Lifting a DSI from a hoist

[pnichols]

I have access to our Yacht Clubs hoist. I like the idea of using this to launch my DSI as it will keep the trailer out of the salt water and the hoist is FREE. I have used this hoist for years when I had my Cal 22. I found this type of launch facility quite simple to use.

I was thinking of building a bridle that would attach at four points; the port/starboard shrouds and the port/starboard stern cleats. These points seem pretty strong. The total weight would be the hull itself, the stepped mast and floorboards. To reduce weight, I was planning on keeping the rest of the equipment out of the boat until it boat was in the water.

Anyone have experience with this type of launching?

Thanks

[GreenLake]

I seem to recall that this topic was covered a while back. Searching for "bridle" might find the earlier posts.

[Mike Gillum]

Paul,
Several of us use a three part bridle borrowed from our Thistle experience to lift our Daysailors at Morro Bay Yacht Club, Richmond Yacht Club and locally at Lake Washington Sailing Club in West Sacramento.
The forward attachment points are a Stainless Steel Schackle that connects each shroud to each Chain Plate at the rail as well as length of 1/8" Spectra that is attached to the inside of the transom at the lower Gudgeon where it's thru-bolted. Each end of my Bridle has a 1/4" SS "S" Hook that I've closed at one end to entrap the spliced end of the Bridle.
Where the three pieces of 3/8" Yacht Braid intersect at the lifting hook is a combination of a spliced loop for the aft section of the Bridle and a knotted overall hand knot for the two forward sections connecton all three together.
It's very important to use a line that has some stretch to it as the Bridle needs to be able to absorb any shock load that some hoists create when the chain or wire slips in the process of hoisting or lowering.
Given the choice I'll hoist in everytime!

[pnichols]

Paul,
The forward attachment points are a Stainless Steel Schackle that connects each shroud to each Chain Plate at the rail as well as length of 1/8" Spectra that is attached to the inside of the transom at the lower Gudgeon where it's thru-bolted. Each end of my Bridle has a 1/4" SS "S" Hook that I've closed at one end to entrap the spliced end of the Bridle.

Mike

Excellent! Thanks a lot. I failed to consider the lower Gudgeon and glad to hear that the chain plates can take the load.

Can you give me the lengths for the chain plate and the Gudgeon connections to the apex connection? I can then do a quick check on my DSI and then go to good Ole West Marine and make up a bridle.

On another subject.

I live in Santa Cruz and was thinking of going to the Big Dinghy Regatta on 04/17 in Richmond CA. I want to see how other owners are rigging their DSI's. I can tell that the DSI I am restoring was raced at one time and it has had some interesting set ups done to it.

I would love to meet you if plan on going. If not maybe I will see you at another CA regatta.

I am deep into my DSI restore and while it has been a lot of work it is really coming along nicely and hope to have her in the water by end of May.

Thanks Agian.

[Mike Gillum]

A minimum weight Daysailor is 575#. I would guess that each of the bridle connections to the chain plates is 180#+/- which is significantly less than the load carried by the shrouds so that isn't a problem and the aft bridle connection is carrying a little more probably 200#+/- which shouldn't be a problem if properly bolted and reinforced.
I can get you measurements this weekend of the bridle and connections along with photographs.
I sent in my registration for Big Dinghy earlier this afternoon. I anticipate several other Daysailers there. Drop by either Saturday or Sunday morning but we should have more time to talk Sunday as the boats will already be rigged. Saturday is three buoy races and Sunday is the Pursuit Race.
Start making plans for High Sierra Regatta at Huntington Lake the weekend of July 10-11th as its the biggest Daysailer Regatta for the year.
I can be reached at mike@gpsawnings.com.

[pnichols]

I sent in my registration for Big Dinghy earlier this afternoon. I anticipate several other Daysailers there. Drop by either Saturday or Sunday morning but we should have more time to talk Sunday as the boats will already be rigged. Saturday is three buoy races and Sunday is the Pursuit Race.
Start making plans for High Sierra Regatta at Huntington Lake the weekend of July 10-11th as it's the biggest Daysailer Regatta for the year.
I can be reached at mike@gpsawnings.com.

Mike - thanks so much for your help and I look forward to meeting you.

I had a DSII for several years before I owned my Cal 22, which I had from 1977 until 2007. So when I wanted a safe and good performing day sailer, I naturally started looking for a Daysailor and a DSI seemed to fit the bill for me.

I purchased this DSI mainly to get my grandkids started into sailing (when they are old enough). But of course with always the possibility of maybe racing her a bit. That is why I was attracted to this particular DSI as she was nicely laid out. But she is in need of a major restore as she had sat unused in a garage for over 10 years and looked to have been a bit misused in her later years.

So far I have, completely rebuilt the trailer down to every bolt and nut, rebuilt the floor boards, restored the mast, 2/3's sanded the hull and fiberglass repaired a number of damaged areas to the deck/hull joint. I still need to paint the interior, finish the hull repair and paint, put on the new rub rail and deal with many more small but important details.

So I am bringing her back to life so to speak.

I have raced extensively here in SC and SF Bay Area since about 1979, mainly on Moore 24, SC27's, Cal 22 and Santana 35. So it would be tempting to race the DSI but that is not my primary reason for purchasing her.

You can also catch me directly at paul-nichols@sbcglobal.net.