O'day 290 Information, Review, Specs

Synthesizing the practical, forgiving nature O'Day was known for with the performance-oriented design philosophy of C. Raymond Hunt, the O'Day 290 aimed to offer a balanced sailing experience. It stands as a testament to O'Day's enduring vision to make sailing enjoyable for a broad audience, even in its final years of production.

History and Design

The O'Day 290 entered production in 1989, just as O'Day Corp. concluded its prolific history in sailboat manufacturing in 1990. During this transitional period, O'Day's boat building activities were managed from the Pearson plant in Rhode Island. A significant aspect of the O'Day 290's lineage is its direct connection to the CAL 28-2, sharing the same hull and interior design. This strategic move allowed O'Day to introduce a contemporary design under its brand, leveraging existing successful molds.

The design of the O'Day 290, inherited from the CAL 28-2, originates from C. Raymond Hunt & Associates. This firm is celebrated for its instinctive understanding of yacht design and its remarkable ability to achieve international success in both powerboat and sailboat naval architecture. C. Raymond Hunt's design philosophy typically emphasized seaworthiness and strong construction, aiming for vessels capable of offshore work while also delivering enjoyable performance. This aligns well with O'Day's general ethos of producing user-friendly and reliable boats. The O'Day 290 featured a fin keel and a spade rudder, indicative of a design geared towards good handling and responsiveness. Options available for the O'Day 290 included a shoal draft 'Sheel' keel, as well as the convenience of an inboard engine and wheel steering.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The O'Day 290, with its C. Raymond Hunt design, presents a balanced approach to sailing performance, indicative of a capable coastal cruiser. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 16.97 suggests a moderate performer, capable of moving well in a variety of wind conditions without being overly sensitive in light airs or overpowered in heavy winds. With a Ballast to Displacement ratio of about 0.39, the boat exhibits reasonable stiffness, enabling it to stand up to a breeze and provide a stable platform for its crew. The Displacement to Length ratio, around 253.27, places the O'Day 290 firmly in the medium-heavy cruiser category, implying a comfortable motion in a seaway and a solid feel rather than a light, twitchy racer.

Anecdotal reports from owners of the closely related CAL 28-2 suggest that the design offers good sailing performance, with some noting its ability to sail to weather effectively with a larger headsail. The combination of a fin keel and a spade rudder contributes to responsive steering and good maneuverability, characteristics valued in both cruising and casual racing scenarios. Overall, the O'Day 290 is often regarded as a comfortable weekend cruiser, capable of delivering satisfying performance for its size.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its shared design with the CAL 28-2, the O'Day 290 offers an interior layout known for its comfort and practicality, making it a suitable vessel for weekend cruising and family outings. The main cabin typically features a mid-ship drop-leaf table, providing a versatile dining and gathering space that can be stowed to open up the salon. The interior is designed to comfortably accommodate several people, with some owners noting the ability to sleep 6-8, particularly for families with children.

While specific details on finish quality are not extensively documented for this particular model, O'Day's reputation generally points to a well-constructed interior with practical materials. Earlier O'Days were known for their fiberglass construction and functional, rather than overtly luxurious, appointments, focusing on durability and ease of maintenance. Typical layouts for boats of this size from the era often include a V-berth forward, an enclosed head, a salon with opposing settees, a functional galley, and sometimes a quarter berth aft. Ventilation would typically be provided by deck hatches and opening portlights. The design prioritized usable space and comfort, aligning with O'Day's commitment to accessible cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Due to the O'Day 290's very limited production run—with some sources indicating as few as eight units were built—specific owner feedback for this exact model is scarce. However, drawing from the experiences of owners of other O'Day models and the closely related CAL 28-2, a general picture of the ownership experience can be formed.

Owners consistently praise O'Day vessels for their solid construction and comfortable motion, particularly in a seaway, making them dependable and forgiving sailboats for coastal cruising. The brand is known for producing boats that are easy to handle and offer a stable platform. Common strengths cited across the O'Day fleet include their practicality, accessibility, and robust build, often serving as excellent entry points into sailing or reliable platforms for experienced cruisers.

However, like many boats of its vintage, O'Day boats can present certain recurring maintenance considerations. A frequently mentioned weakness among O'Day owners is the tendency for original deck fittings to develop leaks over time, necessitating re-bedding to prevent water intrusion and potential core damage. Water damage and rot, particularly in areas susceptible to leaks, are issues that can arise if not properly addressed. Despite these common age-related concerns, the enduring appeal of O'Day boats lies in their fundamental soundness and the strong community of owners dedicated to their maintenance and enjoyment.