O'DAY 28
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 28.25 ft |
| LWL | 22.92 ft |
| Beam | 10.25 ft |
| Draft | 4.5 ft |
| Displacement | 7,300 lb |
| Ballast | 2,349.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 38 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 12.08 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 32.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10 ft |
| FLforestay | 12.1 ft |
| Mainsail | 382.1 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 217.4 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 369.6 sq ft |
About the O'DAY 28
A keel/cb verion of the the O'DAY 28 was also available. Draft BU: 3.25', BD: 6.83'; ballast: 2,725 lbs / 1,236 kg Later, the the keel/cb version was dropped in favor of a shoal draft fixed keel: Draft:3.67' Deeper keel: Draft:4.67'/ 1.42m Alternate tall rig: I: 38.00' / 11.58m J: 12.08' / 3.68m P: 32.50' / 9.91m E: 10.00' / 3.05m Also available with a gasoline OMC Saildrive 2 cylinder motor.
Designed by C. Raymond Hunt Assoc. and built by Bangor Punta Marine (USA), the O'Day 28 was produced from 1978–1986 with a total of 544 hulls built. This data-driven synthesis highlights a well-documented fleet known for its comfortable cruising capabilities but warns of specific structural vulnerabilities common to this era of construction.
- Best for:
- This vessel is best suited for coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize interior comfort and ease of handling over high-performance racing metrics. Its moderate displacement and beam make it a stable, forgiving platform for couples or small families exploring protected waters.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 7300.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.12, the O'Day 28 possesses moderate offshore capability suitable for protected coastal passages rather than extended open-ocean expeditions. Its fin keel and masthead sloop rig provide adequate performance for coastal cruising, though owners should exercise caution in heavy weather due to its relatively light ballast ratio.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from the same era include the Cal 2-36 and the Tartan 27, which share similar displacement ranges and cruising-oriented hull forms. These vessels offer similar interior volumes and ease of single-handed sailing, making them direct competitors in the used market.
Performance
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
26 listings · boat years 1979–1986 · median $9,500
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 28.25ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
26 reported issues across 8 systems for the O'DAY 28, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a O'DAY 28? 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 26 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
Which engine powers your O'DAY 28?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Universal, Westerbeke, Beta Marine — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the O'DAY 28
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…