O'day 32 Ketch Information, Review, Specs

The O'Day 32 Ketch was in production from 1975 to 1979, during a period when O'Day Corp. was a leading fiberglass sailboat manufacturer under the ownership of Bangor Punta Corporation. The company's ethos at the time focused on creating accessible, well-built boats that introduced many to sailing. C. Raymond Hunt Associates, a firm with a long-standing collaboration with O'Day, designed the O'Day 32, leveraging their combined expertise in design and production. The design aimed to offer significant interior volume for its size, making it a comfortable cruiser.

While the O'Day 32 was primarily offered as a ketch, a sloop-rigged version was also available. The ketch rig, with its divided sail plan, was particularly favored for making the boat easier to handle, as the individual sails are smaller and more manageable for a family crew. The hull design featured a keel/centerboard combination, allowing for a minimum draft of 3.33 feet for exploring shallower waters, while also providing a deeper draft of 7.08 feet with the board down for enhanced upwind performance. Some versions were also built with a fixed keel, offering a draft of approximately 5.08 feet. A notable variation for some models was a center cockpit configuration, which provided a particularly spacious and private aft cabin.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The O'Day 32 Ketch exhibits sailing characteristics typical of a moderately heavy cruiser. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.20, she is generally considered to have moderate light-air performance, capable of moving comfortably without being a dedicated light-wind flyer. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.325 suggests a moderately stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a reasonable breeze, though perhaps not as stiff as some performance-oriented designs with higher ballast ratios. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 241.9 places her in the category of a moderately heavy cruiser, indicating a comfortable motion in a seaway rather than a light, planing hull Guidance.

Anecdotal reports from sailors often describe the O'Day 32 Ketch as a stable and easy-to-handle vessel, attributes that align with O'Day's reputation for forgiving boats. The ketch rig's smaller individual sails contribute to its ease of management, making it well-suited for family cruising. Owners have noted that the combination of good ballast and a generous 10.5-foot beam enhances stability, whether beating to windward or running downwind. Despite its cruising orientation, some sources describe it as a "powerful sailing boat, with sharp closewinded performance" for its type. The O'Day 32 Ketch is capable of a cruising speed around six and a half knots. However, some owners have noted a tendency for weather helm.

Accommodations and Layout

The O'Day 32 Ketch is particularly praised for its spacious and comfortable interior, offering "incredible room in a 32' hull". A significant feature, especially in center cockpit variants, is the private aft stateroom, which greatly enhances liveability and privacy, making it feel larger than its length suggests. The main cabin boasts a generous 6 feet 5 inches of headroom, allowing most occupants to stand comfortably.

The interior typically features a functional and comfortable main saloon, a U-shaped galley, a navigation station, and a V-berth forward. The boat's design prioritizes practicality and comfort for extended cruising. Water capacity is generally around 40 gallons. While O'Day boats were known for solid construction rather than luxury, the finishes were generally practical, focusing on durability and ease of maintenance. The layout is designed to maximize living space, making it a popular choice for couples or small families looking for a capable cruiser.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the O'Day 32 Ketch frequently commend the boat for its solid construction and comfortable motion, particularly in a seaway. The spaciousness of the interior, especially the aft cabin, is a recurring strength highlighted by owners, making it well-suited for cruising with family or friends. The ketch rig is often appreciated for its flexibility and ease of handling, especially when sailing short-handed or with an inexperienced crew. Owners often take very good care of their O'Day boats, a testament to their enduring appeal and reliability.

However, as with any vessel of its age, there are common maintenance considerations. A frequently noted issue for some owners has been the iron keel bolts, which can rust over time and may require replacement. Similarly, leaks in the aft cabin have been reported, and general inspection and potential re-bedding of original deck fittings, stanchion bases, pulpit, and chainplates are advisable for boats of this vintage. For models equipped with a centerboard, proper inspection and maintenance of the board and its pennant system are necessary. Despite these common age-related concerns, the O'Day 32 Ketch maintains a dedicated owner community, underscoring its reputation as a practical, comfortable, and capable cruising sailboat.