to buy or not to buy

[uvantu]

Hi all,

Your experience, thoughts and opinions are desired.
I'm currently boatless, not counting the 420 we use on the lake, but have been eyeing a Cape Dory 25 for the past few weeks. After looking at it again today and really having some decision issues, I stopped and looked at an '86 Oday 26 in pretty nice shape. I know their completely different animals, but after some verball sorting, I came to the realization that I don't want to always be relying on someone else to move, haul, launch etc for me, so the Oday is looking even better. Since I am not familiar with the Oday, my first question is are there known "issues" I should be aware of going in? My second question is, since I'll be sailing this boat in coastal Maine waters where conditions can and often do change quickly, is this boat considered "tender"? My concern here is that while I know that the Cape Dory is a very stable boat and would surely handle more than I would or could, what is the reputation of the Oday? Now I know I'm asking this on an Oday forum, and I suspect most people love their boats, but please give me your honest views. Thanks for your input.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

O'Days, in my opinion, are the Chevrolet equivelant of sailboats. At one time O'Day was the most popular sailboat manufacturer in the U.S., but that was long before they designed the O'Day 26, which is one of the later models which came out towards the end of their run. Eventually Lear Ziegler bought the company, but before that it was Bangor Punta Corp. Anyway, the O'Day 26 will have more interior space than the Cape Dory 25, which I believe is one of the Cape Dory's not designed by Carl Alberg, but I could be wrong about that. I'd have to refresh my memory on that one. Anyway, the Cape Dory, as you sort of mentioned, is a robust and very seaworthy vessel and probably better suited for coastal cruising or offshore sailing than the O'Day. But, the O'Day will be more comfortable living wise down below, etc. simply because there is more volume. The CD 25 had a cockpit well for the outboard. That is good for a heavy seaway, but the newer 4 stroke outboards might not fit in that well like the older 2 strokes. So, something to think about if you need to replace the motor. There's are lot of boats to choose from these days. Have fun sailing.

 

[Fly_H23]

We recently bought an 84' O'day 26. It was neglected for a couple years but had a major refit about 5 years ago.

Key concerns:

1) Bulkheads, specifically around the chain plates you'll need to look for signs of leaks, dry rot, ect. If this hasn't been addressed recently you may be about to negotiate a much lower price and do the repairs yourself.

2) Leaky cockpit and anchor well drains.

On the plus side, parts are available thru this website or places like D&R Marine at:

http://www.drmarine.com/categories.asp?cat=74

Our O'day 26 is roomy and well laid out. I'm sure the other boat would be a much stiffer boat but how often will you be out on heavy air days?

 

[uvantu]

Thanks for your input, information well taken. As I've been surfing around the web for info on the Oday 26 I've seen a fair number for sale, lower price than the one I'm looking at, but more importantly with the Yanmar diesel. Would I be wise to get one with the diesel or is something I'll end up not using and wish wasn't in there? I'm also wondering where the diesel is installed since the photos are only a close up of a motor and I can't tell where it is. thanks again.

 

[Shoaldrafter]

O'Day 26

Thanks for your input, information well taken. As I've been surfing around the web for info on the Oday 26 I've seen a fair number for sale, lower price than the one I'm looking at, but more importantly with the Yanmar diesel. Would I be wise to get one with the diesel or is something I'll end up not using and wish wasn't in there? I'm also wondering where the diesel is installed since the photos are only a close up of a motor and I can't tell where it is. thanks again.

It was said that O'Day 26 was not in
early O'Day family. Not accurate. The
O'Day 26 was an update of O'Day 25.

The differences were depth of stubby
keel. Specifically, about 6" deeper.
Changes in front hatch to allow for
easier hatch replacement. The 25
was moulded whereas 26 is Bomar
stock.

The 26 uses a balanced rudder to
fix helm issues found in 25's.

So if you want to learn about 26's just
study the history of the 25's.

Bye the way, I am selling my O'Day 26.
I have three boats and it is the middle
one.

http://oday.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_adsmanager&Itemid=254&page=showad&adid=13561

Fair Zyphers,
Ed K