Thoughts on 1979 O'Day 28'

[golds30]

I'm looking at possibly purchasing a 1979 O'Day. I've spent most of my life sailing a with my father on a 28' Pearson in the Chesapeake Bay - it was reliable, well-built and had pretty nice lines. O'Day has a similar reputation for quality and reliability.

I'm curious about two things:

1) What is the history of this model? I noticed the line was discontinued in 1986, not long after it's first year in 1977. Do you know why? Where there manufacturing issues?

2) What are the things that I should be looking for when inspecting the vessel? Are there tell tale things that O'Days show when not cared for properly, or are there things that have been known to be an issue in this model.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I've found the posts on this site seem to be really helpful, so look forward to your insights.

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[25yearslater]

Hello Golds30. As with any boat of that age it's more a matter of how well it was cared for than it's age. Oday built a fantastic product. I just purchased my second one. The first I bought new in 78, this one is a 76 Oday 27. If you are comfortable with your ability to survey the vessel without focusing on sail inventory or gadgets, gilhickies and so forth what I focus on are characteristics common to Oday or other boat brands. Oday like many of that era had balsa cored decks. Great stuff if and this is a big if stantions, handrails, chainplates, ports were kept caulked regularly. One technique used now is the deck penetration window. This is the isolation of the balsa core from moisture. Years past caulk was the only common method of doing this. How were spinnaker pole hardware mounted? More holes? More sources for water. Lifeline stantions are notorious for weak attachments. Is the cabin bulkhead solid? The upper shroud chainplates are depending on it. Ballast envelope? Has it delaminated from the lead? There are more than a few sites that detail performing your own survey. The bottom line is this, ask yourself honestly how willing am I to commit the time, resources, and talent or the aquisition of talent to this particular boat? It's a balancing act. The more talent equals less time and money. More money equals less time. If you are uncomfortable with performing your own survey, hire one. In the end it's not likely to have zero problems, it's a question of which problems can I live with or willing to repair or have repaired. Hope this helps.

 

[nightowle]

I'm not sure why the 28 was discontinued then, but it was getting pretty close to the year of the final act for O'Day Corp. "25" above is accurate in his assessment of what to look out for; plus you'll want to get a survey on the engine, too.

I think you'll find the O'Day has a lot more similarities to the Pearson than differences.

Good luck!

 

[BarryL]

Hello,

In 1987 or so O'day came out with some new boats - the 272, 302, and 322. These were brand new designs with 'euro' styling, lighter displacement, and a number of other changes. That was the end of the 28, and 31 (which was a 30 with swim platform added).

I can't help you regarding specific things to look for in the 28.

Good luck,
Barry

 

[Winters Dream]

'79 O'Day 28

I've had my '79 O'Day since 1985. It's been a great boat. Minimal problems included replacing the Yanmar one cylinder diesel head and valves after 25 years, wooden battery box holders coming apart and a deck leak at one stanchion.

When you spend thousands on an old boat, get it surveyed for a few hundred. It may save you a few thousand down the road.