Quote:
Originally Posted by jjone20
I'm 55 and I'm thinking of taking up a new hobby. Any suggestions on sailing? I'm looking at a 17' O'Day tomorrow as an entry level boat. Any thoughts? Suggestions?
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jjone20, an O'Day 17 is a great little boat to learn on and has been said dingy sailing is the way to learn. The principals carry over to many othe boats. Your sig says you are from Oklahoma so I asume you will be a lake sailor? When purchasing a boat the waters you will be sailing in have a lot to do with purchase. Depth of water, weather conditions, etc. The type of sailing you want to do will also factor in. Will you be sailing alone or with one other person or will you be making a day of of it and be out for hours away from shore with several people aborad or kids?
The 17 is an easy single hander and is easily trailerable. Assembly and disassembly is quick. There is a small forward cabin to put a duffle with dry clothes, phone, radio, lunch etc. How ever no place to get out of the weather for passengers. The 17 has a very low freeboard ( the sides are low to the water) this will make for a wet ride even in the calmest of conditions. This you will want to consider if you are inteneding to take the wife or little kids a long. It is a centerboard boat so it is easily run up on a baech for a picnic. You will be hard pressed to take more than 1 adult or 2 small children along with you on this boat and find it enjoyable. There is little on this boat to go bad and it should last for years. Parts are readily availalbe if something needs to be replaced. The rig (Mast and boom) are made from aluminum so you should spend time fully inspecting them especially if the boat spent any time in salt water. Throughly check mounting point, rivets etc. Sails new and used are availalbe as well.
Again depending on how and where you want to sail you may want to look into an O'day 22 or something similar while not "as" easily trailerable it also sails like a dingy. However having a fixed keel and higher freeboard it is more stable and dry. It also has a small cabin with a head (toilet) and amenities including a wet locker, V bunk for naps and a sette. Great for the wife and kids for a day out and a place to go should the weather turn or the sun become to much. You can easily take 4 adults for a nice sail. She draws 23" of water so you can get her into little coves or very close to shore in remote areas for a picnic.
You will love sailing. Good luck in your decision.
