O'day Build Quality in late 70's

[gts1544]

Would anyone care to weigh in on the general build quality of the O'day brand in the late 70's? I am currently looking at a 1978 O'day 30 that I would be considering for coastal cruising with an occasional foray out to the Bahamas. Needless to say, I would go through her thoroughly prior to any such venture. I am more concerned with unseen structural issues. I am not in love, so please be candid. Thanks.

[djmarchand]

I was a yachtbroker during a misspect period in my life. Looked at a bunch of used O'Days and sold one I think. Many had severe gel coat cracking at the stress points and a few were bad enough that the cockpit sole got water in its core and was soft.

Hardware and OEM sails were of the same ilk as the Hunter/Catalina/Beneteau's of its day.

David

[endoftheroad]

I had an o'day 23, year 80 or 82 that I coastal cruised for a couple years, I wouldn't hesitate taking her to the Bahamas. She was in excellent shape and hooked up like a racer.
My friends called it "a lake boat", probably so. I rode the gulf stream for about 20 hours close hauled under the moonlight, the seas were like walls around me, it was almost spiritual.

[gts1544]

Gents, Thank you both! Anyone else? gts1544