DaySailer.org Forum

Okay, pretend you are buying a Daysailer I in good shape, but with no upgrades at all. You have deep pockets and can add whatever you want to make it a nicer boat. Give me your list of desirable upgrades or accessories.



Ken Cobb (kcobb-at-blackwellsanders.com)

Do you have a spinnaker, motor, hatchboards, compass, windex, jiffy reefing, topping lift, vang etc? Check your equipment against the parts list following the o'day links on the home page.

Assuming the hull is fair and stiff, I'd upgrade the following:
- Centerboard and rudder, including the rudder head
- Proctor Mast, Boom and Spinnaker pole
- Two new suits of sails: Main, Jib and Spinnaker from Cameron Sails (my local loft), North Sails or Jotz.
- Harken blocks, fairleads, etc., all around.
- Galvanized trailer with bearing buddies and extra bunks designed to distribute load evenly for long road trips.
- Boat covers from Sailors' Tailor to cover both top and bottom of the boat.
- Ritchie tactician compass, or perhaps a tack-tic micro.
-Davis Windex for the masthead

Since I don't sail in conditions where I'd use them, I wouldn't bother with a motor, reefing points, etc.

I had the same situation. Bought a '61 edition (1336) with a non-class mast and no rigging. What I did was start with mast and blades (of course class legal sails) and jib in-haul or barber haulers. Then I tried to become competent with that. When I could compete I found a used tapered mast. There's some disagreement if the expense is worth the gain, but.....I tried a mid boom traveler but lost several places in my racing using it. Went to a stern traveler that has in-board adjustment. Made sure the hull was stiff by glassing in PVC half cut pipe in ribs in the front third of the hull. Tried to learn how to use a compass. Finally got reasonably competitive, but start with blades, weight, and sails and practice, practice, practice.

Mark Schroeder

Mark Schroeder (mschroed-at-lane.k12.or.us)