Thinking of buying a 1982 28' O'Day

[Cubkin]

We looked at a 1982 O'Day 28 yesterday and are seriously interested in it. The boat appears to be in excellent condition with only a couple noticeable small issues. It still has the original engine - Universal 11hp diesel inboard. The sails appear to be original as well., main, jib and genoa. One thing we were told by the broker is that the genny would need to be hanked on to the roller furling to be useable. We aren't quite sure what that entails, since we've never owned a boat w/roller furling. Also, can anyone tell me what make the original sails were and how well most have held up? And, what other major flaws should we be looking out for? We won't buy without a favorable survey, but want to be sure it's worth pursuing. Our previous boats were an 18' Sol Cat high performance catamaran and an S2 6.8 meter (and an unmentionable powerboat), so this is a big leap in size and equipment for us. Thanks!

Wendy Achterhof

 

[sail cape cod]

Buy one I did and liked it.

Hi and welcome,
I am coming to the end of my first season with my 1981 OD 28. All in all I think it is a great sailing boat. This particular boat has a newer Yanmar 2gm20 which is trouble free and fresh water cooled. I know Universal made a great engine and the diesel is the best so someone else here will certainly let you know about it. I added an hour meter to mine which should be standard equipment.
My mainsail track had never been resealed so I had to replace the wood around the electrical panel and clear some rot out from under it. If your panel is in the same place you should check around it carefully. That said my bilge pump never came on all year that I can tell. The PO had sealed the jib tracks and ports also prone to leaks.
Check the under seat area for aromas, I also replaced all the vent lines, added a new thru hull and replaced the head and head hoses. Smells fresh now even when closed for a week.
None of these are deal breakers just things to be aware of and to see if they have been done.
Good Luck, Bob

 

[maxxx]

I bought a 1983 O28 about a year ago> It also has the original Unerversal in it. With the exception of losing an impeller pump it has worked perfectly and while a little underpowered, we love the boat. I would reccommend you spend time in the engine area and inside the cockpit locker. I have found rot in the area that supports the hot water heaterand the bulkhead behind the stove. I did have an extensive survey done but they cant find it all. I was lucky in finding a boat that had been well cared for but like all boats, theres always something that needs attention. All in all,Its been the right boat for us but we did look at 3 others before deciding on this one. While I'm far from an expert, feel free to send me an email and ill send a cell # and I'll share all I can.Good Luck!! maxx

 

[Joe11688]

I like the looks of the O'Day 28. There is one moored on the river not far from our yacht club. I also like the way the halyards are set up which is similar to my O'Day 222. I've sailed the 272 and the 25 and found them to be OK, but I would be more inclined to go for the 28 if I wanted something larger than what I have now. If you like this boat, by all means go for it. You won't be sorry.
Joe

 

[Tom Potter]

I've had mine for almost a year now and been very pleased with it. Has a big feel for a 28 footer.

If you have any particular questions related to the 28 feel free to email me.

Heres a nice write up on the 28.
http://www.gjenvick.com/BangorPunta/ODay/1984-ODay28-25YearsOfExperienceBuiltIn.html

 

[Joan/Bill]

I was looking for a 28 but when I ran across a 30 I was suprised how much more 2 ft can be in a sailboat cabin height beam it all adds up to a bigger boat. Besides the condition of this boat is outstanding it has been updated and cared for and it shows My wife and I are sea trialing it tomorrow morning, I would be very suprised if we don't go forward with it.

 

[dennisv]

O'Day 28's are wonderful

Wendy,
I've owned a O'DAy 25 for 18 years, but got the burning desire to stand up in the cabin and have a diesel engine. I looked long and hard at the O'Day 28's. They are extremely roomy, with a very practical usaful cabin layout. Love the decks. Wide side decks and a good roomy foredeck. I like the location of the mainsheet at the front of the cockpit. Very accessible. You are looking at a great boat.
These boats can be wet. 100% of the boats I looked at leaked at the foot of the quarter berth, under the genoa track. THese boat can be dry too, just make sure you look.
THe 28's also had a characteristic of random cracks in the cabin roof. I'd describe the as stress crack, but in many cases they wer ein areas were there should not be stress. These cracks were very small (width) and 2 to 6-8 inches. Not anything structural, just cosmetic. I saw boats with many cracks, a few cracks, and none at all. Just make sure you look. Almost every one I looked at that had cracks had a leak at the cabinlight starboard side, right above the chart table.
I ended up buying a late model Catalina 27 TR. The selection fro Catalina's is usually 2X, 3X as large. This give you a better chance of finding a nice one. They are also $4,0000, $5,000, $6,000 cheaper. I'm a cheap wade. The Catalina's are not as roomy, and the side decks are very small. They are GREAT sailing boat. The Catalina's have bigger cockpits than the O'Day, and that is where you will spend 90% of your time. As ageneral statement it seemed to me that the O'Day started out as much nicer boats (featrues), but did not weather aging as well as the Catalina's. You need to make sure you are getting a nice O'Day (dry). Your choice is a good one based on features, but look for dry. Just my opinion.

PS: My boat is located approx 40 miles north of you in Whitehall, MI.