My husband and I are considering purchasing a 1973 OD27 and would appreciate any thoughts offered by this group, positive and negative. It looks to be in good shape, and we'll use a surveyor, but would love to be forewarned about potential problems. Thank you.
Thinking of purchasing a '73 OD27
- Thread starter Pat Bastian
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Owned my 27 since 1982
Hi Pat, No concerns. I replaced cushions 2 years ago along with sails. Replaced rudder bearing and cutlass bearing about 8 years ago. No hull or standing rigging problems - original. Simple too handle - good in light and heavy air. Have made several runs in winds over 30 with gusts over 40 - double reefed main 0ne time and another with reef main and genoa. Sail my boat 2 to 4 times a week. Good Luck, Bob
Hi Pat, No concerns. I replaced cushions 2 years ago along with sails. Replaced rudder bearing and cutlass bearing about 8 years ago. No hull or standing rigging problems - original. Simple too handle - good in light and heavy air. Have made several runs in winds over 30 with gusts over 40 - double reefed main 0ne time and another with reef main and genoa. Sail my boat 2 to 4 times a week. Good Luck, Bob
any old boat
as with any boat 30 years old, deck delamination is a problem, especially around deck hardwars and the mast. I've really never heard of to many problems with osmotic blistering on O'Day's (Thank God) but that would be something to look at as well. A 30 year old boat probably will need new running rigging and/or standing rigging if it hasn't been done in a long time. Make sure you have a reliable engine. The 27 is a nice boat. I looked at one before I just bought my new O'Day 28. They are one of the more fleet of foot O'Day's (that's not to say they are racing sleds, but they have a bit of a higher performance) I would strongly suggest making a post on the sailnet.com oday email list for more info about the O'27 Best of luck Mike C. O'28 "Da Capo"
as with any boat 30 years old, deck delamination is a problem, especially around deck hardwars and the mast. I've really never heard of to many problems with osmotic blistering on O'Day's (Thank God) but that would be something to look at as well. A 30 year old boat probably will need new running rigging and/or standing rigging if it hasn't been done in a long time. Make sure you have a reliable engine. The 27 is a nice boat. I looked at one before I just bought my new O'Day 28. They are one of the more fleet of foot O'Day's (that's not to say they are racing sleds, but they have a bit of a higher performance) I would strongly suggest making a post on the sailnet.com oday email list for more info about the O'27 Best of luck Mike C. O'28 "Da Capo"
Pros and Cons
I have owned my O'Day 27 for six years and recently have undertaken a major restoration. The boat is great to sail, nice amount of room for the size, has a good strong hull, and the interior uses real wood, unlike rivals like the Catalina 27, which used copious amounts of formica laminate on the bulkheads. On the flip side, I think the boat has some inherent flaws that need to be considered. 1)This is the biggest! Deck delamination - balsa cored deck prone to rot around fittings and to do this repair correctly it is BIG $ - injection does not work - new balsa has to be laminated in place. 2) mast step area is weak and prone to compression - I build a solid 1/4" stainless plate with tabs for block and reinforced the area. 3) Rigging - original fittings (turnbuckles) are a little weak. 4) Blisters - possible on any boat this age. 5)Rudder shaft - will likely need new bearings or epoxy/graphite fix. I have done a full strip down and rebuild of my boat and would be happy to answer any more questions about the construction and time/cost of some repairs. Clint.
I have owned my O'Day 27 for six years and recently have undertaken a major restoration. The boat is great to sail, nice amount of room for the size, has a good strong hull, and the interior uses real wood, unlike rivals like the Catalina 27, which used copious amounts of formica laminate on the bulkheads. On the flip side, I think the boat has some inherent flaws that need to be considered. 1)This is the biggest! Deck delamination - balsa cored deck prone to rot around fittings and to do this repair correctly it is BIG $ - injection does not work - new balsa has to be laminated in place. 2) mast step area is weak and prone to compression - I build a solid 1/4" stainless plate with tabs for block and reinforced the area. 3) Rigging - original fittings (turnbuckles) are a little weak. 4) Blisters - possible on any boat this age. 5)Rudder shaft - will likely need new bearings or epoxy/graphite fix. I have done a full strip down and rebuild of my boat and would be happy to answer any more questions about the construction and time/cost of some repairs. Clint.
Thank you, everyone
I appreciate all the great advice/information. We did end up buying the boat, and are enjoying getting to know her. It's a great adventure!
I appreciate all the great advice/information. We did end up buying the boat, and are enjoying getting to know her. It's a great adventure!
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