In addition to smaller boats such as the new Mac 25M, I'm also looking
at other options. There seem to be some great buys on used larger boats
in our area, and in the same price range as a new Mac 26 or lower, there
are some nice boats in the 32 to 34 foot range. I prefer a responsive,
relatively fast coastal cruiser rather than a heavy, ocean passage blue
water boat, and the Cal 34's and O'Day 34's seem to meet those
requisites. I would plan on leaving the boat with a local charter
company (chartered for daytime, bay sailing), and occasionally sailing
it myself in the Texas Gulf. In our area, there are are also some C&C's,
Catalinas, Columbia, Hunters, etc., in the same general price range, and
others, such as the Sabres, Newports, Benetau, Cheoy Lee, etc, that seem
to be more expensive.

As far as cruising speed in typical ( e.g., 15 - 20 knot) winds, under
full normal jib and main, average load, and equally experienced
captains, etc., would there be a significant difference in speed or
handling between the Cal and O'Day, both being in good condition and
similarly equipped? The (1978) Cal 34-III has a waterline of 26 ft, and
the (1983) O'Day has a 28'9" waterline, according to the spec sheets.
Plugging this into the formula (square root of wl times 1.34), I get a
predicted hull speed for the O'Day of around 7.185 knots, and 6.833
knots for the Cal. In actual practice, would this be close to what I
would see under most cruising conditions? The O'Day, at 11,500 lb., is
slightly heavier than the Cal and has a draft of 5'7", LOA 34, beam
11'3", compared with 10,200 lb., draft 4'9", LOA 33'6", and beam 9'3"
for the Cal.

Can anyone provide some comments on or comparisons of the sailing
characteristics of these two boats? It's my understanding that the Cal
may be somewhat more of a racing boat, responsive but a bit more tender,
and the O'Day may be a little stiffer but steady under heavy winds. For
example, I recall seeing over 9 knots on a 40-ft Valiant we sailed in
the Gulf in 15-20 knot winds, which I think was more than its predicted
hull speed.

Comments, suggestions, or recommendations regarding these or other
similar boats will be appreciated.

Jim