I just purchased the 1977 DS II and am interested in getting a cockpit cover or boom tent to leave on the boat as it is moored at a lake. There are snaps in place around the entire cockpit. I wonder if there was a specific fit that was on the boat when new or if any company can match the outline? Any info would be appreciated.
Cockpit Cover on DS II
- Thread starter GG8616
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Any good canvas shop can make a new cockpit cover for you by taking measurements off your boat, but the one that advertises in the DAY SAILER QUARTERLY (newsletter of the Day Sailer Association) is "The Sailor's Tailor" http://www.sailorstailor.com/ they are in Spring Valley, OH.
That said, I have kept my DS II on a mooring every Summer since 1996 without a cover, the cockpit is "self-bailing" to a point. A small amount of water will remain in the "gutter" around the cockpit with the bailer uncorked, but rain will drain out mostly (in a heavy downpour the cockpit will not drain as fast as it fills, but it does drain fast enough to prevent swamping, leaving the 1" drainplug located on the transom out also helps in a heavy downpour). A cover will keep most of the water out and may keep things cleaner, but it does mean having to deal with a large piece of canvas each time you go sailing. If you do get a cover, be sure to use a boom crutch to support the end of the boom, the boom needs firm support to keep the cover taunt (using a topping lift or the main halyard will not allow that firm support).
That said, I have kept my DS II on a mooring every Summer since 1996 without a cover, the cockpit is "self-bailing" to a point. A small amount of water will remain in the "gutter" around the cockpit with the bailer uncorked, but rain will drain out mostly (in a heavy downpour the cockpit will not drain as fast as it fills, but it does drain fast enough to prevent swamping, leaving the 1" drainplug located on the transom out also helps in a heavy downpour). A cover will keep most of the water out and may keep things cleaner, but it does mean having to deal with a large piece of canvas each time you go sailing. If you do get a cover, be sure to use a boom crutch to support the end of the boom, the boom needs firm support to keep the cover taunt (using a topping lift or the main halyard will not allow that firm support).
Thanks, I had read your forum note earlier and debated on getting the cover for the cockpit or just a sail cover. It will be sitting just off the shore at the lake and trying to maintain the excellent shape this boat is in. One of the previous owners had a tent cover made as the snaps are all in place. My other effort will be to fix up some gel coat areas at the waterline on the bow that have some chips out.
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