C&C Mega 30 vs ODay 25

Rockstar2011 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-23-2011

I have decided to buy either an ODay 25 or a C&C Mega 30 and have heard mixed reviews about the C&C. I know it is a very fast boat (owner is claiming he saw 13.6 knots). I have heard it is more difficult to sail. This will be my first boat. I can purchase a 1980 in supposedly fantastic shape for $8,000, although it is 4 hours away. Other option is a 25 ' ODay, also in fantastic shape, However, I heard someone say they sail like crap and are very slow. The ODay is only 5k, so much easier on the pocket book.

Mega 30 is here : C&C Mega 30 - Windsor Region Sailboats For Sale - Kijiji Windsor Region Canada.. (he won't include the new sails for the 8k)

Link for the ODay is here: O'Day 25 Sailboat - Markham / York Region Sailboats For Sale - Kijiji Markham / York Region Canada.

bljones · #2 (**permalink**) 05-23-2011

Go see this- and then buy it.

Islander - Ontario Sailboats For Sale - Kijiji Ontario Canada.

Mobnets · #3 (**permalink**) 05-23-2011

Didn't we rule out the (unseen) mega in another thread last week?

Thought you had decided on the O'day.

Islander looks very interesting!
______________
1973 Paceship Chance 32/28 "Westwind"

Rockstar2011 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-23-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mobnets

Didn't we rule out the (unseen) mega in another thread last week?

Thought you had decided on the O'day.

Islander looks very interesting!
______________
1973 Paceship Chance 32/28 "Westwind"

Yes, I did decide on the ODay, but the seller said he wants a deposit of 90%, which scares me. Then I had someone tell me they sail like crap, so still thinking. I am very intrigued by the speed of the Mega. I think it would be a blast. I am going to try to see the islander this morning. Very interesting indeed! I will check out what condition it is in and what it would cost to transport it to Toronto ( or at least somewhere where I can sail it over).

Just curious...why doesn't anyone think the Mega is a good idea?

jimq26 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-23-2011

Just looking at the pictures illustrates a number of deficiencies with the two boats you are interested in..

Both seem quite a bit overpriced in today's market.

CapnA · #6 (**permalink**) 05-24-2011

My father looked at buying one new back in the early 1980's. It's been a number of years since I sailed on a Mega, but I recall that they are somewhat tricky to sail to their potential. Don't get me wrong, C&C makes good boats - I have a 32. I would suggest that you sail the Mega (if possible) before buying. My father decided against it after a test sail.

O'Day made decent boats. I can't comment on the 25, however. In this market, I would recommend that you take your time. There are a lot of good boats out there on the market.

Faster · #7 (**permalink**) 05-24-2011

Agree you shouldn't lock yourself into either of these two... and would not recommend the Mega 30 - just a bit too 'weird' and not representative of what C&C was good at.

Islander, Ranger, the regular C&C stable, Cals, and the many other 'mainstream' brands will serve you well, the key is finding a good example at a reasonable price (not cheapest!)

Rockstar2011 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-24-2011

Thanks for all the feedback guys. The guy with the Mega has now upped his minimum price he will accept to $9K, so that boat is now definitely out anyway. I spoke to the guy selling the Islander for $4,995. It is three hours away and when I asked him the condition of the boat, he said "Well...it's a 1976". He also believed the sails to be original, and the bottom needed painting. That being said and considering the lack of good pictures, I am not going to bother checking it out. Seems like work is needed on the boat, plus the transport from Bayfield Ontario to Toronto. I could sail it over, but for an inexperienced sailor like me on a boat that I am not familiar with doesn't exactly ring my bell.

So... it is back to the O'Day 25 or the C&C Northern 24 (which I asked about in my original post). Both boats would be great for me actually. Sure, the Northern has a bit of a small interior, but I would most likely upgrade next year anyway. Both I think are good starter boats. I am going to be making my final decision on this TODAY. I am getting tired of looking...hahahaha. Time to start doing some sailing. If there is anything that I shoudl be aware of about this ODay, please let me know. The C&C 24 is 11 years newer, with autohelm, and roller furling, which is nice. Not to mention quicker. The O'Day has a brand new interior which I really like and also much more cabin space, which is what would be selling me on that boat. Here is the link for the C&C: C&C Northern 24 Sailboat - Great Family Boat - Oakville / Halton Region Sailboats For Sale - Kijiji Oakville / Halton Region Canada.

bobperry · #9 (**permalink**) 05-24-2011

I think the Mega is a pig. I once sailed by one in a Baba 30!

lobstahpotts · #10 (**permalink**) 05-24-2011

I think you will find the lesser age of the C&C to be an asset if you are looking at short term ownership. Certainly check it, but you are statistically more likely to have issues crop up with an older boat, even one that has been maintained well has the age going against it.
I suppose that the counterargument would be look at the prices, the O'Day is that much older and still commands roughly the same price.