I do not currently own a boat. I previously had an Aquarius 23, 1974 model and felt the quality of the boat was, lets say, economy standard, but I had a lot of fun on it and learned a lot about sailing. Now I have been reading all I can learn about the Oday brand and I cannot find any serious complaints about the 25 or the 23 as used for daysailing or weekending. The boats are attractive, seem to have a nice layout with moderate room for that size, and the quality of the boats appears to be above average, although I have never even seen one first hand. These boats are getting old and I have seen some that appear to be in excellent condition at least by the photos. My primary concern would be the condition of the bottoms. I would use a boat primarily on lakes north of Dallas and on the Gulf Coast at Galveston so you can see I am a trailer sailor. Most of the boats I see for sale seem to be in the North East and on fresh water. I don't know if there is a special reason for that. If you did not own an Oday 23 or 25, what other brand and model would you prefer in the same size, quality, value instead and how would you rank your boat among the others?
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O'days will all be 20 or more years old
The company stopped production in 1989. If you are looking just at 23s and 25s, they will be even older - the 25 was replaced by the 26 in the mid '80s. I'm not so sure about the 23, but I think it too was superseded by the 240 at about the same time. Based on the experience with my 192, I would describe the build quality of the O'days as good for a production boat. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another O'day, provided it had been well maintained and with the understanding that a 20+ year old boat is going to need some attention. If you are interested in something newer, Catalina and Hunter have continued to build trailerables and there is also Precision and Com-Pac, though I think that 23-25 feet is at the upper end of their offering.
The company stopped production in 1989. If you are looking just at 23s and 25s, they will be even older - the 25 was replaced by the 26 in the mid '80s. I'm not so sure about the 23, but I think it too was superseded by the 240 at about the same time. Based on the experience with my 192, I would describe the build quality of the O'days as good for a production boat. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another O'day, provided it had been well maintained and with the understanding that a 20+ year old boat is going to need some attention. If you are interested in something newer, Catalina and Hunter have continued to build trailerables and there is also Precision and Com-Pac, though I think that 23-25 feet is at the upper end of their offering.
O'Day 23
There's a guy named Rudy Nickerson who runs D&R Marine in Assonet MA. nearby from where I live in Taunton, Ma. Rudy is pretty knowledgeable about O'Days having worked for the Fall River O'Day factory years back. When O'Day went out of business, Rudy bought all the molds and all the O'Day parts which he sells out of his barn next to his house. I got to talking to Rudy about the O'Day 23 keel centerboard sloops one day and asked him about any flaws that they may have had, and he told me that when they first started building the 23 they were using cast iron for the keels and that presented quite a few problems with the centerboard getting stuck, until they started using lead for the keels. He told me that any O'Day 23 built after 1974 would have a lead keel. Outside of that, he told me that the O'Day 23 was one of the best boats that O'Day ever built. I've only seen a couple of them and the ones I looked at, I liked. I also love the O'Day 25 keel centerboard. We have two of them in our yacht club and our members love them. One of the 25s, a 1975 keel centerboard, has the centerboard winch down in the cabin on the table stanchion. While I'm not too keen on that set-up, this boat boat is a sweet little boat and it is fast. I delivered to the club from the Cape Cod Canal area about 4 years ago and she sailed as well as my O'Day 222. The other boat is an 80s model O'Day 25 keel centerboard, and it has the centerboard pendant line right in the cockpit in front of the companionway, just like my O'Day 222. Unlike the stock 222s, the O'Day 23s have the Gennie winches on the combing which makes this boat great for single handing. Also, they have a full stern rail similar to the 25s which give this boat the big boat appearance. Another thing worth noting about these boats; their hulls will take a roller trailer, which can't be said for Catalina sloops. If you can find one of these boat that was built in the 1980s, it would be wise to scoop it up if it's in good condition. I'm giving you a link to the University of Rhode Island Foundation, boat donations & sales program. They have a 1983 O'Day 23 for sale. The asking price is $4750. There's some nice pictures of this boat and it will give you some kind of an idea of what a decent 23 looks like. I wish you luck in your search. Joe
There's a guy named Rudy Nickerson who runs D&R Marine in Assonet MA. nearby from where I live in Taunton, Ma. Rudy is pretty knowledgeable about O'Days having worked for the Fall River O'Day factory years back. When O'Day went out of business, Rudy bought all the molds and all the O'Day parts which he sells out of his barn next to his house. I got to talking to Rudy about the O'Day 23 keel centerboard sloops one day and asked him about any flaws that they may have had, and he told me that when they first started building the 23 they were using cast iron for the keels and that presented quite a few problems with the centerboard getting stuck, until they started using lead for the keels. He told me that any O'Day 23 built after 1974 would have a lead keel. Outside of that, he told me that the O'Day 23 was one of the best boats that O'Day ever built. I've only seen a couple of them and the ones I looked at, I liked. I also love the O'Day 25 keel centerboard. We have two of them in our yacht club and our members love them. One of the 25s, a 1975 keel centerboard, has the centerboard winch down in the cabin on the table stanchion. While I'm not too keen on that set-up, this boat boat is a sweet little boat and it is fast. I delivered to the club from the Cape Cod Canal area about 4 years ago and she sailed as well as my O'Day 222. The other boat is an 80s model O'Day 25 keel centerboard, and it has the centerboard pendant line right in the cockpit in front of the companionway, just like my O'Day 222. Unlike the stock 222s, the O'Day 23s have the Gennie winches on the combing which makes this boat great for single handing. Also, they have a full stern rail similar to the 25s which give this boat the big boat appearance. Another thing worth noting about these boats; their hulls will take a roller trailer, which can't be said for Catalina sloops. If you can find one of these boat that was built in the 1980s, it would be wise to scoop it up if it's in good condition. I'm giving you a link to the University of Rhode Island Foundation, boat donations & sales program. They have a 1983 O'Day 23 for sale. The asking price is $4750. There's some nice pictures of this boat and it will give you some kind of an idea of what a decent 23 looks like. I wish you luck in your search. Joe
Bluff, There are advantages to every boat.
I weighed heavily the decision of an O'Day 25 and a Catalina 25. The interiors were a concern and the O'Day had a longer Vee Berth. The wing keel catalina's after 1989 had a taller cabin. The deck had considerations. The O'Day had wide safe catwalks to go forward. The Catalina was narrow and cluttered. I also like the main sheet in front of me instead of behind. Both are good boats! If you are looking for a boat, get on every boat you think you like. The pluses and minuses will help you make your own decision. All of these boat are good boats. The question is how it fills your bill. You need to decide what you want and look for it. Production boats will never totally fill the bill. But one boat will fill your bill better than another. That is the boat to buy. You will not know this until you get on them. Don't compromise! You may find it hard to unload a boat that you don't even like. Hope this helped. r.w.landau
I weighed heavily the decision of an O'Day 25 and a Catalina 25. The interiors were a concern and the O'Day had a longer Vee Berth. The wing keel catalina's after 1989 had a taller cabin. The deck had considerations. The O'Day had wide safe catwalks to go forward. The Catalina was narrow and cluttered. I also like the main sheet in front of me instead of behind. Both are good boats! If you are looking for a boat, get on every boat you think you like. The pluses and minuses will help you make your own decision. All of these boat are good boats. The question is how it fills your bill. You need to decide what you want and look for it. Production boats will never totally fill the bill. But one boat will fill your bill better than another. That is the boat to buy. You will not know this until you get on them. Don't compromise! You may find it hard to unload a boat that you don't even like. Hope this helped. r.w.landau
Trailer Sailor
Trailer Sailor: I can tell you while the 25 fits on a trailer, it is not the easiest boat to launch and retrieve. Have you looked at some of the 21-22 foot boots that are more easily trailered? For example have you looked at the Rhodes 22? Precision 21? Both much easier to trail... Ed K 26
Trailer Sailor: I can tell you while the 25 fits on a trailer, it is not the easiest boat to launch and retrieve. Have you looked at some of the 21-22 foot boots that are more easily trailered? For example have you looked at the Rhodes 22? Precision 21? Both much easier to trail... Ed K 26
O'day 25 for sail
A nice 25 just was listed as for sale in our club newsletter.....It's in nice condition.... call me at (316) 685-4440 if you are interested..... Pat Coulter
A nice 25 just was listed as for sale in our club newsletter.....It's in nice condition.... call me at (316) 685-4440 if you are interested..... Pat Coulter
Bluff, Your name is matching your replies.
This forum takes the time to reply to posters with good info. It would be nice if you replied! r.w.landau
This forum takes the time to reply to posters with good info. It would be nice if you replied! r.w.landau
Not Quick Enough
Sorry I wasn't quick enough with a response for you, but I do have to go to work sometime. I don't get on the PC for very long and when I do I do my business and get off. I can't wait around for a response. I'm usually gone for a week or more at a time. I will say that your info was helpful and I do appreciate your response.
Sorry I wasn't quick enough with a response for you, but I do have to go to work sometime. I don't get on the PC for very long and when I do I do my business and get off. I can't wait around for a response. I'm usually gone for a week or more at a time. I will say that your info was helpful and I do appreciate your response.
Shoaldrafter
Shoaldrafter, Thanks for the heads-up on launching a 25. You confirmed what I thought would be a problem since I would be solo sailing most of the time. The Aquarius was difficult if the wind was crossing moderately and wind direction on your return is seldom the same as when you put in. Also, raising and lowering the mast could be a problem but I usually could rig a 2 part pulley system using the Jib halyard. Thanks again.
Shoaldrafter, Thanks for the heads-up on launching a 25. You confirmed what I thought would be a problem since I would be solo sailing most of the time. The Aquarius was difficult if the wind was crossing moderately and wind direction on your return is seldom the same as when you put in. Also, raising and lowering the mast could be a problem but I usually could rig a 2 part pulley system using the Jib halyard. Thanks again.
Dave K.
Dave K., Thanks for the response. I realize that looking for a 23 or 25 means looking for a boat that is about 30 years old but, I have not heard anyone complain about the integrity of a fiberglass hull just because of it's age although, I'm sure some manufacturers may have done a better construction job than others. Being from the Gulf Coast I know how hard salt water can be on a hull and it doesn't take very long. I did a bottom job on my Aquarius using Interlux InterProtect and Interlux Micron CSC and was quite satisfied even though the boat never was stored in the water and I was sailing in fresh water. Fortunately, there were no blisters or repair problems to deal with and that is what I am looking forward to in another boat. The Aquarius was 15 years old when I had her and had not been used for some time, being stored on the trailer. The sides could be polished fairly well but the top deck had several hairline cracks and the surface was chalking pretty bad. Waxing and polishing helped but I could never get a near new shine that would last and I certainly didn't want to paint the whole boat. I have yet to hear anyone completely dissatisfied with their Oday and I have seen some pretty nice boats on the internet but I need one with a tailer and before I drive from Dallas to the Northeast to find a boat I want to be as sure as possible that I'm not on a wild goose chase. Again, thanks for the reply.
Dave K., Thanks for the response. I realize that looking for a 23 or 25 means looking for a boat that is about 30 years old but, I have not heard anyone complain about the integrity of a fiberglass hull just because of it's age although, I'm sure some manufacturers may have done a better construction job than others. Being from the Gulf Coast I know how hard salt water can be on a hull and it doesn't take very long. I did a bottom job on my Aquarius using Interlux InterProtect and Interlux Micron CSC and was quite satisfied even though the boat never was stored in the water and I was sailing in fresh water. Fortunately, there were no blisters or repair problems to deal with and that is what I am looking forward to in another boat. The Aquarius was 15 years old when I had her and had not been used for some time, being stored on the trailer. The sides could be polished fairly well but the top deck had several hairline cracks and the surface was chalking pretty bad. Waxing and polishing helped but I could never get a near new shine that would last and I certainly didn't want to paint the whole boat. I have yet to hear anyone completely dissatisfied with their Oday and I have seen some pretty nice boats on the internet but I need one with a tailer and before I drive from Dallas to the Northeast to find a boat I want to be as sure as possible that I'm not on a wild goose chase. Again, thanks for the reply.
Joe/ Oday 23
Thanks a lot, Joe, for the reply. You had some really interesting info. I have been to the DR Marine site before but, I did not know of the connection between them and the Oday company. I guess what I would like is firsthand knowledge about the construction of their boats. You would think I was investing 50-100 thousand dollars for a boat with the investigation I am doing into a boat but, I don't want a new boat, I want a nice, well cared for, older boat that I can keep as new as possible. I love all sailboats and find not only the Oday sailboats interesting but also the Oday Company as well. I will go back and contact Rudy to see what advice he can lend. Your info was very helpful and was the kind info that is not readily available but everyone should know. I want confidence in a boat that when I,m sailing off the Gulf Coast and a sudden gale hits that the boat, rigging, etc. can stand the strain. I believe a 25 could handle this better than a 23 but, I think the 23 should be able to handle a storm. Once again, thanks, Bluff Kid (as in Flour Bluff, just south of Corpus Christi, Texas).
Thanks a lot, Joe, for the reply. You had some really interesting info. I have been to the DR Marine site before but, I did not know of the connection between them and the Oday company. I guess what I would like is firsthand knowledge about the construction of their boats. You would think I was investing 50-100 thousand dollars for a boat with the investigation I am doing into a boat but, I don't want a new boat, I want a nice, well cared for, older boat that I can keep as new as possible. I love all sailboats and find not only the Oday sailboats interesting but also the Oday Company as well. I will go back and contact Rudy to see what advice he can lend. Your info was very helpful and was the kind info that is not readily available but everyone should know. I want confidence in a boat that when I,m sailing off the Gulf Coast and a sudden gale hits that the boat, rigging, etc. can stand the strain. I believe a 25 could handle this better than a 23 but, I think the 23 should be able to handle a storm. Once again, thanks, Bluff Kid (as in Flour Bluff, just south of Corpus Christi, Texas).
My comments on the boat's age....
were aimed more at other expensive maintenance items, like the standing rigging, winches, outboard and trailer. Also, other items like the interior cushions and cabin lining degrade with age and aren't inconsequential to repair. I agree with you however, the fiberglass portion hulls seem to hold up very weil. As mentioned elsewhere, the wooden bulkheads and deck coring are not so long-lived and may have suffered after a couple decades of neglect to the sealing of deck fittings, etc.
were aimed more at other expensive maintenance items, like the standing rigging, winches, outboard and trailer. Also, other items like the interior cushions and cabin lining degrade with age and aren't inconsequential to repair. I agree with you however, the fiberglass portion hulls seem to hold up very weil. As mentioned elsewhere, the wooden bulkheads and deck coring are not so long-lived and may have suffered after a couple decades of neglect to the sealing of deck fittings, etc.
If you havn't heard enough, Bluff
I smile everytime I think of how much fun my O'Day 23 has brought versus how little it cost. Let us know when you get one! Lance
I smile everytime I think of how much fun my O'Day 23 has brought versus how little it cost. Let us know when you get one! Lance
One more thing
I just want to point out that the 192 and 222 both have a lower free board than the 23 and 25, which means that you can sail these boats right up to a dock like a day sailer, and step off them with ease. I know for sure that the 222 can handle very well under Main Sail alone even in light airs. It's all a trade off though. The larger boats are going to give you more room and maybe a little more comfort. My First Mate happens to be a Pit Bull/Greyhound and we don't need a lot of room. So we're quite comfortable. Joe
I just want to point out that the 192 and 222 both have a lower free board than the 23 and 25, which means that you can sail these boats right up to a dock like a day sailer, and step off them with ease. I know for sure that the 222 can handle very well under Main Sail alone even in light airs. It's all a trade off though. The larger boats are going to give you more room and maybe a little more comfort. My First Mate happens to be a Pit Bull/Greyhound and we don't need a lot of room. So we're quite comfortable. Joe
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