Raven (Usa) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Raven's story began in 1948 when Roger McAleer introduced his innovative design, with the first models hitting the water in 1949. These early Ravens were notable for their cold-molded plywood construction, showcasing advanced building techniques for the era. The design quickly garnered national attention for its performance and groundbreaking planing hull, which allowed the boat to achieve impressive speeds downwind.

The O'Day Corp.'s involvement with the Raven represents a key chapter in its history. Founded by Olympic gold medalist George O'Day in 1958, O'Day Corp. rapidly became a leading producer of fiberglass sailboats, known for making sailing accessible to a broader audience. O'Day's acquisition of Marscot Plastics in 1958 marked the beginning of their boat-building journey, and they soon began producing the Raven in fiberglass, a material that allowed for consistent quality and mass production. O'Day boats, including the Raven, were characterized by their dependability and forgiving nature, aligning with O'Day's philosophy of producing user-friendly vessels. The Raven continued in production by O'Day until the company ceased operations in 1989, though various builders contributed to its long production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The O'Day Raven is primarily celebrated for its spirited sailing performance, particularly its ability to plane. With a length overall of just over 24 feet and a light displacement of 1,170 pounds, it was designed for agility and speed. Its innovative planing hull made it a "very fast boat for its day," offering an exciting experience for those who enjoyed high-performance sailing. The Raven's centerboard keel design further enhances its versatility, allowing for both excellent upwind performance with the board down and access to shallow anchorages with the board retracted, a common and appreciated feature in many O'Day models. Owners often describe its handling as performing "like a dinghy," highlighting its responsiveness and ease of maneuverability, which contributed to its popularity in both racing fleets and among day sailors.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its design as a high-performance day sailer and racer, the O'Day Raven features a relatively simple and functional interior layout. While detailed specifications on maximum headroom are not typically emphasized for this type of boat, the design prioritizes an open and usable cockpit and a basic cuddy cabin. The large cockpit is renowned for offering "plenty of room for 6 adults" for casual day sailing, making it an excellent choice for family outings or social racing.

Below decks, the Raven typically provides rudimentary accommodations, primarily consisting of V-berths in a forward cuddy. These facilities are generally suitable for storage or occasional overnighting rather than extended cruising. The finish quality and materials reflect O'Day's focus on practical and durable fiberglass construction, often complemented by simple wood trim. Ventilation would primarily rely on deck hatches and companionway access, typical for boats of its size and era.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the O'Day Raven consistently praise its engaging sailing characteristics and solid construction, reflecting O'Day's reputation for building dependable boats. Many commend its ability to be "a great cruising boat but also a lot of fun to race," highlighting its dual-purpose appeal. The Raven is noted for its "good reputation for sailing kindly," indicating a forgiving and pleasant motion in varying conditions, even when pushed hard. The spacious cockpit is frequently mentioned as a strong point, providing ample room for crew or family during outings.

However, as with many fiberglass boats of its vintage, a common maintenance concern noted by owners is the potential for osmosis or blister damage in the hull. Prospective owners often advise a thorough survey of the fiberglass hull to identify and address any such issues, ensuring the boat's long-term integrity. Despite these typical age-related considerations, the active community of Raven enthusiasts and the boat's inherent design qualities ensure its continued appeal for sailors seeking a classic, performance-oriented day sailer with a rich history.