DaySailer Question(s)

[oki.al]

Hi Purchased this boat last year. Took it out three times. The third time I got swamped. Cockpit filled about 8 inches deep. Running the rail in good wind (great sailing day) until one big one came along and unlike my previous boat, a 25' Sovereign it wasn't as forgiving of such sailing.  The main question I have is - what is the purpose of a half dollar sized hole in one of the ribs of the floor that is located between the board housing and mast mount? Lots of ugly stuff came out of that hole and I believe quite a bit of the water that I took on went in there. The boat seems to weigh quite a bit more which leads me to believe it filled with water. If so, how do I drain it out? Should that hole have had a plug? Secondly, the existing drain hole I think is inadequate being located to the rear of the board housing and only a 3/8 - 1/2" size. I seen most drains at the rear. Existing drain does not clear well. Thirdly, any mods out there so I can retrofit the mast to a tabernacle type mount? It's getting pretty tough for me to handle that heavy mast. I trailer so its an on, off, on, off situation.  Certainly would appreciate the help. Specs. Day Sailer, 17', sail # 3508. Does that give anyone an idea as to what type of DaySailer? Also, what size outboard can the boat handle? Seems as if the weight of a motor is more of a concern than the power from what I've read. ThanksOki.al

 

[Roger (Ninette Manitoba)]

I had a DS II

I can only answer the last part of your question. The max motor for your boat was an 8hp.

 

[Gary]

daysailor questions

Hi Oki.alI have a 1966 DSI, #3235, so I believe yours is a DS I also. I too have the single mast but have it in a dry stall, so I do not have to raise and lower each time I go out. There are others around that have cut their masts and placed a tabernacle to make it easier to raise and lower, but I will not go into that since I have not done so. The the hole that you are asking about with the photo is a drain for the bow of the DS I. There is, or should be foam in the bow for floatation, as there also should be foam under the seats of the boat There should also be drainage holes on the fore section of the seats next to the floor, unless the previous owner did some modification like adding a port hole. YES, THESE HOLE SHOULD BE PLUGGED WHEN SAILING !!!! I am sure that you had water in the bow area, and maybe in the seats if you did not plug them also. The idea, as I understand, is the foam should be kept dry. If it is always wet, then you will have problems with deterioration of the floatation foam over time, and maybe mold and other problems as well. Plug the holes when sailing, then unplug them when not sailing to allow those areas to vent and dry out.Hope this helps. Others will follow with the mast problem and solutions. You can also go through the archives and find many posts on cutting the mast and placing a tabernacle.Take care and fair winds.Gary"Dancing Girls II", 1966 DS I,#3235

 

[oki.al]

Thanks Roger

Hi Roger  Thanks for your information. That's another unknown that I can put aside. But, it leads me to another question that maybe you can answer as well or, maybe get the answer for me and its deals with an outboard. I recall reading somewheres that the weight of, let's say an 8HP 4 cycle motor weights quite a bit more than of the older 2 cycle motors. If so and weight being a factor, would I have to consider a smaller motor if I go 4 cycle. I'm not sure where this weight factor comes from. I'm assuming that it could be a generic figure based on size of boat?  I hope I'm not putting you in a corner. I don't mean too for sure. I just want to make the right decision as I intend to buy a new one and wouldn't want to end up with something I couldn't use. I would trust the guys out here more than the salesmen that I've met so far. Maybe I'm going to the wrong places, hey?Al

 

[Gary]

Daysailer

Hi Al:As far a plugs for the holes, I purchased mine in the sports section of WalMart. Just so they fit snuggly. Mine are the rubber type that can be tightened by turning the latch for a snug fit.As far as an outboard, you do not want an 8hp motor. WAY!!!!!to big. Many on this and other forums recommend 2-3hp. That will move you just fine. I used to have a 5hp motor, 2cyl, which was too heavy and I did not need that much power. Besides, 2 cyl. motors are a real pain, IMHO. I sail on a lake, and do not have to deal with currents or tides. Just wind. Since the 5hp motor bit the dust, I bought a 55lb thrust, Min-Koda electric motor. For short distances it works very good. But I do not use it very often at all.I'll bet if you did not have the holes plugged, the styrofoam may be water logged. (assuming you have styrofoam) I cannot answer how to dry it out, maybe with some sort of blower into the holes would help, or just with the heat of the sun over time or install inspection ports. There may also be water still in the flotation tanks. May take short of forever to dry everything out. Good luck dealing with the situation.Hope that I have answered your questions.Fair winds.Gary1966, DS I"Dancing Girls II",#3235

 

[Gary]

Inspection Port

Al:Forgot to mention, if you are interested in installing inspection ports on your seats, check the archives here and at daysailer.org. In fact there is a recent question about inspection ports. I have not done it, but it is in the back of my mind. Biggest problem is I am not a very good "handyman".Fair windsGary1966, DS I"Dancing Girls II", #3235