192 Performance
I guess, ultimately, performance is a relative thing and you'll have to decide for yourself. After all, most healthy adults can run faster than a multi-million dollar America's Cup yacht. But compared to other boats is size, the 192 is no dog. That said, the PHRF handicap for an O'day 192 is 270. That is about the same as a Catalina 22 or a Pearson Ensign, 10 seconds a mile slower than an O'day 222 and 45 seconds a mile faster than a Potter 19. Unlike you Albacore, the 192 is ballasted and will not plane (unless pushed hard by a wave) so it's speed is limited by the length of it's waterline. It performs very much like other boats with a similar waterline length. When I sail with the local Potter and small boat club, they complain about how fast the 192 is, when I sail in the local Beer Can Races (PHRF, the boats are 22-50 ft) I'm one of the slowest out there unless the air is light. Response seems fine to me, most folks who sail with me say that the helm is light compared to their boats and they tend to oversteer. I find that the boat points quite high, but like most boats thea have a centerboard rather than a big full keel, you are dependant on water moving over the foil to prevent leeway, not just a lot of keel area, so maintaining good boat-speed when going to windward is important, "pinching" up does not usually pay off. A 135 on a reefing furler is a good idea. I have a 100 and a 130 and the big jib makes a noticeable difference with the wind is under 10 kts.The wire luff furlers like the Schaeffer can't provide reefing and the small drum diameter doesn't give much leverage to roll up the sail. If it's windy, uou either have to luff up to take the load off the sail or head downwind and put the jib in the shadow of the main to roll it up. If you buy a CDI or similar furler it will fit OVER the existing forestay. For your teak, there are lots of opinions - oil is easy and quick but you have to do it frequently, varnish is a bigger project but it lasts longer, pick which suits your character. We've sailed our '86 192 for two years now and have really enjoyed the boat. I would describe the performance as "good" and it is very versatile - the cockpit is big enough for four adults to be comforatable on a daysail and the quarter berths are a comfortable place to sleep. Having a head in the cabin is another big plus with the wife.
