O'Day 28 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the O’Day 28 is characterized by its predictable manners and impressive initial stability. The influence of the Hunt design team is evident in the hull’s ability to track cleanly; while many cruisers of this era suffer from significant weather helm as the wind freshens, the 28 remains remarkably balanced if the sail plan is properly managed. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 190, it sits firmly in the "moderate displacement" category, providing enough mass to punch through a typical afternoon chop without the jarring motion of lighter performance boats.

The vessel’s Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio of roughly 15.6 suggests a conservative but capable cruiser. In light air, it requires a large genoa to maintain momentum, but it truly finds its stride in 10 to 15 knots of breeze. Owners often note that the boat feels "stiff," thanks to the wide beam providing significant leverage against the press of the sails. The rudder is transom-hung but tucked under a small bustle, which provides good leverage and responsiveness, though it lacks the delicate "feel" of a high-aspect spade rudder found on racing machines. Whether equipped with the 4-foot 6-inch fin keel or the 3-foot 3-inch (board up) shoal draft version, the boat is widely regarded as a forgiving platform for those transitioning from smaller day sailers to coastal cruising.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the O’Day 28 is perhaps its strongest selling point, benefiting directly from the hull’s voluminous beam. The layout is a classic "main cabin" configuration that maximizes every inch of its 28-foot length. Upon descending the companionway, the galley is located to starboard, usually featuring a two-burner stove and a deep icebox. To port, a genuine quarter berth provides a secure sleeping spot for the navigator or an excellent storage area for sails.

The salon features two long settees flanking a center-mounted folding table. Unlike many boats of this size that utilize a "dinette" to one side, the O’Day 28’s symmetrical layout keeps the walkway clear and makes the cabin feel significantly larger. Forward of the main bulkhead, a surprisingly spacious head compartment spans the width of the boat, separating the salon from the V-berth. This "walk-through" head was a luxury typically reserved for 30-footers at the time. Construction materials evolved over the production run; earlier models often featured more exposed teak and darker laminates, while later hulls utilized lighter "mica" surfaces and updated fabrics to brighten the cabin. A sibling model, the O'Day 280, was introduced in the late 1980s as a successor with a more modernized "sugar scoop" stern and an updated interior, though it retained much of the original 28's DNA.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the O’Day 28 with a focus on structural maintenance, as these vessels are now entering their fourth and fifth decades of service.

• Mast Compression: The O’Day 28 uses a deck-stepped mast. Over time, the wooden compression block located under the deck or the base of the bulkhead itself can rot or compress due to moisture infiltration. Look for "checking" in the deck laminate around the mast step or a sagging appearance in the overhead.
• Portlight Leaks: The original plastic-framed windows are notorious for developing leaks. If left unaddressed, this moisture can migrate into the plywood bulkheads, leading to delamination or rot. Check for "blackening" of the teak trim around the ports.
• Chainplate Inspection: As with many boats of this vintage, the stainless steel chainplates where they pass through the deck are prone to crevice corrosion. Because they are bolted to the bulkheads, any deck leak at this junction can also compromise the structural integrity of the bulkhead itself.
• Rudder Bushings: Owners frequently report "slop" or vibration in the tiller. This is usually caused by wear in the rudder bushings or the pintles and gudgeons. While a straightforward fix, it is a common point of neglect.

Community & Resources

The O’Day 28 enjoys a robust following, largely supported by the O’Day Owners Association, which serves as a central repository for original manuals, parts schematics, and owner-led modification guides. Because O’Day shared many components across their fleet, technical advice for the 28 is often augmented by the large communities surrounding the O'Day 27 and 30.

The Verdict

The O’Day 28 remains a premier choice for sailors seeking an affordable, stable, and surprisingly spacious coastal cruiser that punches above its weight class.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior volume and headroom for a 28-footer.
• Stable and forgiving hull design by C. Raymond Hunt Associates.
• Accessible price point on the used market.
• Simple systems that are easy for a DIY owner to maintain.

Cons:

• Deck-stepped mast requires periodic inspection of the compression post/bulkhead.
• Original plastic portlights are prone to cracking and leaking.
• Performance is adequate but not competitive for serious PHRF racing.