O'DAY 26
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 25.7 ft |
| LWL | 21.58 ft |
| Beam | 8 ft |
| Draft | 6 ft/ 2.5 ft min |
| Displacement | 4,800 lb |
| Ballast | 1,849.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 30 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 10.25 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 25 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10 ft |
| FLforestay | 10.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 288.8 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 153.8 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 261.4 sq ft |
Engine
| Yanmar | 1GM7.5 hpSee all 58 parts → |
| Yanmar | 1GM109 hpSee all 53 parts → |
About the O'DAY 26
Max recommended HP: 15 Available with optional inboard diesel.
Designed by C. Raymond Hunt and Associates and built by O'Day Corp. (USA) between 1983–1985, the O'Day 26 is a compact masthead sloop with a production run of 85 hulls. This data-driven synthesis highlights a well-documented fleet where owners frequently address structural integrity issues, particularly regarding the deck core and mast step, while also investing heavily in modern engine and electronics upgrades.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a manageable 25.7 ft LOA and are prepared for proactive maintenance of the deck and rigging. It is less ideal for those seeking a turnkey bluewater vessel without significant investment in core repair and system modernization.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.9 and a comfort ratio of 20.37, the O'Day 26 is designed for coastal protection rather than open-ocean passage making, a limitation reinforced by the high frequency of deck core moisture issues that compromise structural integrity offshore.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 25 and Pearson 24, which share similar displacement and era, but the O'Day 26 distinguishes itself with a higher SA/D ratio of 15.68 for better light-air performance. Unlike heavier displacement cruisers, its D/L ratio of 213.23 positions it as a performance-oriented day sailor or light cruiser.
Performance
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
13 listings · boat years 1984–1986 · median $8,000
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 25.7ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
4 reported issues across 4 systems for the O'DAY 26, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a O'DAY 26? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 4 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Engine Parts & Maintenance
The engines most commonly fitted to this model. “All parts” opens the engine's full catalogue; each part links to a matching listing on 
or 
matched to its part number.
Yanmar 1GM
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Used sails that fit the O'DAY 26
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…