O'day 32 Information, Review, Specs

The O'Day 32 emerged during a period when its builder, O'Day Corp., under the ownership of Bangor Punta Corporation since 1966, was a leading producer of fiberglass sailboats in the United States. George O'Day, the company's founder, had established a reputation for manufacturing reliable, forgiving, and stable boats, a philosophy that continued to define the brand. The O'Day 32 was a product of the ongoing collaboration between O'Day and C. Raymond Hunt Associates, a partnership recognized for designing boats that offered superior sailing characteristics. The specific goal for the O'Day 32 was to deliver the "ultimate in luxurious aft cabin cruising" for its size, making it a compelling option at its price point.

Reflecting O'Day's design versatility, the 32-footer was offered with significant variations to suit different sailing preferences and cruising grounds. It featured a keel/centerboard hull type, providing a flexible draft that could range from a minimum of 3.33 feet with the centerboard up to a maximum of 7.08 feet with it down, allowing access to shallower anchorages while offering enhanced performance when lowered. Furthermore, while primarily a masthead sloop, the O'Day 32 was also available with an optional ketch rig, catering to sailors who preferred the ease of handling offered by smaller individual sails. Notably, a dedicated aft cabin version was introduced, enhancing privacy and comfort for cruisers.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The O'Day 32 was engineered to provide a balanced and capable sailing experience, particularly for cruising. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.26, the O'Day 32 is a moderately powered vessel, suggesting competent performance in a range of conditions, though perhaps not excelling in very light airs. Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of 32.09% indicates a moderate level of stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up to a decent breeze without excessive heeling, contributing to a comfortable motion offshore. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at around 241.5, places the O'Day 32 firmly in the category of a moderate cruiser, balancing performance with the robust construction expected of a vessel designed for coastal and offshore passages.

Anecdotal evidence from owners often highlights the O'Day 32's solid and seaworthy characteristics, describing it as a boat that handles well. It has been praised for its "excellent upwind" performance, a testament to its C. Raymond Hunt Associates design heritage. The availability of a ketch rig provided an alternative for those seeking easier sail handling, as the division of sail area into smaller, more manageable sails can simplify reefing and overall control, particularly for shorthanded crews. While the centerboard configuration offers draft flexibility, the keel trunk's presence can, as is common with such designs, influence the interior layout.

Accommodations and Layout

Designed with cruising comfort in mind, the O'Day 32 offered a generous interior for its length. With a maximum headroom of 6.42 feet, most sailors would find ample standing room below deck. The boat typically featured a well-appointed layout that often included a V-berth forward, a head, and a salon area. A significant draw for many buyers was the option of an aft cabin, which elevated its cruising appeal by offering enhanced privacy and separate sleeping quarters, a feature often described as "luxurious aft cabin cruising" for a boat of this size. This aft cabin often included storage such as a locker on the port side. The design thoughtfully incorporated essential cruising amenities, with a fresh water capacity of 40 gallons and a fuel capacity of 28 gallons, making it suitable for extended voyages. While specific details of the galley and salon materials would vary, O'Day boats of this era were known for practical, functional interiors that prioritized usability and durability.

Owner's Perspectives

O'Day 32 owners frequently express satisfaction with their vessels, often noting the solid construction and seaworthy nature of these boats. Owners consistently praise their O'Days for being well-maintained and reliable even decades after their original production. Common strengths highlighted include the boat's comfortable motion in a seaway and its ability to sail effectively upwind.

However, like many boats of its vintage, the O'Day 32 is not without its common maintenance considerations. Some owners have reported issues with original deck fittings developing leaks, necessitating re-bedding over time. Blistering of the fiberglass hull has also been mentioned, a common issue for many fiberglass boats of the era that typically requires attention at some point in the boat's life. For models equipped with the centerboard, regular inspection and maintenance of the board and its trunk are noted as necessary to prevent potential problems. Despite these potential concerns, the strong and active community of O'Day owners provides valuable support and shared knowledge, allowing current owners to effectively manage and enjoy these classic cruisers.