Tempest 23 (O'day) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The O'Day Tempest 23 was a product of the thriving sailboat market of the mid-1960s, with production running from 1964 to 1968, yielding 390 units. Designed in 1962 by Philip Rhodes, with input from his employee Richard D. Carlson, the Tempest 23 (Rhodes design #756) showcased Rhodes's talent for creating well-balanced and fast sailboats accessible to "average people that just enjoy sailing." This design aligned perfectly with O'Day Corp.'s ethos, founded by Olympic gold medalist George O'Day, which focused on producing dependable, forgiving, and user-friendly fiberglass vessels. O'Day's manufacturing during this era emphasized mass production and consistent quality, leveraging fiberglass to bring sailing to a broader audience. While there is no indication of significant variations like MkI or MkII models, the design remained consistent throughout its production run, featuring a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The O'Day Tempest 23's design specifications translate into a lively and capable sailing experience. With a reported sail area of 228 sq ft and a displacement of 3,000 lbs, its Sail Area to Displacement ratio (ratio_sa_disp) is approximately 20.3, suggesting excellent light-air performance and a responsiveness that makes it exciting to sail in moderate conditions. This relatively high ratio indicates the boat is well-powered for its size, allowing it to accelerate quickly and maintain speed even when the wind is light.

Its Ballast to Displacement ratio (ratio_bal_disp) is around 0.42, which is quite respectable for a boat of this size. This indicates a good degree of stiffness and stability, enabling the Tempest 23 to stand up to a breeze and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway without excessive heeling. The Displacement to Length ratio (ratio_disp_lwl) stands at approximately 298. This places the Tempest 23 in the category of a moderate-to-heavy displacement boat for its length, contributing to its stable feel and ability to handle chop effectively, rather than being a lightweight racer. Owners often praise the Tempest 23 for its well-balanced helm, quick response, and ease of single-handing, even in heavy winds. The fin keel combined with a skeg-hung rudder contributes to its directional stability and precise steering.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its primary role as a day-sailer, the O'Day Tempest 23 features a compact cabin designed to provide basic overnighting capability. Reviews and historical documents describe a small cabin with accommodations typically including two berths. For instance, a 1967 specification notes translucent cabin and forward hatches, which enhance interior light. The interior finish often featured practical materials like Formica for galley and head tops. While headroom details are not explicitly provided in the core specifications, its compact size suggests limited standing room, making it more suitable for sitting or lying down. The layout typically offers a V-berth forward, with the main cabin area providing two additional berths, storage space, and often a small galley area. Owners appreciate its "large cockpit and small cabin," underscoring its design priority for on-deck sailing enjoyment.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the O'Day Tempest 23 consistently express admiration for its "beautiful design" and strong sailing characteristics. Many appreciate its "fast, well-balanced" nature and its ability to handle well, even in heavy winds, while remaining "very easy to single hand." The boat's solid construction is a frequently mentioned strength, reflecting O'Day's general reputation for dependable vessels.

However, like many vintage fiberglass boats, certain maintenance issues are common. Some owners have noted problems with deck fittings developing leaks over time, requiring re-bedding. While the specifies a fin keel, some O'Day 23 models (distinct from the Tempest 23 but sometimes confused) featured a cast-iron stub keel with a centerboard, where the centerboard could stick. The Tempest 23 specifically has a fixed fin keel and skeg-hung rudder. Overall, the O'Day Tempest 23 is considered a "great boat" by its owners, highly valued for its performance as a day-sailer and its timeless aesthetics.