Does anyone know how far a DSII can heel before capsizing? I'm new to this boat and trying to get my sailing skills back after 30 years with "stink pots". I was out today in 25 knot winds and getting a little anxious when she started to lean over a bit too far. My experience has been mainly with Sailfish and Sunfish and I didn't really care if I capsized them. Any help appreciated. I'm thinking about putting an inclinometer on the bulkhead just to ease my mind.
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- Jan 22, 2008
- 519
to the rail
I have had mine over so far that water was pouring in over the aft quarter combing, and it still recovered and sailed on. Actually, I have done this a few times, typically when I was fiddeling with something else (like the outhaul)and not paying attention. It was easy to pump out while sailing away.
I have had mine over so far that water was pouring in over the aft quarter combing, and it still recovered and sailed on. Actually, I have done this a few times, typically when I was fiddeling with something else (like the outhaul)and not paying attention. It was easy to pump out while sailing away.
Wave height
I agree withRoger. You'll se water coming in over the rail befor she capsizes. The thing to watch for are waves that might knock yu over while you are heeled.
I agree withRoger. You'll se water coming in over the rail befor she capsizes. The thing to watch for are waves that might knock yu over while you are heeled.
Good Tip
When sailing a centerboard boat like a DS II (or DS I, or III, or IV) ALWAYS keep the mainsheet in your hand, use the camcleat provided to hold the tension, but keep the tail in your hand ready to instantly release if hit by a gust of wind. I'm about to start my ninth season with my DS II and have not capsized! I have come close..(cockpit almost half full of water!) but by releasing the sheet and spilling the wind from the main, I've recovered every time without a capsize. I previously sailed a 12' O'Day Widgeon for 7 seasons without capsizing. Another good tip is to get a tiller-extension so that you can sit on the windward rail while sailing. Amazing how much difference that will make in keeping the boat sailing upright! A reef for the main also helps, as does sailing without the jib in windy conditions.
When sailing a centerboard boat like a DS II (or DS I, or III, or IV) ALWAYS keep the mainsheet in your hand, use the camcleat provided to hold the tension, but keep the tail in your hand ready to instantly release if hit by a gust of wind. I'm about to start my ninth season with my DS II and have not capsized! I have come close..(cockpit almost half full of water!) but by releasing the sheet and spilling the wind from the main, I've recovered every time without a capsize. I previously sailed a 12' O'Day Widgeon for 7 seasons without capsizing. Another good tip is to get a tiller-extension so that you can sit on the windward rail while sailing. Amazing how much difference that will make in keeping the boat sailing upright! A reef for the main also helps, as does sailing without the jib in windy conditions.
jib only
Rodney mentioned sailing in heavy wind with main only and no jib. Is it possible or proper to drop the main and sail with the jib only. I am also new to the daysailer family and wondered if sailing with jib only can be done in heavy winds,ie.20-30 mph which we get a lot of here in windy Oklahoma and many times get out on the lake with 10-15 mph, then all of a sudden get into the 20-30 mph. Thank you Gary
Rodney mentioned sailing in heavy wind with main only and no jib. Is it possible or proper to drop the main and sail with the jib only. I am also new to the daysailer family and wondered if sailing with jib only can be done in heavy winds,ie.20-30 mph which we get a lot of here in windy Oklahoma and many times get out on the lake with 10-15 mph, then all of a sudden get into the 20-30 mph. Thank you Gary
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