O'day 222 Information, Review, Specs

The O'Day 222's production commenced in 1984, following in the successful wake of the O'Day 22 which it superseded. Designed by the respected C. Raymond Hunt Associates, the 222 embodied O'Day's core philosophy of creating accessible, dependable, and forgiving sailboats. During this era, O'Day Corp., under various corporate umbrellas, was a prolific builder, focusing on comfortable and stable vessels that introduced many to the joys of sailing. The 222's design aimed to build upon its predecessor, offering a boat that was reportedly faster and easier to handle than the O'Day 22. Like many O'Day models, the 222 features a versatile keel/centerboard hull design, allowing for both shallow-water access and enhanced upwind performance when the board is deployed,. While a specific "design philosophy" for the 222 isn't explicitly detailed beyond its role as a cruiser, the overall O'Day ethos emphasized practicality and accessibility in fiberglass construction. Throughout its production, there were some minor variations, including different mast makers and two distinct table designs for the interior, with the stern rail design also seeing a modification around the 1987 model year.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The O'Day 222 is configured as a fractional sloop with a keel/centerboard hull type, contributing to its versatile sailing characteristics [2,. With a length overall of just under 22 feet and a waterline length of nearly 20 feet, she achieves a theoretical hull speed of approximately 5.93 knots. Owners often praise the 222 for its generally good sailing performance and easy handling, making it an ideal choice for new sailors. It has been noted to potentially outperform some larger O'Day models, such as the 25 and 26, when equipped with good sails. While generally a stable boat, some owners report that the O'Day 222 can be "a little wet" in extremely windy conditions. Despite this, it is considered a "great boat" for bay sailing. The boat is also quite manageable for single-handed sailing, even in stronger winds, though a second person can be helpful for jib handling.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the O'Day 222 is designed to maximize utility and comfort within its compact hull, presenting a "good layout" for a boat of its size. As a small cruiser, it typically features a V-berth forward, a compact galley area, and a main salon with settees that can often convert into additional berths. While specific headroom figures are not consistently documented, the design focuses on making the most of the available space. Owners have noted challenges with cooler storage, specifically regarding a 48-quart cooler behind the companionway hatch, suggesting space optimization was a key consideration in the design. Some models also included a small cockpit ice box. The O'Day 222 also came with at least two different table designs, with an earlier version appearing in the 1984 brochure. The overall finish quality, consistent with O'Day's reputation, leans towards practical fiberglass construction with functional elements, making it a "very well made boat" for its class.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the O'Day 222 consistently express satisfaction with the model, often describing it as an "awesome boat" and a "perfect learner". Its solid construction is frequently highlighted, with many owners appreciating its dependable nature for general cruising and daysailing. The boat is also recognized for retaining good value in the used market, a testament to its enduring appeal.

However, some common issues and areas for improvement have been noted by the owner community. The original stock rudder, a foam-filled fiberglass shell, is frequently cited as a "weakest link" due to its tendency to float and potential for issues. The factory mainsheet arrangement, mounted on a triangle plate attached to the backstay, has also been a point of contention for some, considered "unsatisfactory" and prone to causing strain. Furthermore, a design flaw involving a one-foot offset from the mast step to the compression post was identified, though O'Day reportedly introduced a fix for this issue after 1984. Owners have also reported instances of the centerboard getting stuck and, in some cases, compression post cracking. Despite these minor recurring concerns, the O'Day 222 maintains a strong and active owner community, indicating its overall reliability and enjoyable sailing experience.