Daysailer II Information, Review, Specs

The Daysailer II was part of a broader family of hulls designed to maximize utility. Its predecessor, the Daysailer I, featured an open floor with a centerboard trunk exposed in the cockpit, whereas the II enclosed this within the double-bottom liner. Later, O’Day introduced the Daysailer III, which featured a slightly modified rig and cockpit layout. The company also utilized similar design philosophies for the O’Day Javelin (14 feet) and the Rhodes 19, though the latter was a more substantial keelboat designed by Philip Rhodes rather than Uffa Fox.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Daysailer II are defined by its hard-chined hull and relatively flat run aft, which allow the boat to plane under the right conditions despite its modest sail area. With a total sail area of approximately 145 square feet, the boat is intentionally under-canvased compared to high-performance racing dinghies, a design choice that prioritizes stability and forgiving handling for novice sailors.

On the water, the Daysailer II is known for its "big boat" feel. The wide beam provides significant initial stability, making it less "twitchy" than a Laser or a 420. However, the double-hull construction makes the Mark II slightly heavier than the original Mark I, which some purists suggest makes it marginally slower in light-air racing. The boat utilizes a weighted centerboard (approximately 25–30 lbs) that is operated by a lever or a line system, depending on the specific year of production. This provides enough lift to allow the boat to point reasonably well upwind, though it will never match the pointing angles of a deep-keel vessel. Its displacement-to-length ratio and generous cockpit depth make it an ideal platform for teaching, as it can comfortably carry four adults without feeling dangerously overloaded.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Daysailer II occupies a prestigious position as a cornerstone of the Day Sailer Association, which remains one of the most active one-design classes in North America. The model's cultural footprint is cemented by its ubiquity in community sailing programs across the United States. It has been frequently featured in Sail Magazine and Cruising World retrospectives as a "hall of fame" design that pioneered the concept of the "family daysailer." The class holds an annual North American Championship, a testament to the boat's longevity and the competitive spirit it still inspires nearly 70 years after its initial conception.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a vintage O’Day Daysailer II should conduct a focused inspection of several high-signal areas where age and the double-hull design can create complications:

• Hull Saturation: Because the Daysailer II uses a double-hull construction with foam flotation between the layers, any breach in the deck or hull can lead to "water logging." If the boat feels significantly heavier than its 575-lb listed weight, the internal foam may be saturated, which is difficult and costly to repair.
• Centerboard Cable and Trunnion: The mechanism for raising and lowering the centerboard is a common failure point. Inspect the wire cable for fraying and ensure the pivot bolt (trunnion) is not leaking water into the space between the hulls.
• Mast Step and Tabernacle: The Daysailer II often features a hinged "tabernacle" mast for easy stepping. Check the fiberglass around the mast step for spider-cracking or compression, which indicates structural fatigue.
• Transom Flaps: The self-bailing flaps on the transom are essential for the boat's safety rating. These rubber seals often perish over time and may need replacement to prevent water from back-flowing into the cockpit when the boat is at rest.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Day Sailer Association, which maintains a comprehensive library of tuning guides, original manuals, and a registry of hull numbers. For replacement parts, including original-spec hardware and fiberglass components, owners typically rely on D&R Marine, a specialist supplier that has long served as the de facto parts department for defunct O’Day models.

The Verdict

The O’Day Daysailer II remains a benchmark for small-boat versatility, offering a blend of safety and performance that few modern designs have surpassed at the same price point.

Pros:

• Stability: The wide beam and hard chine make it an exceptionally stable platform for families and seniors.
• Safety: The double-hull construction and self-bailing cockpit provide a significant safety margin over earlier open-cockpit dinghies.
• Longevity: A massive production run and active class association ensure parts and advice are always available.

Cons:

• Weight: Heavier than the original Daysailer I, making it slightly more difficult to launch and retrieve from a beach.
• Complexity: The double-hull design can hide structural issues or water weight that is not immediately visible to the untrained eye.
• Performance Ceiling: While it can plane, it is not a high-performance "skiff" and may feel sluggish to sailors accustomed to modern racing dinghies.