O'Day Rhodes 19 Information, Review, Specs

The Rhodes 19 hull served as the foundational platform for the O’Day Mariner, a significant sibling model. While the Rhodes 19 is primarily an open-cockpit boat with a small cuddy for storage, the Mariner utilizes the same 19-foot hull but incorporates a larger deckhouse and a full-length cabin trunk to provide overnighting capabilities for a small crew. The Rhodes 19 itself is produced in two distinct configurations: a fixed-keel version and a centerboard version. The fixed-keel model carries approximately 415 pounds of iron ballast, providing a high degree of stability, while the centerboard version allows for gunkholing and easier trailering, though it requires more active weight management from the crew.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Rhodes 19 is celebrated for its "big boat" feel despite its modest length. With a displacement of 1,325 pounds for the keel model and a sail area of roughly 191 square feet, the boat is not a high-performance flyer by modern standards, but it is exceptionally weatherly and communicative. According to the Rhodes 19 Class Association, the boat’s handling characteristics are defined by its balance; even in heavy air, the helm remains manageable, providing clear feedback that allows sailors to find the "groove" with minimal effort.

The keel version is the standard for the numerous racing fleets concentrated in the Northeast United States. It tracks with precision and exhibits a high limit of positive stability, making it a safe choice for teaching new sailors. In contrast, the centerboard version is more sensitive to trim and heel angle. Because the centerboard model lacks the heavy fixed ballast of its sibling, it is more susceptible to weather helm if over-canvased. Owners often report that the boat performs best when sailed relatively flat, as the hard-chined hull provides a secondary point of stability once the boat begins to heel. In light air, the Rhodes 19 is surprisingly nimble, though it lacks the explosive acceleration of modern sportboats. Its momentum, however, allows it to carry through tacks and chop that would stall lighter dinghies.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Rhodes 19 has carved out a significant niche in American sailing culture, particularly within the yacht club circuit of New England. It has been the boat of choice for several prestigious championships, including the Adams Cup (the U.S. Women's Sailing Championship). Its presence is well-documented in regional sailing histories and has been featured as a quintessential "classic" in publications like Good Old Boat. The model's longevity is further bolstered by its status as a foundational vessel for community sailing programs, most notably at the Courageous Sailing Center in Boston, where a large fleet of Rhodes 19s has introduced thousands of people to the sport.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting an older O'Day-built Rhodes 19, potential buyers should focus on several age-related structural areas. Because many of these boats have spent decades on moorings or in heavy use at sailing schools, the integrity of the fiberglass and hardware is paramount.

1. Mast Step Compression: On cuddy-cabin models, the mast is stepped on the deck. Over time, the supporting structure underneath can compress or the deck core can soften, leading to a "dish" around the mast base. Check for spiderweb cracking in the gelcoat and ensure the mast remains plumb.
2. Keel-to-Hull Joint: On the fixed-keel version, the iron keel is through-bolted to the hull. "The Smile"—a crack at the leading edge of the keel-hull joint—is a common symptom of groundings or aging sealant. While often cosmetic, deep rust bleeding may indicate that the keel bolts require tightening or replacement.
3. Centerboard Trunk and Pivot: For centerboard models, the pivot pin and the trunk itself are high-wear areas. Inspect for leaks around the pin and ensure the board operates smoothly without excessive side-to-side play, which can indicate worn bushings.
4. Cored Deck Moisture: Early O’Day hulls often used balsa or plywood coring in the decks and seats. Use a plastic mallet to tap for dull thuds, which indicate delamination or water ingress, particularly around stanchions and cleats.
5. Flotation Foam: Older boats contain blocks of expanded polystyrene foam for emergency flotation. Over years of bilge water exposure, this foam can become waterlogged, adding hundreds of pounds of hidden weight and potentially causing a musty smell or structural degradation.

Community & Resources

The Rhodes 19 is supported by one of the most organized and welcoming class associations in the United States. The Rhodes 19 Class Association maintains a robust technical wiki, organizing national championships and providing a centralized location for tuning guides and replacement parts. For owners of newer boats or those seeking factory-direct parts, Stuart Marine remains the primary resource, continuing to build new hulls to the original class specifications.

The Verdict

The Rhodes 19 is an ideal choice for the sailor who values tradition, stability, and a vibrant racing community over modern high-speed thrills. It is a forgiving vessel that grows with the sailor’s skill level.

Pros:

• Excellent stability and safety for a boat of its size.
• Strong resale value and a very active one-design racing scene.
• Simplified rigging makes it easy to single-hand or sail with a novice crew.
• Dual configurations (keel/centerboard) suit different water depths and trailering needs.

Cons:

• Heavy for a 19-footer, requiring a substantial vehicle for frequent trailering.
• Older O'Day hulls often require fiberglass repair or core drying.
• Iron keels on older models are prone to rust and require regular maintenance.
• Lacks the "living space" found in its sibling, the Mariner, making it unsuitable for overnighting.