What is it

[Marty Tucker]

I have a 1976 Oday 25 and I would like to know what is this boat considered to be. Offshore, coastal cruiser, day sailer etc. Thanks for any response.

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Costal

Marty -The O'day 25 is a great Costal or Pocket Cruiser. Doesn't mean you can't take it off shore now and again but she'll hit her limits somewhat before a boat designed to go offshore. On the other hand, you have tons more room than a comparable boat designed for blue waters. All a matter of priorities.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[Geof]

"Coastal-Day" Sailor

We have a '76 O'Day 25 and it is the most comfortable daysailor I have ever sailed. We limit our selves to short sails out of sight of land, and to relatively short times aboard. 2-3 days max. She behaves well and we feel safe on her, but I do my best to keep close tabs on the weather and not take her out when it's to stiff or flat calm, mostly I'm thinking of the enjoyment of those aboard.I don't mind drifting, or pounding, there is always something to do to keep me occupied, but young teenagers can get downright mutinous if the boat seems like it's sitting still, or they can't find a place to sit still.Geof

 

[Mike]

Not an offshore boat

I have the Oday 23, which is very similar to the 25. However you want to categorize it, neither the 23 or the 25 is made for offshore work. Even though the boat is well made, let us not forget that it is a centerboard boat that was designed to fit on a trailer. It has a relatively small amount of ballast that sits higher than a fin keel. The rigging (mast and wires) was designed to be able to be taken down easily for trailering, and is on the light side. I sail on the relatively protected waters of Long Island Sound, and I find the 23 to be perfect for my needs: day sailing with the occasional overnight. I would even take her as far off shore as Block Island (providing the weather was cooperating). I like how Geof put it: "Coastal-day sailor". I might amend that to "Near-coastal day sailor," but why quibble. Its a great boat.

 

[Ed]

Why would you need to watch the weather?

Is the sail to Block Island that daunting that the 25 could not handle a storm on the way out or back? How about to Martha's Vinyard or Newport? I sail out of the Groton area on Long Island Sound and would like to take the 25 over to these places. Would it be safe? I am not sure just how stable the boat would be in a storm.... or should I keep inside the safety of Fishers Island Sound?Ed