O'day 280 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The O'Day 280 emerged during the twilight years of O'Day Corp.'s storied production history, being built for a short period between 1988 and 1989. O'Day, founded by Olympic gold medalist George O'Day, had established itself as one of the largest sailboat producers in the United States, renowned for embracing fiberglass construction to achieve mass production and consistent quality. Throughout its history, O'Day collaborated with respected naval architects, and for the 280, they engaged C. Raymond Hunt Associates, a firm known for its expertise in designing both sailboats and powerboats with a focus on seaworthy hulls.

The O'Day 280 is noted to have evolved as a hybrid design, incorporating the hull of the O'Day 272 but with a hull liner reportedly grafted from the Pearson 27. This approach likely allowed O'Day to leverage existing successful designs while creating a distinct model to meet market demands. The company's manufacturing ethos, even in its later years, remained centered on producing sensible, practical, and relatively inexpensive boats. While significant variations like MkI or MkII versions are not widely documented, the brief production run indicates a consistent design during its limited availability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The O'Day 280 is a masthead sloop with a length overall of just under 29 feet and a waterline length of 22.92 feet. Its design parameters suggest a balanced performance for a coastal cruiser. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.63, the O'Day 280 is moderately powered, suggesting a boat that will perform adequately in a range of conditions but may require more wind to truly excel. This ratio indicates it's not a light-air flyer, but it should be manageable as the wind picks up.

The Ballast to Displacement ratio (B/D) stands at 38.06%. While not exceptionally high, this figure suggests a reasonable degree of stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a decent breeze without excessive heeling. For a coastal cruiser, this level of stability contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length ratio (D/L) of 181.68 categorizes the O'Day 280 as a moderately light displacement vessel. This places it on the lighter side for a cruiser of its length, hinting at a design that balances interior volume with respectable speed potential, making it more performance-oriented than heavier, more traditional cruisers. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the sailing performance and characteristics of the 280 are very similar to the O'Day 272, on which its hull is based. Owners have praised its sailing experience, highlighting its good construction.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom is not detailed in the provided data, the O'Day 280, consistent with O'Day's focus on practical cruising, would have offered a functional interior layout. Typically, O'Day cruisers of this size provided a V-berth forward, a head compartment, a main salon with settees that often converted into berths, and a galley. The O'Day 280 is noted for its "large interior size" and good construction and trim, particularly its gelcoat, which is reported to show less checking and cracking than other boats of its era. Its interior pan is believed to have been adapted from the Pearson 27, suggesting a well-considered and established layout for a boat of this class. This "aft head" arrangement would likely have positioned the marine head towards the stern, potentially allowing for a more open main salon. While detailed schematics are not readily available, the focus would have been on maximizing usable space and providing comfortable amenities for weekend trips or extended coastal cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the O'Day 280 generally appreciate its solid construction and generous interior volume for a boat of its size. The good quality gelcoat is often cited as a positive feature, contributing to less cosmetic wear over time. The sailing experience is considered a strong point, offering a forgiving nature that aligns with O'Day's reputation for approachable sailboats.

However, common issues noted in older O'Day models, which may also apply to the 280, include the potential for original deck fittings to develop leaks, requiring re-bedding. While this is a common maintenance item for many boats of its vintage, it's something prospective owners should be aware of. Despite these potential maintenance tasks, the O'Day 280 is seen as a dependable vessel, particularly appealing to those seeking a comfortable and easily managed sailboat for coastal cruising and day sailing. The O'Day owner community remains active, providing support and shared knowledge, which is a testament to the enduring appeal and reliability of these classic vessels.