compares to ones in larger boats. The
front berth can handle two 6' 4"
people and features an overhead
opening hatch.
The stern berth is like a king size
bed and can sleep three people easily. A porthole gives good ventilation.
Shelving and compartments everywhere allow guests to store personal
items out of the way. There’s lots of
room on this boat!
Ok – let’s go. Getting off the dock
was no hassle. Quite easy when compared to a traditional inboard motor.
We started with the motoring performance. A 75 hp Honda 4-stroke got us
up quickly on plane and the maneuverability was as good as many power
boats I’ve handled in the light chop.
There was some cavitation on really
tight turns but not of concern. I held
our speed at about 20 miles per hour
– but I could get more out it. Then
poof, we ran out gas. I suspect
Bernie did this on purpose so that he
could show off how easy it is to
refill on board from a gas can. It was
all so simple.
When the day is hot and there is
no wind, or even just for a little
excitement, push down on the throttle
and this boat, with its maximum of 90
hp outboard motor, comes to life and
is up on a plane in three seconds
reaching 25 mph plus, excellent when
bad weather is approaching.
Now for the sailing test. Hoisting
sail is a snap. The forward is easily
unfurled and the mainsail is ready to
hoist since it just rests in a cradle
pack. This makes for a minimum of
on deck time with no need to handle
the sails. The breeze was light at
about 10 mph; which I knew would
This shot shows how the Odin sits in her
double axle trailer getting packed down to
trailer to adventures on the Trent-Severn,
Great Lakes, Rideau or the St. Lawrence –
see Canada the elegant way!
I n flatable PFD
w ith HIT™
The Inflatable PFD
with HIT™ features a
SecureZip™ closure that
can withstand rigorous
activity , heavy-duty
coated nylon for
in creased durability
a n d is lightweight,
c omfortable and
c ompact.
Tr ansport Ca nada /
C CG Approv ed.
Deluxe
Children’s Vests
Designed with hard-wearing construction,
superior flotation
performance, high
mobility, and excellent
styling, these vests are
the perfect choice for
activities from family
picnics on the beach to
day trips on the lake.
Transport Canada /
CCG Approved.
not stress the boat’s capabilities so
imagine my surprise when she got up
to about 5 mph on a comfortable
point of sail. This is definitely not a
slug. On all points of sail she handled
well and exceeded my expectations
for a motor sailor.
When it was time to go home
dropping the sails is just as easy. Furl
the jib and drop the main into its cradle pack and zip it up. Up with the
centreboard and rudders, let the water
ballast out, head home under power
and run onto the trailer.
The Odin 820 becomes a home
away from home with its trailering
ability. Many 4 x 4 vehicles with six-or a small, eight-cylinder engines, can
pull this under 5,000 pound (
competely outfitted with all gear aboard)
boat and trailer. Thanks to the surge
brakes, you won't know the boat is
behind you. This trailer is made to
handle challenging conditions in summer or winter driving. Winter driving?
Why not? This boat goes anywhere
because with a minimum 12 inch
water-depth, you can launch the
Odin. Think about the warm water of
the south!
I’ve been a traditional keel boater
for 40 years but this boat made me
pause to consider other boat styles
and their merits. As a compromise for
motoring and sailing it is really quite
elegant – Odin has it figured out. ●
