Apples & Oranges

[MikeAR]

What can people tell me about their experiences with an early O'Day 22 (or a similar sloop)? I recently found a '71 O'Day 22 for sale. We haven't looked at it yet. What issues were specific to these O'Days?

From my understanding - a quick look at websites on them (including the reviews here) - noted it is a shoal draft. I found notes that several hundred pounds of ballast weight was added a few years after introduction (1974?). That suggests to me it won't sail close to the wind, nor very quickly. The shoal keel's lower maintenance versus a swing keel does appeal to me. The boat in question has a trailer and likely would be used that way.

My wife and I are new - but we successfully completed a sailing class this summer. That said, during the class we sailed J/24 and a J/80 boats. I know there's a big difference between the O'Day "gunkholer" and those racing boats. We aren't out for a speed boat but one that can be enjoyed on weekends with an occasional overnight.

Thanks!

Mike

[MikeAR]

Looked it over today.
We will find a boat to fulfill our dreams. However, we won't bother with this particular O'Day.
It sat outside for an extended period after extended time in water. They were asking $2500 but have done zero maintenance. It can't even roll from the lot in present condition - the trailer needs work. The boat needs work.
It has been sitting on the trailer (tongue down) with water collecting inside. The boom has a sail and cover wrapped around it but laying in the cockpit, window seals are shot, a hatch had been installed in the deck but was shot, winches sounded .... sad.
We didn't expect a perfect boat, but we didn't expect a project boat or project trailer from the glowing description.
Oh, forgot to mention, the motor mount was broken off the boat ... there was a stub sticking out from the stern....
The economy may be affecting prices and what's available. This shows it's still a caveat emptor market.

[CalebD]

Mike,
Good on ya' to take a pass on that boat. There are a lot of trailer sailors in the range of 22'. $2.5K is a lot for a boat that has not been cared for.
After sailing some racing boats you may be a bit disappointed in the performance of some of these cruising boats. I have sailed on a Rhodes 19' Mariner (or is it O'Day?) - nice older boat but not comfortable to spend a night on.
It is all about compromises. You should definitely not take the first boat you see in a sorry condition. Keep looking - seek and ye shall find - even in Arkansas.
Don't give up and keep posting about your experiences.

[JohnRPollard]

Definitely a pass. Sailing is supposed to be fun.

Just to respond to your original question. I've sailed a bit on the shoal draft O'Day 22 (my brother had one for a number of years). Not much keel there at all. However, it sails surprisingly well considering. They are fine for lakes and protected coastal waters. But there's not much belowdecks to make things comfortable for overnighting. If that's what you're interested in doing, I'd look for something a bit larger with a bigger cabin.

If you don't need much by way of cabin space, compare the OD 22 with the Catalina 22. There should be more Catalinas around, some of them much newer.

P.S. To add some price perspective.... My brother's O'Day 22 (which he acquired about a dozen+ years ago -- since sold), was about the same vintage but was in far better condition than the one you describe. He got it for free from someone who was done with it. No trailer, though.

In my opinion, those folks should pay you to take that load off their hands.