O'day 30 Information, Review, Specs

The O'Day 30 entered production in 1977 and continued until 1984, representing a significant model in O'Day's diverse fleet during an era when the company, under Bangor Punta Corporation ownership, was one of the largest sailboat producers in the United States. Designed by the esteemed C. Raymond Hunt & Associates, the O'Day 30 followed O'Day's commitment to working with reputable naval architects to create a diverse range of vessels. The design ethos behind the O'Day 30 leaned towards "performance cruising" rather than outright racing, aiming to provide a boat that was both capable under sail and comfortable for extended stays aboard. The vessel shares a similar basic design with the Ranger 30, a testament to its design lineage.

O'Day Corp. during this period was known for embracing fiberglass construction, allowing for mass production and consistent quality, aligning with their goal of making sailing attainable for a broader audience. While the primary model featured a fin keel, a keel/centerboard variation was also available, offering greater versatility for exploring shallower waters. After its initial production, the O'Day 30 design saw a reintroduction in 1985 as the O'Day 31, featuring an extended stern and some refinements.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 14.72, the O'Day 30 presents as a moderate cruiser. This ratio suggests a boat that is not overly aggressive in light air but can hold its own and perform reliably in a range of conditions without being overly tender. The ballast to displacement ratio of 0.40 indicates a good degree of stiffness and stability, suggesting the boat can stand up to a decent breeze and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, its displacement to length ratio of approximately 285.7 places it firmly in the heavy cruiser category, contributing to a solid feel on the water.

Owners frequently report the O'Day 30 to be a well-balanced boat under sail. While generally praised for its straightforward handling, some early models were noted to exhibit excessive weather helm, potentially due to an overly-raked mast. The boat was consistently marketed as a performance cruiser, a concept well-executed in its design. The availability of a keel/centerboard option further enhanced its sailing characteristics, offering the ability to reduce draft for shallow anchorages and potentially improve downwind performance by raising the board. Its typical PHRF rating of 177 positions it competitively with other contemporary cruiser/racers of similar length.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the O'Day 30 is generally described as offering a better-than-average layout with good storage space. While specific headroom figures are not provided in all specifications, anecdotal evidence suggests a maximum of around 6 feet of headroom, which is comfortable for a vessel of this size. The interior typically features a traditional layout for a boat of its era, including a V-berth forward, a head compartment, a salon with settees and a table, and a galley. Some layouts of the O'Day 30 featured a more expansive forward cabin, benefiting from the placement of partitions and doors that created additional cabin sole area, especially with the V-berth insert in place. O'Day's general design philosophy for its cruisers emphasized space and openness, which is evident in the 30's layout. The finish quality and materials, while not always aiming for high luxury, were practical and durable, consistent with O'Day's focus on accessible and functional vessels.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the O'Day 30 often laud its solid construction and overall reliability. The boat is frequently praised for its forgiving nature, simple systems, and well-behaved characteristics, making it an excellent choice for new sailors and families. The versatility offered by the optional keel/centerboard configuration is a recurring positive, allowing for access to shallower cruising grounds and enhanced performance. The interior layout is often considered practical, with good storage, contributing to comfortable cruising.

However, some common maintenance points and areas of concern have been noted by the owner community. As with many fiberglass boats of its age, some O'Day 30s have experienced issues with wet deck cores, primarily due to leaks around original deck fittings and stanchions requiring re-bedding. Forum discussions also indicate instances of keel leaks and problems with the centerboard mechanism on the keel/centerboard models, suggesting these areas warrant careful inspection on older vessels. Despite these potential maintenance items, the O'Day 30 maintains a dedicated owner community, underscoring its enduring appeal and fundamental strengths as a capable and comfortable cruiser.