O'day 15-2 Information, Review, Specs

The O'Day 15-2 was introduced in 1981, following in the footsteps of previous O'Day 15 models, and remained in production until 1983, with 294 units built. Designed by John Deknatel, the 15-2 represents a specific iteration in O'Day's lineage of small, performance-oriented dinghies. During this era, O'Day Corp., founded by Olympic gold medalist George O'Day, had grown to become one of the largest sailboat producers in the United States, celebrated for its embrace of fiberglass construction, which facilitated mass production and consistent quality. The company's manufacturing ethos focused on creating accessible, dependable, and forgiving vessels, a philosophy clearly evident in the 15-2. While the O'Day 15-1, designed by Andrew Kostanecki, was an earlier version, the 15-2 marked a distinct offering in the company's lineup.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a fractional sloop with a daggerboard, the O'Day 15-2 is designed to offer lively performance and responsive handling. Its reported sail area of 175 square feet, combined with a lightweight displacement of 350 pounds, suggests a boat capable of planing and providing an exciting experience for its size. The design, featuring a broad hull and deck, contributes to its stability and buoyancy, making it suitable for challenging day sailing and informal racing. Owners often find the O'Day 15 models to be balanced and engaging to sail, well-suited for those seeking speed and competition in a smaller package. Its daggerboard keel type allows for versatility in varying water depths, making it easy to launch and retrieve.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its modest length of 14.92 feet, the O'Day 15-2 is primarily an open cockpit day sailer, and therefore does not feature extensive interior accommodations. While specific interior layouts are not detailed in the provided data, similar O'Day models of this size typically offered a spacious and well-thought-out cockpit for crew comfort. The broad hull and deck contribute to a stable platform, and it is likely designed with practical storage solutions within the cockpit or perhaps a small forward cuddy, similar to the O'Day Daysailer which featured a "cubby" for stowing gear. Owners on forums discuss details like main sheeting arrangements and internal structural elements, suggesting a focus on functional sailing rather than extensive living spaces.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the O'Day 15-2 often appreciate its straightforward design and the active community that supports these classic boats. Discussions among owners frequently revolve around practical aspects such as rudder replacement or modifications to the main sheeting system, indicating an engaged ownership group keen on maintaining and optimizing their boats. While some O'Day models have noted common maintenance points like rudder/tiller attachments or the potential for water damage in older vessels, these are generally issues that can be addressed with routine care. The enduring appeal of the O'Day 15-2 lies in its ability to deliver a fun, accessible, and often competitive sailing experience, upholding O'Day's legacy of introducing sailors to the joys of the water.