O'day 37 Information, Review, Specs

The O'Day 37 was introduced in 1977 and remained in production until 1985, with 219 units built during its run. Its creation aligned with O'Day Corp.'s mission, under the ownership of Bangor Punta and later Lear Siegler, to provide well-designed fiberglass sailboats that were both accessible and forgiving. The company, founded by Olympic gold medalist George O'Day, was known for embracing fiberglass construction to ensure consistent quality and enable mass production, a manufacturing ethos evident in the O'Day 37. The design by C. Raymond Hunt Associates aimed to create a yacht that was spacious and well-appointed for its size, catering to the growing market of cruising families. Notably, some O'Day 37s were originally sold to charter fleets and sailing schools, highlighting their suitability for robust use and ease of handling. Minor variations included some boats being constructed with iron ballast rather than the standard lead, and the model was also built and sold in Brazil under the name TRINIDAD 37.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The O'Day 37 is a masthead sloop featuring a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, promising a balanced and responsive helm. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.38, the O'Day 37 presents as a moderately powered cruiser, indicating a good all-around performance without being overly sensitive in light airs or overpowered in stronger conditions. Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of roughly 0.428 is quite high, suggesting a stiff and stable platform capable of standing up to a good breeze, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 224.2 categorizes it as a medium-displacement cruiser, offering a solid feel without sacrificing too much speed. Owners have frequently praised the O'Day 37 for its "excellent performance to windward and indeed on all points," noting that while it is not a dedicated racer, it is certainly "no slouch." The boat's design and moderate displacement contribute to a hull speed of approximately 7.38 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The O'Day 37's center-cockpit design allows for a unique interior layout, though it typically means some sacrifice of space in the main cabin compared to an aft-cockpit design. Despite this, the yacht is celebrated for its spaciousness and the inclusion of a private aft cabin, which is notably accessed from the cockpit and often features a thwartship berth. The interior is often described as featuring "beautifully executed teak paneling," contributing to a warm and classic aesthetic. While specific details like the number of berths or head configuration can vary, the O'Day 37 typically includes a forward V-berth, a main salon, a galley, and a head, designed to provide comfortable accommodations suitable for liveaboard purposes or extended coastal cruising. The focus on a comfortable and safe cockpit also suggests a design geared towards pleasant on-deck living.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the O'Day 37 generally appreciate its qualities as a dependable and forgiving coastal cruiser, echoing the broader reputation of O'Day boats. They frequently laud the yacht for its "space below decks, separate aft cabin," and a "cozy and safe comfortable cockpit." Many find the boat's handling to be excellent, even stating it performs well on all points of sail.

However, common maintenance considerations and potential issues have been noted by the owner community. One recurring issue was a problem with "mast pumping in a seaway," which a fix was implemented for, involving a pin through the mast at the deck. Owners have also raised questions regarding the prevalence of blistering and joint leaks, common concerns for older fiberglass vessels. Leaking ports, often attributed to aging plastic and broken locks or gaskets, have been identified as a specific maintenance challenge. While generally considered a superb coastal cruiser, it's advised that extensive refitting and strengthening would be necessary if one intended to use the O'Day 37 for serious offshore passages.