Is 3 quarts a day a serious leak?

[SiteReader]

I recently bought a 1961 O'Day Daysailer (No. 1935) with trailer for $870. It sailed nicely the first two times. But today, in about 14 knots, the main sail ripped along the foot for a stretch of about 3 to 4 feet from the clew outhaul and about 1 foot up the leech. I knew the sails were worn, but hoped to get through the season.
I can get a new main and jib at a respected sailmaker here in Cape Cod for $1,090, and they'll make it up fast. But I have to decide whether to put more money into a boat that leaks a little. I've been monitoring it and it seems to:naughty: be about 3 quarts a day. That would be 5 gallons in a week. I live about 500 feet from the dock and can watch it, but would you consider that a serious leak? Am I throwing good money after bad by buing new sails for this boat. I love the boat and love how it sails, so I am prejudiced.

 

[Squidd]

You can pick up a sail on e-bay for a $100 or $200...to finish the season...

Fix the leak when you pull it out in fall...

Then decide if you want to keep it...

 

[SiteReader]

Thanks. I'll look on Ebay right now.

 

[Sunbird22358]

I would try to find and fix that leak, but it is pretty minor. My DS II is presently leaking from a mysterious place......(just haven't found it yet!) at a pretty slow rate, luckily I've got my Dad watching her and bailing out every few days.....she won't sink form the leak.....but periodic bailing means less to bail out each time. I'd say my boat varies in how much is coming in....but around hte same amount as your boat leaks.
In the 16 years that I've owned my DS II she has remained usually dry in hte bilge unless we get a heavy rainstorm that allows water to build up in hte cockpit before it can drain through the 5/8" hole of the DS II self-bailer.

On your DS I, I'd check the gasket on the CB lever, you may be able to eliminate the leak (if there) by just snugging the 3 bolts up a bit that hold the lever in place. Otherwise, a new gasket is not that expensive from either D&R Marine or the Day Sailer Association web page. Actually, Cape Cod Shibuilding in Wareham should have those gaskets too.
Other possible leaks in the DS I, the bilge drainplug (teflon tape on hte threads may help), or the lower rudder gudgeon make need re-bedding.

 

[SiteReader]

Thanks a lot, Sunbird. I have a suspicion that the problem is at the centerboard lever. I'll try snugging it, and then change the gasket when I pull her out this fall. I just moved to Mashpee from northern Virginia and am getting back into my love for sailing.
There is one set of Daysailer sails on Ebay with a $177.50 bid. Hard to really tell the condition from the pictures. There are some separations visible and rust spots. One of the shackles looks terribly rusted. If my leak is not that serious, I'm thinking of buying a new set from Squeteague Sailmakers in Cataumet.

 

[nightowle]

you should have a look at the sail loft at this site (sailboatowners.com) or try thesailwarehouse.com for stock cut sails.

 

[Sunbird22358]

Well ,Squeteague Sailmakers is one quality loft! I've also heard they are pretty good with adjustments and follow up after the sail sale? Any chance they could put a "band-aid" on your old sail to finish the season? Probably not worth it?

As far as that suit of sails on eBay.....I'll close with a paraphrase of the advice someone gave me when I was considering buying a surplus set of "PUFFER" sails for my Widgeon......If they are in good enough condition...you scored! But if they turn out to be "duds".......you spent money on them that could have been spent on the new, proper sails.

I'd consider contacting the Chatham or Orleans Yacht Clubs, they both have large fleets of racing Day Sailers and you might be able to pick up an old sail from one of the racers for the rest of the season.

 

[jrowan]

you should have a look at the sail loft at this site (sailboatowners.com) or try thesailwarehouse.com for stock cut sails.

I would be shocked if anyone kept sails in stock for a 1961 era O'Day sailboat. You would be better off measuring the outer luff, leech, etc. measurements & finding something used, but decent for the boat. I would not "sink" a lot of money in a boat of that age, until you're sure you want to keep & invest in her. Speaking of sinking, I would definitely consider 3 quarts a day / 5 gallons per week a serious enough leak to get fixed right away. Leaks don't get better over time they get worse. Fixing leaks on a boat is your number one priority. If she sinks when your not around to bilge her out, you won't have to worry about new sails. Just kidding. But I can tell you from experience that opening up the cabin hatch to several feet of standing water is not pleasant.

 

[Sunbird22358]

The sails for a 1961 O'DAY Day Sailer are EXACTLY the same as for a 2012 Day Sailer, Class Rules REQUIRE them to be! And believe it or not, D&R Marine in Assonet, MA DOES in fact often have at least one set of Day Sailer Sails in stock, ready to ship!!

And many Sailmakers can produce sails for various small boats (especially Class Boats!) in less than one week. Thurston Sails (now Quantum) made a new mainsail for my Widgeon in 1991, I ordered the sail on a Saturday at the Newport Boat show, it was delivered to my house on Friday......less than one week!

 

[jibes138]

There are many used sail sites where you can search on their inventory and they will have the condition noted. Try searching some of those. Atlantic Sail Traders would be a good start at www.usedsails.com. Does your boat have positive buoyancy? By that i mean are there airtight compartments and/or foam flotation built into the boat so it won't sink? I thought small daysailors req'd that but could be wrong especially given the laws at the time of construction. If it won't sink it gives you a lot more flexibility regarding the leak, if it will sink you might want to pull it up on the beach until you haul it for the season.

 

[Sunbird22358]

All of the O'DAY DAY SAILERS had positive flotation, mostly foam under the seats and in the forpeak of the DS I.