O'day 20 Information, Review, Specs

The O'Day 20 was brought to market in 1973, with production continuing for seven years until 1979, resulting in 949 units built during its run. As with many O'Day models of the era, the company, founded by Olympic medalist George O'Day, leveraged fiberglass construction for consistent quality and efficient mass production. The design by John Deknatel of C.R. Hunt & Associates aligned with O'Day's commitment to delivering forgiving, stable, and comfortable vessels suitable for both new sailors and experienced families.

A key design feature of the O'Day 20 is its keel/centerboard hull type, a versatile arrangement common in O'Day models that offered a balance of performance and shallow-water access. This combination provided stability while allowing the draft to be reduced significantly (from 3.92 ft to 1.17 ft), making the boat easily trailerable and suitable for exploring shallower anchorages. While the main specifications remained consistent, the O'Day 20 saw some variations, including an alternate fractional rig option and an updated interior layout around 1976.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the O'Day 20 is often described by owners as a pleasure to sail, possessing "good manners" and surprising speed for a boat of its length. Its design features a sharpie hull form with a hard turn to the bilge, which contributes to its stability and helps minimize rolling, offering a more comfortable motion on the water. With a hull speed of approximately 5.57 knots, the O'Day 20 offers respectable performance for a trailerable pocket cruiser, often compared favorably to similar boats of its class, such as the Mariner 19.

Accommodations and Layout

Designed as a pocket cruiser, the O'Day 20 offers functional, albeit compact, accommodations below deck. The interior layout was subject to updates during its production run, with notable changes occurring around 1976, resulting in at least a few different cabin configurations over the years. While specific headroom figures are not readily available, the design typically includes features essential for overnighting and weekend cruising, such as full-length berths, and in some configurations, a small head, sink, and stove. The overall interior is focused on maximizing utility within its 19.58-foot length, providing a basic but practical space for its crew.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the O'Day 20 frequently praise its dependable nature and solid construction, echoing the general reputation of O'Day boats for being robust and well-built for their class. The boat is consistently lauded for its enjoyable sailing characteristics, described as easy to handle and forgiving, making it an excellent choice for those new to sailing or seeking a low-stress experience.

However, common issues noted by the O'Day 20 owner community often revolve around its centerboard system. Problems with the centerboard mechanism itself, including the centerboard getting stuck, and leaks around the centerboard pin have been identified as recurring maintenance challenges. Despite these potential issues, the O'Day 20 maintains a dedicated following, with a strong community of owners who actively share knowledge and support, a testament to the enduring appeal and reliability of these classic vessels.