DS II sails
The same sails will fit the DS I, DS II, DS III, and DS IV. Class rules require this, although the DS III is technically not class legal (hull was changed). I had reefpoints added by a local sailmaker, $67 plus the cost of a few fittings, about $100 total, maybe less. Stepping the mast, do you have a hinged mast-step, or is the mast stepped through the deck? Mine is stepped through the deck, I may convert to a hinged-step at some point. I keep my boat in the water on a mooring all summer, so only step/unstep the mast once per season (unless threatened by a hurricane!) however, I would say 2-3 people is best for this type of mast. I make use of the dock at the ramp and tie up alongside in the water to step the mast after the boat is afloat. My Dad walks the mast up to vertical and then I guide it down through the deck and onto the step. Another way is to bring the stern of the boat up on the beach and place the butt of the mast in a forward corner of the cockpit (have someone hold it there) and walk the mast up to vertical, then lift it up and lower through the deck. Once mast is in place rig the shrouds and forestay. Unstepping is reverse process. With a hinged mast, first attach the shrouds to the chainplates (can be left attached while mast is lowered for trailering), slide the mast aft until the hinge halves are aligned, put the aft pin in place, pivot the mast up and attach the forestay, insert the forward pin in the hinge. A second person can help by pulling on the forestay as you pivot the mast up, and then that person can attach the forestay while you hold the mast up. Automatic bailer, I replaced mine (old one broke!) however, my 1979 DS II had the plastic bailer originally, and the bailer was already removed when I bought the boat. Installing the new bailer was not hard, be sure to seal it well. I bought the new bailer from Rudy at D
