O'day 250 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the O'Day 250 begins in 1996, several years after the original O'Day Corporation, founded by Olympic gold medalist George O'Day, concluded its prolific boat-building run in 1989. This suggests that the O'Day 250 was introduced under the O'Day name by a successor company or an entity that acquired the brand rights and molds. Like many of O'Day's later cruisers, the 250 was designed by C. Raymond Hunt & Associates, a firm renowned for its commitment to both performance and practicality in yacht design.

The O'Day brand, under its original stewardship, was known for embracing fiberglass construction to produce a wide range of dependable and forgiving vessels, particularly appealing to families and new sailors. This ethos likely carried through to the O'Day 250, which shares many similarities with the O'Day 240 (1988), also designed by Hunt & Associates. The O'Day 250 features a masthead sloop rig and a wing keel, a design choice often favored for offering a good balance of stability and reduced draft, allowing access to shallower anchorages.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The O'Day 250 is characterized by a design that prioritizes comfortable cruising over outright racing performance, though it remains an enjoyable boat to sail. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.01, the O'Day 250 suggests moderate performance, capable of moving well in a variety of conditions without being overly aggressive. This ratio indicates that it will perform adequately in lighter breezes but may not be the first to plane or excel in very light air.

Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio stands at around 0.33, indicating a moderate level of stiffness and stability. While not exceptionally stiff, this ratio suggests a comfortable motion in a seaway and a forgiving nature, aligning with O'Day's reputation for user-friendly boats. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 177.76 places the O'Day 250 on the lighter side of the cruising spectrum for its size. This relatively low D/L suggests a more performance-oriented cruiser that can be responsive to the helm, as opposed to a heavy, traditional displacement vessel. Owners of similar O'Day models, such as the O'Day 240, often praise their boats for handling well and offering a balanced feel under sail. While it may not match the raw speed of dedicated racing machines, the 250 is designed to be a capable and enjoyable vessel for coastal cruising and day sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of just under 25 feet, the O'Day 250 is designed to maximize interior volume, providing a comfortable space for weekend cruising. Drawing on the known layouts of its closely related predecessor, the O'Day 240, the 250 likely features an open design interior. This typically includes a V-berth forward, a private head compartment, a functional galley area, and a quarter berth aft, often extending under the cockpit.

The cabin layout of these models was generally considered well-thought-out, aiming to make the most of the available space. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, similar O'Day models of this size often provided adequate, though not standing, headroom for most occupants, potentially requiring a slight bend for taller individuals. The finish quality, typical of O'Day, would likely have focused on practical, durable materials, blending fiberglass surfaces with wood trim for a classic sailboat aesthetic. Storage solutions are usually integrated throughout the cabin to accommodate provisions and gear for short to medium-length excursions.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of O'Day sailboats, including models similar to the 250, generally commend their vessels for their robust construction, comfortable motion, and ease of handling., 10, 12] The forgiving nature of O'Day designs makes them particularly appealing to those new to sailing or families seeking a reliable and safe platform for recreation. Owners frequently appreciate the well-thought-out cabin layouts that efficiently utilize space on smaller vessels.

While direct owner reviews specifically for the O'Day 250 are less common, feedback on closely related models like the O'Day 240 indicates satisfaction with its handling characteristics. However, some general observations from owners of older O'Day models occasionally highlight potential issues such as water intrusion in original deck fittings or concerns about initial stability in some designs, though these are not necessarily specific to the 250's wing keel design or its later production. Overall, the O'Day 250 continues the brand's tradition of offering a practical, manageable, and enjoyable sailboat for coastal adventures.