I am looking at an 1987 ODay 31. Does anyone have a comment on this boat or on ODay boats quality in general?
ODay quality
- Thread starter jeagles
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solid boats! All the 30 ft range odays look alike and share many common parts. If your serious about buying are you going to get it surveyed?
http://sailboatdata.com/VIEWRECORD.ASP?CLASS_ID=1332
http://sailboatdata.com/VIEWRECORD.ASP?CLASS_ID=1332
Hi Denise
Thanks for the input. Yes, survey set up for this Thursday. Heard blisters can be a problem. How is yours for blisters? What engine do you have? How is it?
Jim
Thanks for the input. Yes, survey set up for this Thursday. Heard blisters can be a problem. How is yours for blisters? What engine do you have? How is it?
Jim
Old boats like old houses - depends on PO's maintenance. Wet deck core can be a problem. Be sure surveyor looks carefully. Most deck fittings were just drilled/cut and bedded - core was not removed and sealed. That's probably the biggest potential headache. I don't think blisters are a predominant problem. Deck can be fixed depending. I have friends with a new Beneteau (2005?) who have repeatedly said they wish they had their old (mid 80's) OD31 back - it had fewer problems!
My current understanding is that common blisters involve only the gelcoat and are nothing to worry too much about. There may be differing opinions. My boat had some blisters that were deeper than the gelcoat, under the first layer of glass, so I repaired many of those. Hope the survey goes well.
It is my opinion that the pre 3 digit numbered boats were built better than the ones built after the company was sold to ( was it AMF) a large comglomerate. Look at the 30 and the 34 for nicely thought out designs and interiors with enough room, cockpit and interior, for real comfort. Plus they have a nice classic IOR look.
JB
JB
Pretty solid boats - I would consider deck delamination the biggest thing to watch out for. I've done some repair on ours in the bow. The chainplates are solid and secured on large tabs below the settees in the cabin on the 37. We just repowered w/ a beta 30 and it rocks.
My hull is very solid, the deck does have issues but that is next years fix. I've heard nothing but good about O'days before and after I bought mine.
I hit a submerged tree last week in the Chesapeake bay that shook the boat and not a mark on her. I am planning on taking her with me when we retire
Survey went well. No blisters. 21 minor problems with moisture on deck.
But found diesel in bilge. Mopped it up and ran engine. cannot find leak in hoses or tank.
Next day more diesel in bilge - a mystery. What is cost to replace aluminum tank? Have to move engine forward to get tank out.
Jim
But found diesel in bilge. Mopped it up and ran engine. cannot find leak in hoses or tank.
Next day more diesel in bilge - a mystery. What is cost to replace aluminum tank? Have to move engine forward to get tank out.
Jim
There is a hump between the engine bilge and the main sump. The diesel may have been spilled and has pooled in that space (pull up the sole in front of and under the companionway ladder). With motion it will flow into the main sump. With any luck that is where it is. It could be a cracked vent or fill line or a pin hole leak in the return line. Good luck.
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Have decided to proceed with purchase. Got reduced price to compensate for diesel leak issue. should close sale soon and will start looking for leak and fixing other issues.
check your water separator fuel filter, the drain screw could be leaking. How much fuel is in the bilge, a lot or just a film on the water? An extremely small amount of fuel will create a sheen on the water. Regardless it is illegal to discharge overboard so it must be fixed, big fines involved.
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