O'day 35 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The O'Day 35's production run coincided with a period when O'Day Corp. was under the ownership of Lear Siegler, having been acquired from Bangor Punta Corporation around 1984. During this era, O'Day maintained its focus on fiberglass construction, allowing for efficient mass production and consistent quality that became a hallmark of their vessels. The O'Day 35 shares many similarities with its predecessor, the O'Day 34, but distinguishes itself with an extended stern that incorporates a swim ladder, adding to its overall length.

The design philosophy behind the O'Day 35's interior layout was described as "right out of yacht design 101," aiming for a popular and functional arrangement. The boat was offered with at least two draft options: a shoal draft measuring 4.25 feet (1.29m) and a standard fin keel version reportedly drawing 4 feet 11 inches.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 35 feet and a waterline length of 28.75 feet, the O'Day 35 boasts a theoretical hull speed of 7.18 knots. The boat's design ratios suggest a lively yet stable performance profile. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio, calculated at approximately 175.3, indicates good performance, especially in lighter air conditions, allowing the boat to move well without excessive wind. The Ballast to Displacement ratio of 0.40 points to a stiff and stable vessel, capable of standing up to a considerable amount of wind and maintaining an upright position. Furthermore, with a Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 215.7, the O'Day 35 falls into the category of a moderately light to medium displacement cruiser, suggesting a good balance between speed and comfort. Owners have noted that the O'Day 35 handles well in 15-20 knot winds, reinforcing its reputation as a capable racer/cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the O'Day 35 is known for its spaciousness and conventional, practical layout. Typically, the arrangement begins forward with a V-berth cabin, followed by a head compartment to port and a hanging locker to starboard. Moving aft, the salon offers comfortable seating, often with a U-shaped dinette. The galley is generally well-equipped for a boat of its size, with at least one owner mentioning a Force 10 two-burner propane stove. The boat typically features two cabins, providing privacy for an owner's party. While specific maximum headroom details are not always readily available, the overall impression is one of generous space for its era. The build quality, while considered "acceptable" for a production boat not specifically designed for ocean crossings, is solid, with a hull constructed of a solid laminate of fiberglass and plastic resin, showing few significant problems aside from occasional minor gelcoat crazing. Many owners have also updated the interior lighting to more energy-efficient LED fixtures.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the O'Day 35 frequently praise its value, noting that the boat can be acquired for a reasonable price depending on its condition. The spacious interior is a consistent highlight, offering ample room for cruising and comfortable living aboard. The solid construction is another often-cited strength, with reports of original standing rigging lasting over 25 years in saltwater without issues, and the hull showing robust durability.

However, some common maintenance points and weaknesses have been identified by the owner community. The cast iron keel, if not properly prepared and preserved, can be prone to rusting and scaling. Leaks from stanchion bases are a recurring issue, often requiring re-bedding. Additionally, some owners have noted concerns with the rudder, specifically a tendency for the wheel to kick hard when motoring if the rudder is slightly off-center, a problem described as common among larger O'Day boats. The rudder/tiller attachment itself has also been mentioned as a frequent repair point for O'Day owners.