Which Oday is right for our family?

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M.J.

Our family has just taken an interest in sailing. We would like to daysail around cape cod, but want a small cabin space for our 5 year old and 8 year old to escape to. We are beginners and are afraid to get a boat that may be too much to handle sailing. We will be at a mooring so we won't be trailering. We've looked at 19' and a 22'Oday. The 19' feels like something one of us could sail alone or with our family and a couple of guests. Any recommendations??
 
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Bob Todd

Reviews...

Check the reviews on O'Days at this website. My experience dictates that while a smaller boat is more nimble, a slightly larger and heavier boat is more forgiving and easier to handle for novice sailors. Look at the 272 models. No bias here, just my experience. Also, I strongly recommend you pick up and read a copy of Colgates. It's in paperback at most book stores. An excellent book for beginners. Cheers, Bob Todd Lazybones II Warwick, RI
 
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Steve Growcock

Ditto

I would go with a slightly larger boat too. If nothing else, for the cabin size. I originally looked at a 22 and settled on a 25. The decision was easy. I put my 6 foot son in the cabin of the 22 and got this goofy look from him. 25ft it is. Good luck and let us know what you choose, Steve!
 
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Russ Marcks

Ditto Ditto

Many think the larger the boat, the harder it is to handle. This isn't true within the range of sizes you're looking at. I wouldn't go less than an O'25. Cabin size becomes far to small. However, the 27 has a great deal of room below as well as standing room height. It will also allow you to grow in the future. Also consider the AMF Paceship. This is essentially an O'Day 27 (same designer, same plan). Russ Marcks
 
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EJT

We choose a 25 also

I looked at an O'Day 22. I was on a test sail with the owner and I banged my head on the cabin liner, when I bent over and hit my back end on the corner of the counter and then in the same flow hit my knee on another surface. The boat handled well other wise. We looked at a 25 and their was plenty of room for my two children, 3 and 5. They go below and watch movies and my wife and I can enjoy our sail up top. Our 25 boasts it can sleep 6, 6 small adults that are very close friends. But for my wife and children and I it is perfect. The 25 is easy to single hand and there is plenty of room for the four of us to enjoy an afternoon of sailing. I have also had 4 guys out at one time and it was OK for room, we did not spend the night on board. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me, I think I might have a write up from Practical Sailor. I can be e-mail at ejtewsjr@home.com. If you have any other questions feel free to ask. I can also e-mail you pics of my 25 if you would like. EJ Tews O'Day 25 Jennifer Lea
 
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Jim Cook

My first obat is an O'27

My Oday 27 is my 1st boat. It is easily handled by two people of limited experience. It can be rigged for single-handing. It is spacious down-below. I fell in love with the 6' standing room. It easily sleeps 5 adults or 4 adults and 2 children. All-in-all, a GREAT boat for a new sailing family. "Dream Chaser"
 
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Josh

Now I feel bad...

Heh..now I'm regretting buying a 22!!! I think the 22 is better for me though, because I'm going to be sailing on the Great Lakes. I think the diffrence in draft is a big decider for me, and the fact that it's trailerable...I also didn't find the cabin too small. Cramped, but not too small. For a child, there's plenty of room down there. But, I wanted a smaller boat that was easily trailerable and something that didnt draw six foot. Josh
 
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Greg Jones

Try my 26

MJ, My wife and I have an OD 26 which we sail out of Padanaram Harbor in Dartmouth. It seems to be just the right size for me/wife and two children. Stand up headroom of 5'9" or so, private head, modest galley and a relatively secure cockpit. We first had a 25 then found our current 26 which has a single that pulls out into a sizeable double plus two other singles and the v birth bed. I have been very pleased with the boat in my sailing on Buzzards Bay. It handles 20-25 knots when properly reefed moves at about 5-6 knots in about 10-15 knots of wind and seems to have been relatively well made given the modest price that a mid 1980's model goes for. As far as single-handed or short crewed handling, I have been able to master singlehanding the OD26 with relative ease-I'm sure you could too. If you live nearby send me an e-mail and I would be happy to have you and the family aboard for a brief cruise to give you an idea about how the 26 sails. I would'nt go too much smaller than a 25 or 26 thought as you are sure to feel cramped if you do much family sailing. Let me know if you'd like to take me up on my offer-I only need the smallest excuse to go out! Regards - Greg Jones e-mail = gjones.wsja@verizon.net
 
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Bark

Look at O'Day 26

MJ.. We are just completing our first sailing season. Purchased an O'Day 26 after looking at a lot of 22-23' options. Really pleased with our decision. Would highly recommend it. The boat has proven very forgiving and sails singlehanded easily. Can't imagine not having the extra room down below.
 
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