hello everyone, hope i am in the right place. i am currenlty learning to sail with a cat 22'. love it and i am ready to move up. i have found an oday 28', 1984. besides a couple minor problems, it seems to have been well taken care of and in great shape. -what quality are oday boats? does something in the 28' range seem like a logical step? thanks in advance.
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right place
but the questions of size and brand are highly subjective. There are as many owners of catalinas who are quite satisfied with their boats as there are O'Day owners - likely more Cat owners here so you'll probably see a proponderence of C recommendations. A 28 ft anything is fine for daysailing or longer trips if the interior space fits your lifestyle. What's far more important than the brand is the condition of the boat you are planning to purchase. In equivalent condition, either will serve as a nice coastal cruiser but you'll be much happier with the one requiring less maintenance, upgrades and fixes. Don
but the questions of size and brand are highly subjective. There are as many owners of catalinas who are quite satisfied with their boats as there are O'Day owners - likely more Cat owners here so you'll probably see a proponderence of C recommendations. A 28 ft anything is fine for daysailing or longer trips if the interior space fits your lifestyle. What's far more important than the brand is the condition of the boat you are planning to purchase. In equivalent condition, either will serve as a nice coastal cruiser but you'll be much happier with the one requiring less maintenance, upgrades and fixes. Don
O'Day
I recently traded in my 1987 O'Day 272LE after having it for about 5 seasons. I found the O'Day to be quite well made, but second the comments that condition is key. Realistically, any boat that is 22 years old will have probelms and a fair amount of maintenance and upgrading to be done. There is a very active O'Day group on line on both sailnet and yahoo that will candidly give you opinions and incrdibly useful inofrmation. You should also know that, although O'Day has been out of business for a long time, their former parts manager bought their parts inventory and runs D&R Marine which will provide both parts and lots of useful information, so you are not at a big disadvantage.
I recently traded in my 1987 O'Day 272LE after having it for about 5 seasons. I found the O'Day to be quite well made, but second the comments that condition is key. Realistically, any boat that is 22 years old will have probelms and a fair amount of maintenance and upgrading to be done. There is a very active O'Day group on line on both sailnet and yahoo that will candidly give you opinions and incrdibly useful inofrmation. You should also know that, although O'Day has been out of business for a long time, their former parts manager bought their parts inventory and runs D&R Marine which will provide both parts and lots of useful information, so you are not at a big disadvantage.
Oday 28 comments
We sail our ODay 28 in an AL freshwater lake. It's beamy enough to be a comfortable weekender (on the hook) with wife and 2 kids. This is our second OLD boat (we also graduated from a 22 footer), and we prefer them OLD. The boats built in the 70s and very early 80s tend to be overbuilt, which seems to make them a little bit tougher. I personally am not a big fan of newer boats. I have been haunting this forum for about 6 months and would suggest that there don't seem to be any major flaws that follow this boat and their owners. At least, I've not seen any major problems discussed. Having said that, I would echo what's been posted thus far regarding the condition of the 28 you are considering is unique and purchase thereof should be based on that condition. If you want to know whether you are getting a good deal or not, go to yachtworld.com and search for other Oday 28s. There will be several, and you can see the price and quality range. Is it the next logical step toward a bigger boat? That's a tough one to answer. There have been some posts here from other boat owners suggesting that the 28 is a very roomy boat, but only you can answer that question.
We sail our ODay 28 in an AL freshwater lake. It's beamy enough to be a comfortable weekender (on the hook) with wife and 2 kids. This is our second OLD boat (we also graduated from a 22 footer), and we prefer them OLD. The boats built in the 70s and very early 80s tend to be overbuilt, which seems to make them a little bit tougher. I personally am not a big fan of newer boats. I have been haunting this forum for about 6 months and would suggest that there don't seem to be any major flaws that follow this boat and their owners. At least, I've not seen any major problems discussed. Having said that, I would echo what's been posted thus far regarding the condition of the 28 you are considering is unique and purchase thereof should be based on that condition. If you want to know whether you are getting a good deal or not, go to yachtworld.com and search for other Oday 28s. There will be several, and you can see the price and quality range. Is it the next logical step toward a bigger boat? That's a tough one to answer. There have been some posts here from other boat owners suggesting that the 28 is a very roomy boat, but only you can answer that question.
Good move
As a former O'Day owner I think you are making a good decision if the boat is in decent condition. I think there was a 28' O'Day for sale in my marina, Portofino Harbour, but not sure. I have looked at several 28' O'Days but the biggest draw back was the draft. Is your draft more than 5'? If so you are going to find that a little challenging in Galveston Bay, especially this time of year. Anyway, I personally like the O'Day's over the Cat's as I think they were built stronger. And yes, I think moving from a 22' to a 28'is a good move. You will find the bigger boat handles easier and is more comfortable to sail. We went from a 23' O'day to a 37.5 Hunter. That may have been a little too big a jump as we are struggling to learn how to handle this large a boat. It's fun but a little scary sometimes. Good luck in your decision and this is a good site to visit regardless of your purchase. Tom s/v At Last Good luck with your new boat
As a former O'Day owner I think you are making a good decision if the boat is in decent condition. I think there was a 28' O'Day for sale in my marina, Portofino Harbour, but not sure. I have looked at several 28' O'Days but the biggest draw back was the draft. Is your draft more than 5'? If so you are going to find that a little challenging in Galveston Bay, especially this time of year. Anyway, I personally like the O'Day's over the Cat's as I think they were built stronger. And yes, I think moving from a 22' to a 28'is a good move. You will find the bigger boat handles easier and is more comfortable to sail. We went from a 23' O'day to a 37.5 Hunter. That may have been a little too big a jump as we are struggling to learn how to handle this large a boat. It's fun but a little scary sometimes. Good luck in your decision and this is a good site to visit regardless of your purchase. Tom s/v At Last Good luck with your new boat
as an owner.....and question for Ted W.
as an O'DAY 28 owner (who previously owned a 22 ft O'Day nand sails frequently on my friend's Cat 22) you'll get a lot of opinionated owners (like me) touting the various reasons to go with one brand over the next (and I have worked at a Beneteau dealership...now that's a problem when I tell them I'd rather own my O'Day) However back to your question...... the O'Day 28 is a very roomy (10'3" beam) coastal cruiser with TONS of room below. It can comfortably keep 2-3 people on vacation for over a week. As a beamy boat I feel that it is very stiff and it takes LOTS of wind to bury the rails (the cat is a tender boat IMHO) it carries a lot of sail area for a 28 footer. The cockpit is large with the bridgedeck allowing for some to sit when at anchor. (the bridgedeck also stops any wtaer intrusion from entering the cabin when beating hard to wind in bigger seas. The only negative of the bridgedeck is that with the traveller situated there it is very difficult to install a dodger if you want one. if it is a keel model it carries 4'6" draft (some may consider that a bit deep for some sailing places but helps point higher. With the fin keel the rudder is very large . Weather helm develops around 15 kts. of wind at which time tucki9ng a reef into the main allows the boat to move right along. (the boat does not do very well in very light air (I've added a pentex 155% genny and am getting a cruising chute to help with that) but in heavier winds the boat moves. (when other's are reducing sail, the 28 starts to enjoy herself. (if you want race her...base phrf is 201 without allowances) however like I said in light winds she'll suffer but in heavier air will stay with other boats. There is a large O'Day owner's email list and parts are not difficult to come by. Best of luck in finding the right boat.... Mike C. O'28 "Da Capo" ps...... Ted Weitz...... what dealer did you get your Bene from??
as an O'DAY 28 owner (who previously owned a 22 ft O'Day nand sails frequently on my friend's Cat 22) you'll get a lot of opinionated owners (like me) touting the various reasons to go with one brand over the next (and I have worked at a Beneteau dealership...now that's a problem when I tell them I'd rather own my O'Day) However back to your question...... the O'Day 28 is a very roomy (10'3" beam) coastal cruiser with TONS of room below. It can comfortably keep 2-3 people on vacation for over a week. As a beamy boat I feel that it is very stiff and it takes LOTS of wind to bury the rails (the cat is a tender boat IMHO) it carries a lot of sail area for a 28 footer. The cockpit is large with the bridgedeck allowing for some to sit when at anchor. (the bridgedeck also stops any wtaer intrusion from entering the cabin when beating hard to wind in bigger seas. The only negative of the bridgedeck is that with the traveller situated there it is very difficult to install a dodger if you want one. if it is a keel model it carries 4'6" draft (some may consider that a bit deep for some sailing places but helps point higher. With the fin keel the rudder is very large . Weather helm develops around 15 kts. of wind at which time tucki9ng a reef into the main allows the boat to move right along. (the boat does not do very well in very light air (I've added a pentex 155% genny and am getting a cruising chute to help with that) but in heavier winds the boat moves. (when other's are reducing sail, the 28 starts to enjoy herself. (if you want race her...base phrf is 201 without allowances) however like I said in light winds she'll suffer but in heavier air will stay with other boats. There is a large O'Day owner's email list and parts are not difficult to come by. Best of luck in finding the right boat.... Mike C. O'28 "Da Capo" ps...... Ted Weitz...... what dealer did you get your Bene from??
Answer to Mike C
I am getting the new Bene from Willis Marine in Huntington, Long Island. I thought of going with the folks in Haverstraw, who seem very nice, but I sail way out East, and the trip seemed too much for things like warranty service. As is its quite a haul from Huntington to East Hampton.
I am getting the new Bene from Willis Marine in Huntington, Long Island. I thought of going with the folks in Haverstraw, who seem very nice, but I sail way out East, and the trip seemed too much for things like warranty service. As is its quite a haul from Huntington to East Hampton.
Don't Rule Out A C-30
Having owned both O'day's and Catalina's I think the quality is comparable for the vintage you are talking about. When you get up to about 1988 the quality on the Catalina's made a fairly large leap forward. The Catalina 30 is a perfect next step and will save you a future jump up. The C-30 is a fairly stiff boat with a good reputation considering it is the largest production cruising sailboat ever made. My decision would include the fact that Catalina is still in business and parts are still available! Plus with over 8000 made you'll have no problem finding just the right one on the used market... The O'day is not bad but re-sale on Catalina's is fabulous I've sold a 30 and a 36 and made money on each boat!!!!
Having owned both O'day's and Catalina's I think the quality is comparable for the vintage you are talking about. When you get up to about 1988 the quality on the Catalina's made a fairly large leap forward. The Catalina 30 is a perfect next step and will save you a future jump up. The C-30 is a fairly stiff boat with a good reputation considering it is the largest production cruising sailboat ever made. My decision would include the fact that Catalina is still in business and parts are still available! Plus with over 8000 made you'll have no problem finding just the right one on the used market... The O'day is not bad but re-sale on Catalina's is fabulous I've sold a 30 and a 36 and made money on each boat!!!!
Lots of possible boats
Hello, In 2003 I bought my first boat - a 1981 Catalina 22. Great boat and I had a lot of fun with it for a year. Then I got the urge to get a bigger boat. Something around 30'. I looked at LOTS of boats. Catalina 27, Catalina 30 (my first choice), Irwin, S2, Hunter, O'day (272, 30, 302), Ericson, Newport, etc. To be honest, I didn't find that much difference between any of them. IMHO, the Irwin's were poorly built but many people love them. S2's have an excellent reputation, but the three S2 9.2A' I saw were all in terrible condition and had lots of leaks and rotten bulkheads. The Catalina 27 and O'day 272 were too small for me. Anyway, my point is to look at many boats - there are plenty out there. Try to figure out which features are important to you. I wanted the traveler on the cabin top and out of the way of people moving in the cockpit and in / out of the cabin. Other's may want it somewhere else for racing, single handling, etc. I wanted self tailing jib winches and they are very expensive to add. I also insisted in wheel steering, inboard engine (diesel or gas), and 4 bunks. As I wrote before, the Catalina 30 was my first choice but I found a 1986 Newport 28 in good condition for a great price. And it had lots of nice options - autopilot, new cruising spinnaker, dingy, interior cushions in great condition. And it was cheap. So I bought it, and I have been very happy with it. So again, my point is that if you are looking for a coastal cruiser don't get hung up on one particular model. Do your reseach and you will find a nice boat. Regarding the size, moving from a 22 to a 28 was pretty simple to do. The wheel and inboard engine made it easier for me. I also like that the bigger boat is more stable and can handle more wind. Good luck, Barry
Hello, In 2003 I bought my first boat - a 1981 Catalina 22. Great boat and I had a lot of fun with it for a year. Then I got the urge to get a bigger boat. Something around 30'. I looked at LOTS of boats. Catalina 27, Catalina 30 (my first choice), Irwin, S2, Hunter, O'day (272, 30, 302), Ericson, Newport, etc. To be honest, I didn't find that much difference between any of them. IMHO, the Irwin's were poorly built but many people love them. S2's have an excellent reputation, but the three S2 9.2A' I saw were all in terrible condition and had lots of leaks and rotten bulkheads. The Catalina 27 and O'day 272 were too small for me. Anyway, my point is to look at many boats - there are plenty out there. Try to figure out which features are important to you. I wanted the traveler on the cabin top and out of the way of people moving in the cockpit and in / out of the cabin. Other's may want it somewhere else for racing, single handling, etc. I wanted self tailing jib winches and they are very expensive to add. I also insisted in wheel steering, inboard engine (diesel or gas), and 4 bunks. As I wrote before, the Catalina 30 was my first choice but I found a 1986 Newport 28 in good condition for a great price. And it had lots of nice options - autopilot, new cruising spinnaker, dingy, interior cushions in great condition. And it was cheap. So I bought it, and I have been very happy with it. So again, my point is that if you are looking for a coastal cruiser don't get hung up on one particular model. Do your reseach and you will find a nice boat. Regarding the size, moving from a 22 to a 28 was pretty simple to do. The wheel and inboard engine made it easier for me. I also like that the bigger boat is more stable and can handle more wind. Good luck, Barry
A good choice
I looked at various 28-32 footers when I was shopping last year and I think you'll find you may get your best deal price-wise on the O'Day, which will seem like a very nice step up from your Catalina 22 if you exercise the usual caution in looking over the prospective boat. I notice the O'Day seems to be slightly more performance oriented than the competing 28's from that period, with the traveler in the cockpit. If you race or singlehand you'll like that. I got a kick out of the clever shower arrangement in the head, where you close off the doorway to the bow berth and get an instant shower stall! I wish I could have done that with my Catalina 25. All in all, I think you would be happy with the O'Day and the floor plan will feel a lot like an 80's Catalina 25...
I looked at various 28-32 footers when I was shopping last year and I think you'll find you may get your best deal price-wise on the O'Day, which will seem like a very nice step up from your Catalina 22 if you exercise the usual caution in looking over the prospective boat. I notice the O'Day seems to be slightly more performance oriented than the competing 28's from that period, with the traveler in the cockpit. If you race or singlehand you'll like that. I got a kick out of the clever shower arrangement in the head, where you close off the doorway to the bow berth and get an instant shower stall! I wish I could have done that with my Catalina 25. All in all, I think you would be happy with the O'Day and the floor plan will feel a lot like an 80's Catalina 25...
Good Experiences with Catalinas
I agree with 'Acoustic' - below. My previous two boats were Catalina 30s and in retrospect they were very good boats. Before I went from my first (used/1990) Catalina 30 to one of lesser years I also looked at an O'Day that was well priced, attractive and also a very well kept boat. However, the owner of another O'Day turned me off by describing his own O'Day as 'very tender' - and described it as a 'fair weather' boat. I am sure there will be differing views on that matter in this forum. Nonetheless I think I made the right decision in opting for the newer Catalina 30. My only reservation with the C30 is the tall-rig version. I suggest unless you want to race the boat or you are very comfortable with a powerful rig then it could be an issue. As an aside: I purchased a new Hunter 33 (2004) and regret I did not stay with the Catalina brand. In my view Hunter is innovative and the benefits offered are glitzy but largely superficial. For me the Catalinas are built more robustly and offer a better fit and finish. Finally, I should add that in my previous research I also noticed that O'Days in the resale market do not sell as quickly as the Catalinas because of the sheer popularity of the Catalina brand and of course the O"Day brand is out of production. In the final analysis I have no doubt that both these brands are safe and comfortable. It mostly comes down to the condition of the boat (surveyors report) and the comfort and confidence you (and your family) feel from either a try-out sail or just spending time on the boats you have narrowed your choice to.
I agree with 'Acoustic' - below. My previous two boats were Catalina 30s and in retrospect they were very good boats. Before I went from my first (used/1990) Catalina 30 to one of lesser years I also looked at an O'Day that was well priced, attractive and also a very well kept boat. However, the owner of another O'Day turned me off by describing his own O'Day as 'very tender' - and described it as a 'fair weather' boat. I am sure there will be differing views on that matter in this forum. Nonetheless I think I made the right decision in opting for the newer Catalina 30. My only reservation with the C30 is the tall-rig version. I suggest unless you want to race the boat or you are very comfortable with a powerful rig then it could be an issue. As an aside: I purchased a new Hunter 33 (2004) and regret I did not stay with the Catalina brand. In my view Hunter is innovative and the benefits offered are glitzy but largely superficial. For me the Catalinas are built more robustly and offer a better fit and finish. Finally, I should add that in my previous research I also noticed that O'Days in the resale market do not sell as quickly as the Catalinas because of the sheer popularity of the Catalina brand and of course the O"Day brand is out of production. In the final analysis I have no doubt that both these brands are safe and comfortable. It mostly comes down to the condition of the boat (surveyors report) and the comfort and confidence you (and your family) feel from either a try-out sail or just spending time on the boats you have narrowed your choice to.
boat info section of this site
Go to the boat info section of these web pages. You'll find dozens of owner reviews of the various sizes and models. That's better input than you'll get anywhere. Be sure you look at the Catalina 27 page
Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
Go to the boat info section of these web pages. You'll find dozens of owner reviews of the various sizes and models. That's better input than you'll get anywhere. Be sure you look at the Catalina 27 page
Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
ODay
After I sold my 24 Brisol and went looking for a 30 Catalina to trade up to because of the great boat that they are I could not find a shoal draft model (wing keel)I found my current ODay 32 centercockpit with a shoal keel and fell in love with the boat, as others have said look around or if you like the 28 buy it. I didn't hesitate about the jump from 24 to 32 because I knew I'd be in a larger boat someday.
After I sold my 24 Brisol and went looking for a 30 Catalina to trade up to because of the great boat that they are I could not find a shoal draft model (wing keel)I found my current ODay 32 centercockpit with a shoal keel and fell in love with the boat, as others have said look around or if you like the 28 buy it. I didn't hesitate about the jump from 24 to 32 because I knew I'd be in a larger boat someday.
charter first
You've just started the fun of sailing on the water. The types boats you are looking at are very cheap to charter. Think of the $ spent as an investment into making a decision only you can make. Sailors are a wonderful group but also very loyal to their boat, and as you now know there are many boats out there to choose from. A few weekends will give you hands on experience of different lay outs and performance. But you say charter boats are newer than what I can afford. Yes but the basics are the same; tiller, sails, hull, cabin...newer boats just have more frills. It is how the boat is all put together and fits your personality, sailing skills and $. Good hunting. Steve(no I don't run a charter busniess)
You've just started the fun of sailing on the water. The types boats you are looking at are very cheap to charter. Think of the $ spent as an investment into making a decision only you can make. Sailors are a wonderful group but also very loyal to their boat, and as you now know there are many boats out there to choose from. A few weekends will give you hands on experience of different lay outs and performance. But you say charter boats are newer than what I can afford. Yes but the basics are the same; tiller, sails, hull, cabin...newer boats just have more frills. It is how the boat is all put together and fits your personality, sailing skills and $. Good hunting. Steve(no I don't run a charter busniess)
I like catalina but
Ihave aC30 but looked at o days two I think the rigging mast and boom are way beefer on the Catalina the O days sole flexs more then the Catalina the O days seem to sell for less then the catalina but if you find a good one i would go for it eather way .The 30 footer is way biger then a 28 I would try to move to a 30 John
Ihave aC30 but looked at o days two I think the rigging mast and boom are way beefer on the Catalina the O days sole flexs more then the Catalina the O days seem to sell for less then the catalina but if you find a good one i would go for it eather way .The 30 footer is way biger then a 28 I would try to move to a 30 John
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