O'day 40 Information, Review, Specs

The O'Day 40 began production in 1986, emerging during a period when O'Day Corp., a prominent American sailboat builder founded by Olympic gold medalist George O'Day, was a leading name in accessible fiberglass sailboats. O'Day builder article The design lineage traces back to Philippe Briand, known for his work on efficient and balanced sailing yacht designs. C. Raymond Hunt Associates, specialists in fiberglass sailboat design and frequent collaborators with O'Day, further refined Briand's initial concept. 2, 10, O'Day builder article These modifications included an extended "sugar scoop" stern and a revised interior layout, differentiating it from earlier O'Day models like the O'Day 39.

O'Day's manufacturing ethos emphasized mass production and consistent quality through the then-modern use of fiberglass. O'Day builder article The O'Day 40 was offered with a standard fin keel providing a draft of 6.3 feet, alongside an optional shoal draft keel version, reducing the draft to 4.9 feet for access to shallower waters. Furthermore, later models, specifically those produced after hull number 135, featured a taller rig, indicating potential minor performance or handling variations within the production run. Production of the O'Day 40 continued until 1989, coinciding with the cessation of O'Day Corp.'s operations. 2, O'Day builder article

Sailing Performance and Handling

The O'Day 40 is characterized by a moderate sail plan and displacement for a vessel of its size. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.22 (a reported 16.3 for some models), she offers a conservative but balanced performance profile. This suggests the boat is capable in a variety of wind conditions, though perhaps not optimized for extreme light air. Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.366 indicates decent stability, providing a comfortable motion without being excessively stiff, allowing her to stand up to a good breeze. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 213.75 categorizes her as a moderate displacement cruiser, positioned on the lighter side for a mid-1980s design, suggesting a good balance between speed and comfort.

Anecdotal reports suggest the O'Day 40 "sails very well" and boasts a "well-balanced rig," making her manageable and enjoyable under sail. The hull is designed to achieve a theoretical hull speed of 7.76 knots. While generally considered a capable coastal cruiser, discussions among owners sometimes delve into her suitability for extensive blue water passages, though she is widely regarded as a safe and reliable vessel for most cruising grounds.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the O'Day 40 is designed with an emphasis on comfort and practicality, aiming to provide a roomy environment suitable for cruising and entertaining. The main salon is noted to be comfortable and spacious enough to host up to eight guests. A typical layout includes a V-berth in the bow cabin, a common arrangement for maximizing forward sleeping accommodations.

Based on O'Day's general design philosophy, the interior likely features a blend of fiberglass and wood trim, offering a durable yet appealing finish characteristic of the era. Descriptions often highlight a "roomy interior" and a "nicely designed deck" with a low cabin trunk that slopes to a broad foredeck. The angled cabin sides contribute to wide side decks, facilitating safe and easy movement around the boat. While specific headroom figures are not readily available, O'Day generally aimed for comfortable living spaces, and the spacious salon would likely reflect this. Owners generally appreciate the practical layout for its liveability and functional design.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the O'Day 40 consistently praise her as a "sound boat that sails very well," highlighting her solid construction and comfortable cruising capabilities. Many appreciate the combination of good sailing performance with a spacious and accommodating interior. She is often lauded as a dependable and safe coastal cruiser, embodying the O'Day brand's commitment to accessible and forgiving vessels.

Like many fiberglass boats of her vintage, common maintenance considerations for the O'Day 40 may include the potential for original deck fittings to develop leaks over time, often requiring re-bedding. The possibility of osmotic blisters, typical for mid-1980s fiberglass hulls, is also a consideration for potential buyers. Despite these age-related considerations, the O'Day 40 benefits from a strong and active owner community, who frequently share knowledge and support online, underscoring the enduring appeal and reliability of these classic cruisers. O'Day builder article