Questions from new DSI owner

[Wyatt]

Hello:

I've been reading this forum for a couple of weeks now and just purchased a 1967 DS1. I sailed as a kid in the family's Folboat and a Sunfish, but hadn't been out in 30 years. I've had the boat out 3 times now, and she handles quite well I think. The kids love it (as does my wife) and that's what it's all about.

Anyhow, the boat needs some work, and I'm hoping for maybe some pointers. The biggest problem I've got to deal with are open cracks at the hull and bench joint: one on the aft end of the starboard bench, and one on the bow end of the port bench. I suspect that the cracks have developed as a result of poor bunk position on the trailer. The bunks appear to be positioned too far inboard and the outer edge of the hull is sagging when viewed from below. Both of the cracked bench edges have lifted from the inside surface of the hull. I know this boat sat for quite awhile as the previous owner dropped the mast and broke his arm in the process. He apparently didn't want to have anything to do with the boat after that.

So my first question is, where should the bunks be properly located, and how long should they be? Mine appear to be 2x4x4 feet long.

Secondly, has anyone else experienced this problem? If so, could you give me some repair pointers?

Next (sorry, I'll limit myself to one more question), after cleaning the boat out, I found it to be remarkably clean although in need of a new paint job. Climbing up into the bow I found a hole in the keel section and felt soggy foam core and water in the hole. Should I be concerned about this?

Sincerely,

Wyatt

[Phill]

Hi Wyatt, and WELCOME to the forum and Day Sailers.

I have a 1966 DS 1 and hope I can help a bit.

Wet foam in the seats and bow tank are pretty normal for older boats. Most of us get 6" Beckson inspection ports and remove the old wet foam and replace it (IMPORTANT) with new dry foam. I had over 40 lbs of wet foam in my tanks. I installed the forward port centered about 5 " above the keel box. Then installed the seat ports on the forward facing end. The foam is in long sections, kinda like a 2x4's, and is not difficult to remove. I case of capsize and non sealed (ie cracked) seats and bow tank, the foam is all that will keep your boat off the bottom.

It sounds like you will need to do a bit of fiberglassing to repair and seal the seat tank seams. It is also not real difficult, but I would experiment a bit with the resin and glass on something else to kind of get the hang of it, before trying it on the boat. With the inspection ports, you may be able to glass both inside and outside to seal the seats.

As for the trailer bunking, click on my Profile at the bottom of this post and then find the link to my personel gallery. There you will find my solution for my trailer (you can also find the inspection ports). There are lots of other ideas out there, hope others will share also. I originally tried to use 2X8's situated directly under the seat tank edge, but didnt like same sag you noticed on your trailer.

Hope this helps. and again Welcome to our forum. When we first got Lollipop, we sailed with all three kids and mom and dad. Wonderful memories. 17 years later..... my oldest daughter and I just got back from a sail on Lollipop this evening

phill

[calden]

Wyatt:

I bought an older DSI ( about 1964) last fall which came on roller bunks which had indented the hull a bit. I got hardware to put in bunks, and I used 8' 2x6s. You can see what I did here:

http://www.eaglelake1.org/trailer.html

I tried to locate them directly underneath the seat-hull joint for strength. I also first attached one end of each bunk, then lowered the boat on the trailer to weight the bunk down and thus curve it to the hull, then attached the other end of the bunk.

My boat is really well supported.

I was just out today. What a great ride. Getting a new sail within a week and expect great things.

Carlos

[KaiB]

That's the snizzle Carlos;

I've mentioned this in PMs to another member...you should get the "Gettin' After It" award for the summer of '06.

You've done some class work on your little boat, documented it all with great photos, shared it with all...and...

you've been out sailing the whole time! You're an incentive to me, at least, and I look forward to each and every upgrade you make-as well as your sailing stories.

Kai
btw...as soon as Aud brings the camera back, I will indeed post photos of our O'Day boom crutch.

[calden]

Kai:

I've managed to work on this boat for a couple of reasons:

1) My personality is such that when I'm enthused about something I go for it 110%. I love engineering and working out problems, and running to the hardware store to get a little $2 piece that fixes everything. I love sailing and being in boats. Perfect blend of theoretical science, applied technology, art, and soul. Closest thing to zen most westerners are going to get.

2) I'm a stay-home Dad with two teenage kids. I ought to be back working now that they are basically grown, but I'm still in the at-home parent habit. (I won't have any more excuses when they are off to college, though.) I thus have flexible time in my control, to sail in the mornings and work on stuff, as long as I get the shopping done.

3) Fortunately for me, this DS stuff isn't all that expensive. I blanch when I see how much a new wide-screen tv costs. Makes me feel much better about spending $100 to upgrade my trailer.

Looking forward to seeing your pictures.

Carlos