I have owned a vintage DSI for the past several years. WHen I purchsed the boat the keel stepped mast had snapped off just above the deck. I converted the mast to a tabernacle design,shortening the overall lenght by approx 4". At the same time I shortened the speaders by about 1" to work around some damage to the inward end of the spresders. I am looking to replace the old spreaders, and looking at Dwyer's website it appears that 24" is the standard size. Since mine currently measue closer to 18" I am trying to determine if the full 24" is the proper size. Also, I am trying to determine the proper length of the mast from deck to top. Mine measures around 22', the references I can find seem to indicate 24', but since I have planty of clearance under the boom, I find it hard to believe the mast should be a full two fet higher. WOuld appreciate any info or comments
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DSA specs
Using the specs on the Day Sailer Association web-site, the mast should be about 23' from cuddy top to masthead, the 24'9" length is total length, including the part below deck. I can measure the spreaders from my boat (1 DS II, but rig dimensions are basically the same), however, you might be better to skip ordering from Dwyer and instead order the spreaders from D&R Marine (link below), Rudy will send you a set of spreaders cut the the stock DS length for about the same (maybe a bit less?) than the cost from DWYER. He will also know the stock length of the DS I mast (early boats did seem to have a taller mast (more room below boom) than later years. If you cut out 4" of mast to install the hinge, you should have a mast approximately 2.5" shorter than original (based on O'Day-supplied instructions for installing hinge that calls for removing 1.5" of mast)
Using the specs on the Day Sailer Association web-site, the mast should be about 23' from cuddy top to masthead, the 24'9" length is total length, including the part below deck. I can measure the spreaders from my boat (1 DS II, but rig dimensions are basically the same), however, you might be better to skip ordering from Dwyer and instead order the spreaders from D&R Marine (link below), Rudy will send you a set of spreaders cut the the stock DS length for about the same (maybe a bit less?) than the cost from DWYER. He will also know the stock length of the DS I mast (early boats did seem to have a taller mast (more room below boom) than later years. If you cut out 4" of mast to install the hinge, you should have a mast approximately 2.5" shorter than original (based on O'Day-supplied instructions for installing hinge that calls for removing 1.5" of mast)
- Jan 22, 2008
- 519
spreader length
The spreader length is indeed 24". I replaced mine last year as the ends were cracking. I went with half inch aluminum rod stock from Princess Auto, (way up here in Canada eh!) and cut it to length, then drilled and ground out the notches to match the originals. They are very slightly heavier than the originals. To round out the refit I attached foam pipe insulation with zip ties. Not pretty , but it works, and was home grown. I would love it if Rudy was in my neighbourhood, but alas, one must make do with what one has.
The spreader length is indeed 24". I replaced mine last year as the ends were cracking. I went with half inch aluminum rod stock from Princess Auto, (way up here in Canada eh!) and cut it to length, then drilled and ground out the notches to match the originals. They are very slightly heavier than the originals. To round out the refit I attached foam pipe insulation with zip ties. Not pretty , but it works, and was home grown. I would love it if Rudy was in my neighbourhood, but alas, one must make do with what one has.
- Jan 22, 2008
- 519
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