be in great shape and I will have it surveyed. My one concern is the rudder length vs the shoal draft keel. Am I likely to damage the rudder if I run aground? In Barnegat Bay this can be an easy thing to do!!!Anyone with any experience with this boat or general comments to help me make my purchase decision would be appreciated!

 

[J.B. Dyer]

Yes

Hi Mike:The O34/35 shoal keel and the rudder are the same depth and there is some concern about rudder strikes if grounded. As long as you are aware of it there really isn't a problem as long as you keep a keen eye on the depth and charts in your area. Most folks that get themselves into trouble are those who are not aware of the situation, or haven't checked the calibration on their depth instrument lately. I've never done it "yet", but a couple of years ago, I had an opportunity to pick up a used rudder for a good price and keep it in my garage just in case. If you like the boat and it's in good shape, I wouldn't let it stop me from getting it. They are good boats.

 

[damauney]

Hard Experience

I have done the miss judgement in heavy weather and got hung on a rocky bottom trying to get in. With the wave action she was rocking back and forth on the shoal keel and hitting on the rudder. Sickening feeling. Consequence was that it bent the rudder post enough so that the rudder top jammed against the bottom. Without rudder control we were towed off and the rudder removed and post straightened and glass repair performed. Has been fine to three years. Will hall next winter and part of the refit will be the building of a new rudder shorter/longer rudder designed by local naval designer. This will get the rudder shorter than the keel. Prepares me for the next time, althought I have learned alot then and since then. Advice in previous post well taken. New design will also address the problem of the wheel kicking hard when motoring when the rudder slightly off center. Common large boat O'Day problem.Given all that I would buy her again in a heart beat. She has been a great boat.GoodWindsDave Ms/v DAMWEGAS

 

[John]

Anybody ever shorten the rudder?

I have an ODay 34 - basically the same boat and have the same concerns about grounding but have been lucky so far.Been thinking about shortening the rudder a few inches. Has anyone done this? What will I run into when I cut about 4 inches off? I plan to have my fiberglass man seal it back up with glass and resinAny experience?