Curved Mast

[flieger]

Hi all.
I have looked at an old Daysailer I that is for sale locally. One thing I noticed about the mast is that is has a slight curve toward the bow. Being a complete newbie, i have no idea what the significance of this curve is.

Thanks
Christoph

[captainseasick]

Part of proper rig adjustment is to put the correct amount of bend in the mast so that the main sail takes the best possible shape. these masts are designed to bend, and it looks like the bow in the mast in the picture is normal. Unless the metal is kinked or creased somewhere the mast is perfectly OK.

[flieger]

Thank you for your reply.
What do yo think about the paint job. There do not seem to be any cracks in the surface of the material, but it looks like it needs to be repainted.

[captainseasick]

The hardware on the boat looks to be first class. The main sheet block in the picture is an upgrade and looks like a part made by Harken. If you go to buy that one part, it will cost almost $100! The finish in the picture is normal and is not very hard to remedy. First, buy a product called ON-OFF at a marine store. It is a mild solution of hydrochloric acid. It will not hurt the plastic parts of the hull, but it will harm the sails and lines if they become exposed to this cleaner. Use eye and skin protection, and brush this stuff on to all the gel-coat parts of the hull. It will instantly remove all the grime, mould, and dirt and any old wax embedded in the finish. and the boat will immediately look much newer & cleaner. Once the boat is really clean, You can use an electric buffing machine, and bring the old finish up to a shine with rubbing compound. If you are satisfied with the looks at this point you can wax your boat. If after this process, you are dissatisfied with the cosmetics, You can consider paint. Marine hardware stores have several types of very high quality finishes, both 1 part or 2 part epoxies, that can yield professional results that resemble sprayed on finishes, that can be achieved with roller and brush, but most times, the original gel-coat can be buffed back to a good shine.
I hope this helps you.

[Roger]

I have heard of mast prebend before, but I always thought that was something that was tuned into the rig by tensioning the shrouds to ensure the lower part of the mast was in column, then overtensioning the forstay to bend forward the upper part of the mast. When the sail is raised, and the halyard/ cunningham tensioned, and the clew outhaule and boom vang tensioned, the sail is flatter (less draft), than it would be with the upper portion of the mast in column.

[flieger]

The owner mentioned that the owner before him raced the boat. Therefore some changes were made to it.

[quote="Roger"]I have heard of mast prebend before, but I always thought that was something that was tuned into the rig by tensioning the shrouds to ensure the lower part of the mast was in column, then overtensioning the forstay to bed forward the upper part of the mast. When the sail is raised, and the halyard/ cunningham tensioned, and the clew outhaule and boom vang tensioned, the sail is flatter (less draft), than it would be with the upper portion of the mast in column.[/quote]

[flieger]

Thanks again, that is some helpful advice. Here are a couple more pics. The owner sells the boat with a small 3.5hp engine, original sails, new jib and new rudder/tiller. The manual winch on the trailer is also new. He also includes some life vests. The boat was probably built around 1966. He asks $1,600. What do you think of the price?

Thanks,
Christoph

[gary l. britton]

Looking at the photos of your boat, it looks like a carbon copy of my DS I, it is a 1966 model #3235. Same color scheme only the color of the hull is not as faded as mine is. I would not hesitate at that price if the boat looks as good in person as it does in the photos. The wood looks very good. Unfortunately, I am not much of a "wood man", even though I have tried with mine, and can only wish my wood is as good looking as the photos.

Good luck with your purchase, maybe he will come down in price a little. You will not regret sailing the DSI. It is a very good boat.

Fair winds,

Gary
1966, DS I
"Dancing Girls II", #3235

[captainseasick]

Without question!
In order to bring my daysailer up to the condition of the one you are looking at, I have spent thousands of dollars, and many many hours of hard work. A daysailer that has been set up for competition, is almost always a much better boat vs. something that is used more casually. I suggest when you get this boat, that you don't start making changes, or adding things to it till you understand why it is set up the way it is! Getting a boat into competitive condition represents lots of time, effort and money. Race tuned boats will be stiffer, sail faster, and have better quality hardware. You have found a little jewel.
Good luck with it, and try to find a club that races them, you will have a blast!

[calden]

I'm no expert, but I would think that the asking price is really fair, given that there are no major structural defects (don't appear to be.) I would certainly buy it for that amount. I might ask if he's willing to go a bit lower, but you would need a concrete reason why - for example, the gizmo on the aft habernackle is worn and needs replacing. But if it's all there in good working order and ready to get wet, I'd say you found a GREAT BUY in a boat. Go give him your money before he sells it to someone else.

Even if it's more than you wanted to spend, look at it this way:

If you buy it and feel it was too much money, you'll kick yourself.
If you don't buy it because it's too much money, you'll kick yourself.
So: would you rather be kicking yourself and have a nice boat, or kicking yourself and not have a nice boat?

Carlos

Carlos

[flieger]

Thanks all for your input. I'll go an 'kick the tires' of this boat next week end. If it floats, the engine revs up, and the sails look good i'll take it.

[captainseasick]

It need not float! Sometimes the gaskets in the centerboard pivot bolt need replacing, and can leak. This is not a big deal. The engine is also not a make or break issue. As you get more experienced, most of the time it will be in the way! The SAILS are a big deal. A new North main & Jib will run almost $1500! A new Spinnaker will set you back another $800! I suspect, if the owner was racing the boat, the sails will be pretty good. Just relax, over 13,000 of these boats have been sold. Not for no reason. You should always be able to get your money out of it if you don't like it, but most people love them. Just take care of it, learn how to roll and properly care for the sails, and it will give you a lifetime of fun.
Have fun,
Mike

[deadreckoning]

Christoph, what sail number is this boat? Also, what region are you in?

Not competing for this boat, but if you're within a couple of hours, I'd be happy to look at it with you.

Sid

[flieger]

Well, i went ahead an bought the boat. The owner and i took it out on the lake, raised the mast and fired up the motor. Lo and behold: it floated and moved!
I was pleased to see how easy the boat was to rig up and launch. I'm looking forward to givie it a try this weekend.
Thanks for all of your input.

[SaltLakeSailer]

If my mast does not have this bend in the upper third (as shown in the picture an as described by North Sails in their tuning guide), is there a method of getting the mast to bend as desired? Loosening the upper stays does not affect the bend, but I have been able to straighten the sail track by tightening one side and loosening the other.

Thanks for any information.