Rhodes 22 vs O'day 23

[diguerrilla]

I am looking to buy a boat in this size range. I can get a good deal on either a Rhodes 22 or O'Day23. The Rhodes is better logistically for me. It has a solid reputation and is supposed to be good in light air. The O'day seems to have more room down below, is heavier and reviews say it can handle a blow better. I imagine the Rhodes will pound away in 3 ft swells or larger. I think it is a better looking boat and may be more fun to sail. Does anyone have experience with both or either boats?

[CharlzO]

My brother has an O'day 23, and it's been a very good weekender. He used to keep it near Watertown, NY and lived on it for a summer while working in the area, taking it out into Henderson Harbor on Lake Ontario almost nightly. I've gone out with him a few times on it and alongside my own, and it will take a pretty good puff and just keep cruising along.

[Orion Jim]

If the O'Day is the later version (non pop top) then it's a much better choice than the Rhodes 22, in my opinion. If you want a light air day sailer get a Rhodes 19.

[diguerrilla]

why do you think that

[FULLCIRCLE331]

I raced and cruised a Rhodes designed, 1975 Paceship 23, for 25 years,in conditions from light air to 35 knots. It sailed well in all conditions and won many races. It was a great design. If you can find one in good conditions buy it. Lots of room for a 23' boat.

[seasick]

I had an ODay23 for a few years and loved it. It sailed well in all conditions and the room below was great. We kept it on Elk Lk Oregon and lived aboard for thirty days a summer. They're heavy to tow though. I towed it with a F150 Ford but for long hauls something heavier duty would have been more ideal.

[DaveyJonesR22]

I'm a biased Rhodes 22 owner. I do love my '94. One thing to consider, the Rhodes is still being built and you can still get assistance from the factory.

Things I like:
Furling main sail
Motor lift on a 6:1 pulley
Excessive standing rigging

Any specific questions I'll try to answer.

Good luck in your choice!

David

[crashkahuna]

I have owned a Cal 22 and Rhodes 22. I would say the Cal was a stronger boat for ocean but Rhodes 22 has some real plusses - It seems smaller inside but has wonderfully designed pop top that opens and shuts with no effort; tracks great with the long keel basically sailing itself; newer Rhodes come with furling main but not necessary since you can raise and lower sail or reef standing in the cabin to touch the mast; good for thin water with light centerboard coming down from heavy longish keel; fairly dry boat maybe due to its kind of strange upper flared hull shape; tons of storage under the cockpit seats for things like boat poles, buckets etc that can be easily grabbed but will not roll round out of place; rigging quite robust - 2 backstays, forestay, 2 stays each side - I could remove the forestay and rig would stay up. The things I did not like was centerboard gasket is what keeps the water out - ie no above waterline trunk also the cockpit drain hose below waterline. Boat has positive flotation - will not sink - this makes v berth not usable for an adult. The huge cockpit could be a plus or minus depending on how you look at it. I am 6' and used to pitch my camping tent in the cockpit.

[EggHrbrGuy]

FULLCIRCLE331 comments are my experience as well. Go Rhodes.

[diguerrilla]

fullcircle isn't reccomending the rhodes