O'Day 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The influence of Alan Gurney is evident in the O'Day 27’s hull form, which manages to be forgiving for novices while remaining rewarding for experienced sailors. With a displacement of approximately 5,000 pounds and a ballast of 2,000 pounds, the boat possesses a relatively high ballast-to-displacement ratio of 40%, contributing to its reputation for stiffness and stability. According to the original O'Day 27 Brochure, the vessel was offered in two primary configurations: a fixed fin keel with a 4-foot draft and a centerboard version drawing only 2 feet 3 inches with the board up.

Under sail, the O'Day 27 is known for its predictable tracking and light helm. Its Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio sits in the "moderate" category, meaning it is heavy enough to punch through coastal chop without the "hobby-horsing" often found in lighter 25-footers, yet light enough to move efficiently in light air. Owner anecdotes often highlight that while it is not a dedicated club racer, it holds its own on a reach. The masthead rig is simple and robust, though the boat does appreciate early reefing once winds exceed 15 knots to keep the weather helm manageable.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 27-foot boat designed in the early 1970s, the interior of the O'Day 27 was remarkably forward-thinking in its use of space. It offers a "big boat" layout that includes a dedicated V-berth forward, a private enclosed head (a major selling point at the time), and a main salon with a convertible dinette. The galley is typically located to port and features a sink, an icebox, and a recessed area for a two-burner stove.

The aesthetic is quintessential 1970s Americana, utilizing significant amounts of wood trim and high-pressure laminates. While the 9-foot beam is narrower than modern wide-stern cruisers, it provides a cozy, secure feeling at sea. Variations of the model mainly focused on the auxiliary power; earlier units often featured the venerable but temperamental Atomic 4 gasoline engine, while later production runs or owner retrofits often transitioned to small Universal or Yanmar diesels.

It is important for prospective buyers to distinguish the original Alan Gurney-designed O'Day 27 from its successor, the O'Day 272. The 272, launched in the mid-1980s and designed by C. Raymond Hunt Associates, featured a completely different hull with a wing keel and a more modern, streamlined interior. While they share a brand name and length, they are entirely different sailing platforms.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting an O'Day 27, the primary concerns are common to fiberglass boats of this vintage, specifically regarding the deck and mast support.

• Deck Core Saturation: Like many production boats of the 70s, the O'Day 27 uses a balsa-cored deck. Moisture often enters through poorly bedded stanchions, chainplates, or the bow pulpit. Soft spots on the foredeck or around the mast step are high-signal indicators of core rot.
• Compression Post Issues: The mast is deck-stepped and relies on a wooden compression post inside the cabin to transfer loads to the keel. If water has leaked down the mast or through the deck collar, the base of this post can rot, leading to a "sagging" deck and rigging that is impossible to tension properly.
• The "O'Day Smile": Owners frequently report a hairline crack at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While often cosmetic, a deep or widening gap suggests the keel bolts should be inspected for torque or "weeping" of the fiberglass.
• Bulkhead Tabbing: In older models, the fiberglass "tabbing" that secures the wooden bulkheads to the hull can become brittle or detached after decades of hull flexing, which may compromise structural rigidity.

Community & Resources

Owners of the O'Day 27 benefit from one of the most active legacy communities in American sailing. The I Heart O'Days resource page serves as a primary archive for technical manuals, original brochures, and parts lists. Additionally, the O’Day Owners Association provides a technical forum where decades of maintenance tips regarding the specific hardware used on these models are documented.

The Verdict

The O'Day 27 remains a hallmark of the "Goldilocks" era of boat building—it is small enough to be easily maintained by a single person but large enough to host a family for a long weekend. While it lacks the interior volume of modern 27-footers, its Alan Gurney lines offer a sea-kindliness and aesthetic grace that modern "caravan-style" cruisers often sacrifice.

Pros

• Stiff and Stable: The 40% ballast ratio makes it a very safe, forgiving platform for coastal cruising.
• Value: One of the most affordable entry points into "big boat" sailing on the used market.
• Classic Pedigree: Gurney’s hull design ensures the boat sails better than its utilitarian branding might suggest.

Cons

• Vintage Maintenance: Common 70s-era issues like deck rot and compression post decay require diligent inspection.
• Narrow Beam: The interior can feel cramped compared to modern 27-footers designed with wider sterns.
• Engine Obsolescence: Boats still equipped with the original Atomic 4 gasoline engine require specialized knowledge and stricter safety protocols.