Trying to overcome inner resistance...

[Mark]

...to the way a 272 *looks*, i.e. the slant-front cabin windows, unhandsome transom, and so forth. *grr Here's my difficulty: the freshwater lake on which my family intends cruising has many a troublesome narrows that in dry years are not navigable by a draft greater than 4 feet. So I'm interested in your stories of cruising in a 272, especially w/families, and in the performance of your 272's wing keel, an innovation I've never tried. Can a romantic learn to love this boat?

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.com]

Life's too short...

...to own a boat you aren't in love with! I personally don't mind the aethetics of the 272 at all, but that's the beaty of diversity: different stroked for different folks! I wouldn't enjoy owning a Bayliner, but plenty of folks do. Your 272 is a great boat - why not sell it to someone who will love it? Go get yourself something you'd be proud to row away from and gaze back at. Let's face it, sailors are a romantic bunch. We shouldn't kid ourselves that our boats are practical.Either change your tastes and learn to love what you have, or sell your boat and go after something that strikes you fancy.Trevor

 

[Jeff]

I agree with Trevor

I owned a 272 for 10 years and found it a great boat. The wing keel gave great performance, and the interior layout was so good that I had a hard time talking my wife into a boat that did not have a fold down table.If you have this boat and don't like it there are people that will buy it.Look at a Catalina 27 of a similar year for a more traditional style.Good LuckJeff

 

[Tom Ehmke]

I like mine, especially the windows and transom...

but if you don't, why ask someone else to persuade you?? Wanna read some of the positives? Check the boat reviews. I wrote one of them.Geees!!Tom

 

[Mike]

Beauty is only...

Yo Mark!After one has finished a spring wax job on the hull and his arms are throbbing from all the @#**$!!* rubbing you GOTTA' be able to stand back and take in the beauty of her glistening hull, her sleek lines and her generally graceful appearance; if you can't do that then you need a divorce from her. Your boat needs to be LOVED! Anything less is a waste. Sell her to an owner who loves the looks of her and get a vessel that dazzles your eye and pleases your heart.Regards,MikeS/B Pitterpat, Lake Huron

 

[Mark]

Thanks for your responses

Thanks, all. Let me correct a false impression I seem to have set out: I don't presently own an O'Day 272, or any other cruising boat - I am shopping only, but shopping seriously. The O'Day keeps coming up in my search because of its excellent shallow draft and its roomy interior. But your responses have been most helpful, and I wish you fair winds - may we meet one day on the water.Mark