| WEEKEND CRUISERS |
O'Day 192
An updated version of the now discontinued O'day 19, the O'day 192 offers much the same sailing! cruising! trailering package as the other cruiser/ weekenders. Sloop rigged, with a keel! centerboard combination, there's just room below for a child-sized vee-berth and two adult-sized quarter berths. The designers, C. Raymond Hunt Associates, wisely decided against stuffing a galley aboard, though they did find space for a chemical head beneath the vee-berth and an ice chest in the companionway. Only the low quarter berths have sitting headroom.
Owens and Gerr gave excellent ratings to the finish and construction of the 192, above and below decks. Both judges also commented favorably on the comfortable, angled seating in the cockpit and the effective, no-slip non-skid in the cockpit and on deck.
Sail controls on the standard boat are few and simple - a 3: 1 mainsheet attached to the backstay (awkward to release in moderate or strong winds, says Owens), an outhaul, and external halyards. A boom Yang is a recommended option. Schaefer roller furling (standard) tames the jib, which is sheeted through fIxed jib blocks. As with the Montego, this limits the size and trim of the sail. Deck mounted winches can be ordered. The toe rails help add to security while on deck, but there are no grab rails, and lifelines and bow pulpits only come as options.
Despite the attractive package that O'day, with its years of boatbuilding experience, has assembled in the 192, she did not shine under sail. The judges felt she was the least responsive of any of the boats in the Sea Trials, a slow plodder with a helm that provided no sense of what the boat was doing. Too, her upwind performance was hampered by the loose luffed jib required by the roller furling system. Gerr suggested adding an inventory of light air headsails to help keep her going when the wind drops. So while the 192 is solidly built and expertly finished, she would require some additional investment in sails and rigging to perform to her potential.
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| Fine Finish. Excellent workmansbip is evident in the unflawed gelcoat and precise fittings of tbe O'day 192 (top). Angled coamings in the cockpit (left) and effective non-skid on the deck add to comfort and safety. The small cabin is simply and attractively laid out. |
