Review Forum
I have an O'Day 35 which is the same as a 34 but with a swim platform. I think it is the best value boat in the size range compared to all other brands. I have a few sore spots with O'Day for cutting a few corners on quality but no different than all the other brands. Specific complaints: 1. The cover for the emerency tiller is not screwed down and will leak if not rebedded frequently and rot the core under the helmsman's seat. 2. The screws for the turning block for the mainssheet on deck are directly over the cabin light so if they leak they will not be noticed for a long time and cause core rot in the deck. 3. The battery placement is a severe pain in the wrists...very hard to remove and replace. Other than that the boat is fantastic!!!!! The ice box is well insulated and holds ice for a week. The boat is fast and won the marion to bermuda race one year (yukon jack) for all classes on corrected time!!! The isomat spar with the extruded track for ring cars is great The "livability" of the boat is incredible, lots of comfort and room Good storage and an open layout. No aft cabin but I like it like that!! I have the dorade vents and would never own another boat without them...they keep the inside fresh all the time by circulating air. Cockpit is comfortable V-berth is very large and comfortable for two to sleep What more can I say the boat is great. Oh yeah the engine is a little underpowered. Only 21 horses so it doesn't run at hull speed (would over rev the engine) but it cruises under power at 5.3 knots forever. Last season I motored from Newport to Mystic Ct. and ALL THE OTHER motor use all summer. In the fall I topped it off to prevent condensation and it took 15 gallons of deisel....hows that for mileage? Only guessing but I figure about 5-7 nautical miles to a gallon. send me an e-mail from my review if you want to join up with some 35 owners to share specific questions and discuss common issues. I started a small e-mail newsgroup outside of this forum for just 34/35 owners. Dave
