28' Columbia and a 25' O Day

AuntB · #1 (**permalink**) 09-16-2010

This weekend I am going to look at least 2 boats for possible purchase:
A 28' Columbia and a 25' O Day. May also look at a 25' Ericson. All of them have outboards and seem to be in good shape, ready to sale.

My family of 3 is going to focus on sailing in the Chesapeake Bay with future plans to further explore the east coast and perhaps a trip to the Islands.

All 3 boats appear to be well reviewed on SailNet and other sites. I will review Sail Dogs suggestions for looking at a boat and follow his suggestions.

Is there anything in particular that I should be aware of or looking for?

cb32863 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-18-2010

I am not familiar with the Columbia but I have asked a few questions myself about the O'Day 25 as I am interested in them as well and from what I have been told they are nice boats. You should be aware of possible soft spots around the mast step and possibly leaks around the ports. Its not a racer by any sense of the word but, from what a current owner has told me, they are nice boats to sail. And if there are 3 of you on the boat, you should be comfortable as far as space is concerned. They are not all that tender either from what I have been told. Hope this info helps.

CB

AuntB · #3 (**permalink**) 09-18-2010

Thanks, I just returned from looking at both of them. The Columbia did not excite me. I am speaking about both the model and the individual boat in terms of its condition.

The O'Day was a nice little daysailer. She was simple but appeared to be well built and was in great condition. Clean and neat, everything worked, just a nice boat. I found almost nothing that needed attention and those few items were very minor. My wife and daughter can stand up below. And she is for sale at a fair price. If we want a day sailer, we should buy her.

On the ride home the question is just that, what do we want? A day sailor to practice and get better on or a larger boat so we can take that trip to the Keys and beyond. I read it all the time, "get the boat for now", but I have that 5' larger desire before we even buy.

A day to think and a good nights sleep always improves my decision making.

blt2ski · #4 (**permalink**) 09-18-2010

What Islands are you talking about? Like south to the Caribbean or Virgin Islands? I do not know much about the east coast, but if on the west coast, at least 5' more boat would be wanted! Then again, the left coast is way more rugged than the right one!

Can you do it on those, I am sure you could. For how long.......

Me personally, I would look for a 30-35' boat. The ones you are looking at, would be fine for daysailing, weekend, a yearly 1-2 week jaunt for me into the San Juan islands. This might be equal to Maine or equal for all I know.

Marty

AuntB · #5 (**permalink**) 09-18-2010

I agree with you. The O'Day could make longer trips but it would be a stretch. That is what stopped me from making a commitment. It is a nice boat but may not be my boat.

trisstan87 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-18-2010

Yes with three people the O'Day will probably be too cramped for longer trips. I do read that they are well built and nice to sail. I do not know where you live, but there are a lot of 28-32' to be had that are in very good condition for 10-15K. I only say this because you have other people to think about. IF it were just you i'd say get the O'Day and enjoy!

JimsCAL · #7 (**permalink**) 09-19-2010

The ODay is fine for exploring the Bay, but not suitable for other than protected waters. But as you've already realized a 25-footer may be too small for you. Go larger if the budget permits.

AuntB · #8 (**permalink**) 09-19-2010

I may have had a break through in my thinking this month. We looked at several boats. Two really caught my attention. A Sea Sprite 23 and the 25 O Day. Each had issues. The Sea Sprite needed a lot of attention in some major areas and I had to crawl below. The O Day was also small and little plastic below. They both had their highlights. the Sea Sprite is just beautiful. I could fall in love and had to work not to. If she wasn't such a mess, I would be on her right now. The O Day was solid, clean, well built and maintained. Both were solid, simple, direct boats that could be single handled in protected waters.

But I can't shake the desire to sail in the Chesapeake Bay and beyond. The "and beyond" gives me major pause for both of the boats we liked. One additional wrinkle, I am 6'3" and don't want the boat to hunch me over any faster than already intended by time and nature.

All these issues are solved by going a little larger. Stop looking at day sailors and move to coastal cruisers. So, I will switch focus to somewhat larger boats that can be had at a reasonable cost. These may include Alberg 35, Baba 30, Cape Dory 33, Island Packet 31, Tartan 34, Valiant 32, Westsail 32 and maybe the Pearson 35. I have not been on all of these. Over the next several months I will try to spend a little time on each of and continue to narrow the list.

By the way, I find this discussion forum very useful for a beginner with a lot to learn.

blt2ski · #9 (**permalink**) 09-20-2010

AuntB

You may find some older Jeanneau or beneteaus that are similar priced to the boats you are looking at, along with larger O'days, C&C's among others that will do what you want or are asking a boat to do. The ones you mentioned, would not be my first choices personally, but I will admit, I prefer slightly lighter boats than the ones described. I am not into full keel or semi full/partial fins. Then again, I sail where I am usually in 200-600+ feet of water, so shallow draft keels, and water issues do not worry or bother me.

Keep looking, try to sail some, by hitching rides etc, and you will figure out which size, or style will suit you the best.

marty

QuickMick · #10 (**permalink**) 09-20-2010

If you are thinking about the 'and beyond' question, or even just looking at instead of daysailing weekending/longweekending you might want to think in terms of 'could we all spend the night/two nights comfortably in a cabin this size? is there room for a little whoopie (sorry, chuck wollerie just channeled me and said ill be back in two and two). my 30 is about perfect for one, could be managable for two, maybe three for a weekend... but could sleep six in a pinch. i dunno, i found the notion of hunching over not very pleasant, and while it fits your girls it might not be comfy for a long weekend. hope you find what you want! have fun!