Flying Saucer Information, Review, Specs

The vessel was part of a specific design evolution at O'Day during the late 60s and early 70s, where Kostanecki was tasked with modernizing the fleet. This resulted in a family of "swooping" hull designs that included the 12-foot-4-inch Widgeon and the 14-foot Javelin. While its siblings focused on versatility and ease of use, the Flying Saucer was the undisputed athlete of the group, boasting a larger sail area and a hull optimized for the transition from displacement to planing speeds.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Flying Saucer is characterized by its "tunneled-bow" design and a flat run aft, which allows it to reach a plane with significantly less wind than the heavier O’Day models. With a sail area of approximately 120 square feet, the boat is notoriously "tender" compared to a Day Sailer, demanding active weight distribution and constant attention to the mainsheet. According to period documentation found via the I Heart O'Day technical archives, the boat was designed to be entirely self-bailing, featuring a double-hull construction that allowed water to drain through the transom while underway.

In heavy air, the Flying Saucer is described by owners as a thrilling, albeit wet, ride. The hull shape allows it to track well when on a plane, but the relatively narrow beam at the waterline means it can be unstable at rest or during slow-speed maneuvers. Unlike the O’Day Javelin, which shares a similar length but uses a more traditional dinghy shape, the Flying Saucer’s cockpit is shallower, forcing the crew to hike out aggressively to keep the mast vertical. This makes it a physically demanding boat that rewards technical skill, particularly when handling the large, powerful mainsail.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the Flying Saucer did not achieve the massive production numbers of the Day Sailer, it occupies a unique niche in the history of American industrial design. The boat’s designer, Andrew Kostanecki, was a renowned figure whose work was celebrated for blending aesthetics with functional racing ergonomics. The Flying Saucer was frequently featured in O’Day’s "The Hot One" marketing campaigns of the early 1970s, positioned as the premier choice for young, athletic sailors looking to bridge the gap between recreational sailing and competitive racing.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Hull Saturation: Because the Flying Saucer utilizes a double-hull construction with foam flotation between the layers, water ingress is a primary concern. Owners often report that vintage models can become significantly heavier over time if the seal between the deck and hull has been compromised, or if the foam has absorbed moisture through old hardware penetrations.
• Mast Step Stress: The high tension required for the Flying Saucer's rig can lead to stress cracking around the mast step. Prospective buyers should inspect the deck around the mast for "spiderweb" crazing or signs of compression, which indicate that the underlying support may be weakening.
• Rigging Hardware: Many of the original blocks and cleats were proprietary or early-generation plastics that become brittle with UV exposure. Upgrading to modern stainless steel or high-density composite hardware is often necessary for safe high-wind sailing.
• Centerboard Trunk Leaks: Like many O'Day dinghies of this era, the centerboard trunk is a common point for leaks. Check for wear around the pivot pin and ensure that the trunk has not been damaged by a previous owner grounding the board at high speed.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data, rigging diagrams, and historical brochures for this model is the O'Day Owners technical forum, often referred to as I Heart O'Day. This community maintains an extensive library of scanned manuals that are essential for restoring the Flying Saucer to its original racing specifications. Additionally, Stuart Marine Corp., which took over many O'Day molds, remains a valuable resource for general O’Day hardware and consultation on older fiberglass hulls.

The Verdict

The O'Day Flying Saucer is a vintage gem for the sailor who values style and speed over interior volume or upright stability. While it is not a "beginner's boat" in the traditional sense, it offers a pure sailing experience that captures the high-performance spirit of the 1970s.

Pros:

• Excellent planing performance and speed in moderate to high winds.
• Modern, sleek aesthetic that stands out among traditional dinghies.
• Self-bailing cockpit and "unsinkable" double-hull design.
• Compact and easily trailered by a small vehicle.

Cons:

• High risk of hull weight gain due to water-logged foam.
• Tender handling requires an experienced or athletic crew.
• Limited cockpit depth makes it less comfortable for casual picnicking.
• Difficult to find in original, "dry" condition.