Henning,

I have owned an O'Day 25 since January of 1980. It is a wonderful
boat and very well built. I have sailed my O'Day on inland lakes in
the US. I race it successfully, day-sail it, and cruise with it. I
have sailed it in winds up to 65 mph. It will stay with you longer
than you want to be "out there." It is easily trailerable with a good
trailer and large vehicle. I have trailered mine all over the
Kentucky/Tennesse area. While technically it will sleep 6, they will
not be able to get out of the bunks. :-) Actually it is great for a
couple and just a little tight with two couples. The V-berth does not
look like it could accommodate two adults, but I find that it is the
most comfortable of the bunks for a couple (she can't get very far
away from you).

Practical Sailor magazine wrote an article on the O'Day 25 many years
ago. They referred to it as a "transitional yacht," meaning it was
stronger than the similar-sized toy boats and had features [such as a
bridge deck at the forward end of the cockpit to keep waves from
flooding the saloon] that made it more suitable for coastal sailing.
While I certainly would not sail my O'Day across the Atlantic, I would
not hesitate to sail her to the Bahamas. And, once there, she would
be perfect with her 2 foot draft with the centerboard up.

If you need something very specific to the O'Day 25 such as a forward
hatch that matches the curve of the cabin top, you are going to have
to work pretty hard to find it. But, fortunately, most other items on
the boats are rather standard issue and can be found in your local
stores.

I do get an e-mail about every month from a group calling itself the
odayowners group or association. It seems to be at least somewhat
commercial but does have a little useful material. I do not know if
they have any actual O'Day parts. I cannot find their e-mail address
right now.

I have made many modifications to my O'Day over the last 25 years to
make it better for racing and cruising. I can probably answer your
questions or even show you how I have solved various problems, if you
would like. You are welcome to e-mail me at
Ironically, "Orion" is the name of my O'Day 25 and 2279 is the
sail/hull number.

Many many years ago I sailed a small sailboat on the Rhine and Main
Rivers in Germany. It was a real thrill. I know that you will really
enjoy your new (old) boat.

Lee Huddleston