O'day 27 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The O'Day 27 emerged during a prolific period for O'Day Corp., an American builder renowned for democratizing sailing through well-designed, fiberglass vessels. George O'Day's company, particularly after its acquisition by Bangor Punta Corporation, became one of the largest sailboat manufacturers in the United States, known for its focus on dependable and user-friendly boats. Alan Gurney, the acclaimed designer behind the high-performance "Windward Passage," was commissioned to create the O'Day 27 with a clear objective: to produce a true family sailboat, emphasizing balance and forgivingness.

Throughout its production run from 1972 to 1979, O'Day, in line with its practice of continuous improvement, introduced several variations to the 27-foot model. Notably, an optional deep keel was offered, increasing the draft from 4 feet to 5.3 feet by adding a lead "shoe" to the bottom of the standard fin keel. Early in the production, the deck coring material transitioned from plywood to balsa, though plywood was retained for backing plates in critical areas. The interior layout also saw revisions, with the O'Day 27 Mk2 moving the galley from its original position along the starboard side to the aft part of the cabin.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The O'Day 27 is widely regarded as an easy and enjoyable boat to sail, offering well-balanced handling characteristics. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.35, she presents as a moderately powered cruiser, suggesting a versatile performance envelope. While not a dedicated light-air specialist, she is likely to perform competently across a range of wind conditions, offering a good balance between speed and ease of handling. Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 33.28% indicates a moderate level of stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a decent breeze without excessive heel, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Further reinforcing her cruising credentials, the displacement to length ratio of approximately 254.03 places her firmly in the category of a mid-weight cruiser. This contributes to her solid and reliable feel on the water, providing a sense of security and stability that owners appreciate. Anecdotal evidence suggests the O'Day 27 is a faster boat than some of its contemporaries, such as the base Catalina 27 and Hunter 27 models from the same period. Owners consistently praise her forgiving nature and ease of handling, making her an excellent choice for both seasoned sailors and those new to the sport.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length, the O'Day 27 offers a surprisingly roomy and practical interior, capable of accommodating a small crew or family. The interior heavily utilized molded hull and deck liners, a common O'Day practice, which contributed to ease of maintenance and a cohesive finish. The layout typically features a V-berth forward, a head compartment, and a main salon with settees and a table. As mentioned, the galley underwent a significant change, initially located along the starboard side and later, in the Mk2 version, moved to the aft part of the cabin. This flexibility in design reflects O'Day's tendency to tweak models based on feedback and evolving design trends.

While specific details on finish quality vary by year and owner care, O'Day boats were generally known for their practical rather than luxurious interiors. Storage is typically adequate for coastal cruising, and ventilation is provided through deck hatches and portlights. The interior volume allows for comfortable entertaining, with some owners finding it suitable for up to eight passengers in a social setting.

Owner's Perspectives

The O'Day 27 continues to garner positive feedback from its owners, who frequently highlight its robust construction and dependable performance. Many express satisfaction with their purchase, calling it a "good solid production boat that sails well" and "very easy to handle". The active owner community online serves as a testament to the enduring appeal and reliability of these classic vessels.

However, like any boat of its era, the O'Day 27 is not without its common maintenance considerations. Owners have noted potential issues stemming from original deck fittings, with some observing water damage to bulkheads or chainplates, requiring attention and repair. Instances of the boat floating nose down or listing to starboard have also been reported by some owners, suggesting careful inspection of weight distribution and structural integrity in older models is prudent. Additionally, original engine installations, such as the Vire, have sometimes proven problematic, leading some owners to opt for outboard motor brackets as an alternative propulsion method. Despite these potential challenges, the consensus among owners is that the O'Day 27 is a worthy vessel that, with proper care and attention, offers many years of enjoyable sailing.