Oday 31 vs Morgan 32? Open to any comments on performance & flaws.

[NautiJo]

Hi, Visiting this site because of it being frequented by many sharp individuals. Came across the 2 boats mentioned that I am not overly familiar with and am looking for some feedback. 1983 Morgan displ. is 11,000 lbs vs 10,400 for the 1986 Oday 31. Like both but feel the Oday would be easier to resell if needed due to the more modern look and # of boats built with a good following. Morgan has a "saltier" look and appears to be rugged and maybe faster even though the Oday waterline is a bit longer. The Morgan with a beam of 11'6 and pinched stern vs 10'9 beam on the Oday makes me wonder how well she will point? Both have 4' fixed keels great for the upper Chesapeake. Also the Oday can be had for about 5K less. Both are in equally really good condition. Any one have comments on performance or quality issues?
Thank you,
Sam

[Faster]

No direct experience with either, but looking at some photos:

There are some basic trade-offs between these two. Some thoughts:

The ODays's off set U shaped dinette is a nice feature, no need to navigate around a centerline table; the bulkhead fold-away opens up more space on the Morgan.

The Morgan's galley looks a touch better to my eye..

The ODay's transom platform will be much appreciated while cruising - better for swimming, dinghy access etc.

The Morgan's interior looks a bit warmer overall, more substantial fittings etc, she has nice wide side decks above.

These are pretty close though, if all else is equal, which one 'speaks' to you? FWIW the +/- $5K will be a distant memory a couple of years down the road.

[BarryL]

Hello,

I don't know anything about the Morgan. I know a little about the O'day. I have a 35 and a friend has the 31. Note that the O'day 31 is really an O'day 30 with a swim platform. Don't discount the value of the swim platform if you like to use a dingy, swim off the boat, etc.

The 31 is a basic production racer / cruiser from the mid 80's. Very similar to Catalina 30, Newport 30, etc. The build quality is adequate for coastal type work. It should be comfortable with pressure hot and cold water, decent galley with propane stove and oven.

Sailing performance will depend on the keel. The shoal draft version won't point very high, but you can sail in 4' of water. On a reach to a run the boat will be nice. The standard keel will point better and be much better up wind, but these are not J boats.

All in all O'day boats have a loyal following. Parts are easy to come by and the boats have proven to be solid.

Good luck,
Barry