O'Day Kitten Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The O'Day Kitten utilizes a simple cat rig with a 55-square-foot sail, making it an exceptionally easy boat to rig and sail single-handedly. Because the mast is stepped far forward, there is no staysail or jib to manage, which allows a novice sailor to focus entirely on the mainsheet and tiller. In terms of sea-kindliness, the Kitten’s relatively wide beam for its length provides a high degree of initial stability. This makes it less prone to the "twitchy" behavior often associated with 10-foot dinghies like the Dyer Dhow or the El Toro.

According to historical marketing materials and owner documentation found via the O’Day Owners resource archive, the Kitten was designed to be stiff under sail, carrying its canvas well even as the breeze freshens. It features a kick-up rudder and a fiberglass centerboard, which allows the boat to be sailed into very shallow water or beached without damaging the foil. While it tracks reasonably well for a short-waterline vessel, its blunt bow and lapstrake-style hull mean it will "hobby-horse" in a chop rather than slicing through it. It is not a planing hull in the modern sense; rather, it is a displacement dinghy that reaches its hull speed quickly and stays there reliably.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the Kitten does not have the high-profile racing pedigree of the International 14 or the Olympic history of the 5.5 Meter, it gained significant cultural traction as a preferred tender for mid-century cruisers. It was frequently featured in O'Day's national advertising campaigns throughout the 1960s, often pictured being towed behind an O'Day 22 or tucked into the davits of a larger motor yacht. In the collector's circuit, the Kitten is often cited as a quintessential example of the "boat-in-a-bag" era of portability, though at roughly 120 pounds, it was more commonly transported on a small trailer or car-top carrier.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an O'Day Kitten should be aware that these boats are now decades old, and while the fiberglass hulls are robust, specific areas require close inspection:

• Mast Step Stress: The mast step on the Kitten is a high-load point. Over time, the fiberglass laminate around the step can develop stress cracks or "crazing," which may indicate that the internal support has compressed.
• Centerboard Trunk Leaks: Like many older centerboard boats, the trunk is a common site for leaks. Check for cracks along the hull-to-trunk joint and ensure the centerboard pin is not wallowed out, which can lead to significant water ingress.
• Wood Trim Rot: Early models featured mahogany seats and trim. Unless these have been meticulously maintained or replaced with Teak or Starboard, expect to find rot or delamination in the wood components.
• Foam Flotation: The Kitten was built with positive flotation, usually in the form of foam blocks under the seats or in the bow. This foam can become waterlogged over forty years, significantly increasing the weight of the boat and reducing its buoyancy.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Kitten are supported by a broader network of O'Day enthusiasts. The most prominent technical resource is the O'Day Owners Association, which maintains a repository of original manuals and parts lists. For those seeking replacement hardware or original-spec sails, D&R Marine is widely recognized by the community as the primary source for "New Old Stock" and custom-made parts specifically for the O'Day fleet, including the Kitten and its siblings.

The Verdict

The O'Day Kitten is an endearing piece of American maritime history that remains a functional and charming choice for protected-water sailing.

Pros:

• Extreme Simplicity: The cat rig and lack of complex tuning controls make it an ideal "first boat."
• Versatility: Functions equally well as a rowboat, a motorboat (up to 3hp), or a daysailer.
• Stability: A wide beam and heavy-duty fiberglass layup offer more security than lighter, modern racing dinghies.

Cons:

• Weight: At 120 lbs, it is heavy for a 10-foot boat, making "car-topping" a two-person job.
• Light Air Performance: The conservative sail area and displacement-oriented hull mean it struggles to move in very light wind.
• Age: Finding a specimen without some level of fiberglass or wood degradation is increasingly difficult.