Widgeon 12 (O'day) Information, Review, Specs

• Designer: Robert H. Baker.
• Production: Started 1964. Production is noted as 1963-89 in one forum post, but the says production_end_year is null, and SailboatData.com (Source 1) doesn't specify an end year either, just a start year of 1964. So, I will stick to 1964 start and mention it was produced for a significant period. Number built is 5300.
• Hull Type: Centerboard Dinghy, Fractional Sloop.
• Characteristics: Recreational fiberglass dinghy sailboat. Loose-footed mainsail, nearly plumb stem, vertical transom. Known for good sailing characteristics and excellent stability, making it a favorite for yacht clubs and families. Very responsive and stable. Easy to sail. Does not point extremely well and isn't the fastest, but moves right along.
• Interior: Being a 12-foot daysailer/dinghy, it's confirmed to have a very minimal interior, mostly an open cockpit. Some mentions of a "cuddy" in the context of the Daysailer design (by Uffa Fox) and O'Day generally, but for the Widgeon specifically, it's referred to as a "sailing dinghy". No specific interior layout beyond a cockpit for sailing. Some references to seats and issues with steel bars under seats.
• Variations: One forum post mentions "variations over the 1963-89 production run" in the context of a manual, but no details on significant MkI/MkII type changes. Another mentions the O'Day 12 used the Widgeon hull but with a different deck and rig. I'll keep this brief.
• Owner's Perspectives: Owners praise its stability, responsiveness, and ease of sailing, making it a good learner's boat. Common issues mentioned are a side stay breaking, gasket between centerboard lever and trunk needing replacement, and original steel bars under seats coming loose. Owners often express they would buy it again. It's described as a good boat for learning and a "happy obsession" for some.

Now I have enough information to construct the article. I will ensure not to use performance ratios and focus on qualitative descriptions for sailing performance given its size.

Article Structure Outline:

• Essence: Accessible, stable, easy-to-sail recreational dinghy/daysailer. Ideal for learners, families, yacht clubs.
• Designer: Robert H. Baker.
• Builder: O'Day Corp.

History and Design

• Production: Started 1964, for a significant period. Over 5300 built.
• O'Day ethos: Fiberglass, accessible, dependable, forgiving, mass production.
• Designer's goal: Create a stable, responsive dinghy.
• Variations: Minor, some shared hulls (O'Day 12).

Sailing Performance and Handling

• Qualitative: Stable, responsive, easy to sail, good for learners.
• Hull type: Centerboard dinghy, fractional sloop.
• Specs: LOA 12.33 ft, Beam 5.0 ft, Draft (min/max) 0.42 ft / 3.5 ft, Sail Area 90 sq ft, Displacement 180 lbs.
• Handling: Doesn't point exceptionally well or is the fastest, but moves along well. Handles different sea states with stability.

Accommodations and Layout

• Primarily an open cockpit daysailer.
• Minimal interior, no mention of "cabin" or extensive headroom. Focus on cockpit arrangement, seating.

Owner's Perspectives

• Strengths: Stable, responsive, easy to learn on, solid construction, enduring appeal.
• Weaknesses/Issues: Side stay breaks, centerboard trunk gasket issues, loose steel bars under seats.
• Overall: High owner satisfaction, many would buy again.