O'Day Super Swift Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Super Swift are defined by its high power-to-weight ratio and its simple lateen rig. With a hull weight of approximately 95 pounds and a sail area of roughly 54 square feet, the boat is exceptionally responsive to gusty conditions. Because it lacks a heavy keel, stability is entirely dependent on the sailor’s body weight and positioning. In a freshening breeze, the Super Swift is known for its ability to "pop" onto a plane, skidding across the water’s surface with minimal drag.

The boat uses a daggerboard rather than a swing centerboard, which provides a high degree of lift when sailing upwind but requires the sailor to manually pull the board up when approaching shallow water. Handling is tactile and immediate; the direct tiller-to-rudder connection ensures that every puff of wind is felt through the helm. While it is not as refined as an International Laser, the Super Swift offers a more forgiving experience for beginners due to the lower center of effort provided by the lateen sail, which reduces the tendency to turtle during a sudden jibe.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the Super Swift did not achieve the same level of pop-culture ubiquity as the O'Day Daysailer, it was a staple of the "leisure sailing" marketing boom of the 1960s and 70s. It frequently appeared in Bangor Punta-era promotional materials as the quintessential car-top sailboat, often photographed atop station wagons to emphasize its 100-pound portability. The model remains a nostalgic favorite among sailors who grew up in the "summer camp" sailing era, where the Super Swift and its sibling, the O'Day Swift, were often used for basic instruction alongside the Sunfish and the Sailfish.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a vintage Super Swift should focus on the integrity of the hull and the spars, as these boats were often stored outdoors and subjected to significant wear.

• Deck and Hull Delamination: Like many foam-filled or balsa-cored fiberglass boats of this era, the Super Swift can develop "soft spots" on the deck where the fiberglass skin has separated from the core. Press firmly across the deck to check for any flexing or "crunching" sounds.
• Mast Step Integrity: The mast step on a board boat handles significant leverage. Inspect the area around the mast hole for spiderweb cracking or signs of repair, as a failed mast step is a common and difficult-to-fix issue.
• Daggerboard Trunk Leaks: The junction where the daggerboard trunk meets the hull is a high-stress point. Check for hairline cracks or water seepage, which can lead to weight gain if water enters the hull's internal cavity.
• Weight Check: If possible, weigh the boat. A Super Swift that feels significantly heavier than its 95-pound dry weight likely has water-logged internal foam, which ruins performance and makes the boat difficult to transport.
• Spar Corrosion: The aluminum spars are prone to corrosion, especially if the boat was used in saltwater. Ensure the mast and booms are straight and that the hardware (blocks and cleats) is securely fastened.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Super Swift often find technical support and historical documentation through broader O'Day networks. The I Heart O'Days resource provides a repository of historical brochures and technical specifications for many of the builder's smaller models. Additionally, the O'Day section of the Sailboat Owners technical forums serves as a primary hub for restoration advice and parts sourcing for the Swift and Super Swift series.

The Verdict

The O'Day Super Swift is a charming relic of the golden age of American fiberglass boatbuilding, offering a purist sailing experience that is increasingly rare in the modern era of heavy, high-tech cruisers.

Pros:

• Portability: At under 100 pounds, it is easily car-toppable and can be launched by a single person.
• Simplicity: The lateen rig and lack of complex standing rigging make it a "plug-and-play" sailboat.
• Price: Often available at a very low entry point on the used market.

Cons:

• Wet Ride: The low-profile hull ensures the sailor will get wet in anything over 5 knots of wind.
• Capacity: Strictly a solo boat or a boat for two small children; it loses its performance edge quickly with excess weight.
• Age: Finding an example without hull saturation or deck soft spots requires diligent searching.