O'day 31 Information, Review, Specs

The O'Day 31 began its production run in 1985, serving as an updated and extended version of its predecessors, the O'Day 30 and Ranger 30. Approximately 150 units of this model were built before production ceased in 1988, marking it as one of the later models from the prolific O'Day Corp. C. Raymond Hunt Associates, the firm behind her design, were known for engineering O'Day cruisers to achieve good performance.

During this era, O'Day Corp., founded by Olympic gold medalist George D. O'Day, had established itself as a leading American sailboat builder, celebrated for its embrace of fiberglass construction for mass production and consistent quality. The company's enduring ethos was to produce forgiving, comfortable, and stable vessels, a philosophy evident in the O'Day 31. While primarily offered with a fin keel, the O'Day 31 was also available with a shoal draft keel option, featuring a shallower draft of 3.92 feet, a displacement of 10,400 pounds, and ballast of 4,100 pounds, offering versatility for different cruising grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The O'Day 31 is characterized by a moderate weight hull and solid performance characteristics. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.0, she is considered a moderately powered sailboat. This suggests she is not a light-air speedster but offers a balanced performance profile, particularly in moderate to stronger breezes, making her reliable without being overly demanding.

Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of about 38% indicates a good degree of stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to wind effectively and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway. This contributes to a secure feeling for those aboard, reinforced by owner observations that she is a stable and stiff boat with good righting capability. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 269.0 places the O'Day 31 firmly in the category of a moderate to heavy cruiser. This weight class contributes to her sturdy feel and ability to handle waves effectively. Owners frequently praise the O'Day 31 as a practical and sturdy vessel that handles well, particularly noting its ability to take waves comfortably and point into the wind efficiently. With a hull speed of 6.78 knots, she is designed for comfortable passage making rather than high-speed racing.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the O'Day 31 is designed to be "super livable," offering comfortable accommodations for extended stays aboard. She boasts a maximum headroom of 6.25 feet, providing ample space for most individuals to move about comfortably below deck.

While specific detailed layouts vary, O'Day cruisers of this era typically featured a conventional arrangement designed for practicality and comfort. Common features would include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert into berths, a galley, and a navigation station. The head compartment, while noted as being on the smaller side, is considered appropriately sized for a boat of this length. The finish quality generally reflects O'Day's commitment to producing functional and robust boats, often utilizing a combination of fiberglass liners and wood trim to create a warm and durable interior. Storage solutions are typically ample for a boat of her size, catering to the needs of cruisers.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the O'Day 31 consistently highlight its attributes as a reliable and comfortable cruising platform. Many praise its simplicity of maintenance and operation, making it an excellent "family pocket cruiser." The boat's livability is frequently mentioned, with owners comfortably spending many nights aboard. The O'Day 31 is often described as a practical and sturdy boat that performs well in various conditions, particularly noted for its ability to handle waves and sail effectively upwind.

While specific chronic issues for the O'Day 31 are not widely documented, some general concerns noted across various O'Day models of this era, such as potential for leaks around deck fittings or wet hull liners, are worth considering for any older fiberglass boat. However, the Universal-Atomic engine, often original to the O'Day 31, is frequently cited by owners as being very reliable. The active and supportive O'Day owner community provides a valuable resource for sharing knowledge and assisting with maintenance or upgrade projects.