power

[charlie]

I am considering a change in power on my 1975 O'Day 25. It now has a Honda 9.9 4 stroke. It's not that I dislike Honda but I do dislike the outboard concept. I am considering either a 10hp diesel saildrive or creating a motor well in the stern and installing an outboard with remote gears & throttle. I know the boat may not be worth the expense of these major projects but I do plan on keeping the boat for some time.Your thoughts and opinions will be appreciated.

 

[Greg Jones]

Why?

Charlie,I had an O'D25 w/ 9.9 outboard and liked it very much but pined for the day when I could get an inboard diesel boat. Well within a year an O'D 26 w/an inboard diesel (Yanmar 1GM7) came up for sale in my neighborhood. It was 10 years newer than my 25 and was in great shape. I bought it for $10.8k (including furling main and jib)and sold my 25 for $4k. I have to believe you would spend more than my net of $6,400 and maybe end up with something less than you started with, unless you are planning to do all of the work yourself something that's not an option for me. I would advise you to look around for an inboard-at least based on my own experience.Anyway thats my 2 cents. Good luck whatever you deceide.Greg Jones

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Why, #2?

Charlie -Why are you opposed to the outboard concept? Unless you are experiencing some performance deficit would think you're better off as is. You will considerably compromise sailing ability when you install either of the options you are considering through the increase in drag. You will no longer have the easy serviceability of the current set up and you will give up internal volume to your engine. As far as motoring performance, I doubt you'll experience much net improvement. Maybe a slight increase in thrust in reverse, but with the appropriate prop on my outboard that's never been an issue for me.As far as cost - if the project moves you, do it. None of us made a sound financial decision in buying a boat in the first place. If you love your boat and enjoy working on it there's no reason not to do so. I would just put the energy and money into a different project.YMMV,Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[BILL ROBB]

Save your money

Having had and loved an O'DAY 25 before moving up to a 30, I, too, put way too much money into my "mistress." I put brand new sails, a roller furler, and a complete saildrive re-build into her. If I can offer some advice, don't do the same. Save your money - because when the right deal comes along you'll want to move up. I did. Trust me on this!