Buying question

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George M

I was looking at a 1972 O'Day Daysailor at a salvage yard in my hometown. The boat seems to be in fair condition but I did notice a 12" * 12" fiberglass patch where the mast goes into the top part of the boat. Question? Has the structural integrity been compromised. If under strain will this area break again or will it be solid? This would be my first boat and I wanted to teach the kids to sail on it. Thank You, George M.
 
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R. Glad

How handy are you?

George: I have a '71 Daysailor so I assume that the set up is the same. I 12" patch near the mast is a pretty serious bruise. The top of the cuddy cabin doesn't bear much weight since the mast is hinged to the lower porion of the mast, but a 12" cut was the result of bad mishap. A lot should depend on whether the patch was done properly. Does it appear to be damaged underneath? Was the patch reinforced? If you become the owner of an older boat you can become very expert with epoxy in a few short lessons. If the boat comes with the mast, rudder, and sails it should be worth $800 to $1000. If the boat is missing any of these "parts" you will be putting more into the boat than it is worth. The Day sailor is a great little boat. Good luck on the project.
 
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George M.

Thanks for the reply R. Glad! After a 2nd look, the top of the cuddy cabin is definately the spot and the repair work looks shoddy(especially underneath). I do not see any type of reinforcement. The section where the mast gets bolted to the bottom of the boat appears to be fine. One small 1/4 " hole high up in the hull and alot of fiberglas cracking in the front part of the hull. The boat comes with sails, boom, mast, rigging and a tired looking trailer. I think the boat needs some TLC.
 
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bruce cornell

patch

mine had the same rip in the top, prob came from the mast getting loose due to shroud break. check the shrouds for repair/replacement and don't worry about it since you can take a grinder to the patch and clean it up. the bottom side is usually left messy because nobody wants to sit in there with a power sander and get covered with glass dust, use a mask and eye protection if you decide to clean up inside. check mast for any serious bends, a slight curve may straighten up when mast is raised.
 
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Jeff S

17 ftr

My first boat was a 17 ft oday daysailor and I learned quita a bit on that boat . Check the centerboard out make sure it is ok and not flopping around . The mast on mine had been spliced and riveted , I never had a problem with it.Tyere are a lot of old boats oput there waiting for some tlc so pick the right one but make sure you get out there sailing with those kids. A lot of people trailor that boat, I kept ours on the hook in open water just made it easier to jump on and go out for a few hours .
 
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George M.

Thanks

Thanks for the Bruce and Jeff for the replies and information. The boat is still at the salvage yard so I may make an offer in the next few weeks.
 
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R. Glad

Good luck

George: I always feel better when my opinions are confirmed. The Daysailor will take a lot of punishment. Recently I was adjusting a shroud when the wind knocked the mast over at a 45 degree angle. It pushed right back into position. The pin between the top and bottom of the mast is a little tighter,but... I highly recommend West brand epoxy. They match all their product and give away good instructional materials. Good luck. R. Glad
 
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