O'Day 40: Over Powered by Hydraulic Backstay?

[RT Fagan]

We are considering the purchase a 1987 O'Day 40. General condition of the boat is very good, except for a series of fairly substantial cracks on the fore deck, running in general laterally across the center line, directly above the forward head / V-berth bulkhead intersection. Survey recommended removal of approx. 6 square of outer "skin", replacement of substructure and refinish with new deck.Are O'Day 40s characteristically subject to unusually localized or converging stress forces that result in fracturing of deck (and hull?) structures? Do these boats suffer from weak decks?The boat is equipped with a rather substantial hydraulic backstay. Is it possible to exceed the recommended backstay tension to a point where the hull/deck structure is compromised?Are there any problem areas on the O'Day 40 that we should be aware of?Thank you very much to any and all that respond to this query.

 

[Don Evans]

Forward Cracks

It was interesting to me but before I got to the end of your letter, what I was going to ask was whether there was a backstay adjuster on board at any time. Everything that I have read about them is that they can be a useful tool for certain sailing conditions, but some sailors think that if a little is good, a lot must be better.I have no personal experience with them but I have read at least 3 references about the over use of backstay adjusters (Practical Sailor, Brian Toss and CW). In each, there were cautions about applying forces to the mast beyond it and the boats design limits. You may be seeing the consequences of this with these cracks, as the bow portion tries to fight the upward forces being applied to it through the forestay. I would believe the surveyor in this case and the remedy for it. The 40 is a beautiful boat, and if everything checks out I would not discount it. I might be prepared to use this in your haggling price. Your call, but get an estimate for repair so you can be armed for bargaining. Good luck in your deliberations.Don

 

[Chris Coutu]

I agree

I think having a backstay adjustment on the oday 40 is worthless. It's a very rugged boat, I put mine to the max, and I've never seen or heard about a problem like this. I think with the problem it has to would be worth 60-65K.Not counting other factors. It's a great boat though. I'm thinking perhaps it was supported in the wrong spots when being removed from the water. Or stored incorrectly.Chris