DaySailer.org Forum

Hi, I'm looking at a 1978 DS II tomorrow and I'm hoping someone can guide me as to what to look for. Also, any advice on a good price would be helpful too. Thanks to everyone!!!

-Kevin

I wouldn't really consider myself knowledgeable about sailing or the daysailer, however, I just purchased a 79 DS II so I will share what I know.

Look in the inspection holes to see if any water is sitting in the bilge. My major problem is water leaking somewhere through the CB assembly.

Apparently, the daysailer is known to leak around the bolt and also the assembly is known to fail. The guy I purchased mine from had recently replaced the whole assembly.

I paid $1200 for mine. The boat is in good shape besides the CB problems, the trailer isn't quite as nice, but it did make the trip from Oklahoma to Florida, so I can't really complain. I don't have a mast tabernacle though, but plan to add one soon. Also, no motor. I have seen these in good shape sell from $1000-$2500 during my hunt for one.

does the cboard go up and down ok?
are the lines that run the board good? If not I think you have to pull the board to replace them and thats not fun ( so I'm told)
I look at the stays are they frayed? do they need to be replaced?
I look where they are attached, is there a lot of stress cracks in those areas? is it really bad?
Of course is the bottom good.
If its been painted, look closely to see if the bottom was patched and then painted to look good.
I check the bow area under the waterline looking for signs that it was run up on rocks.
I check the mast looking for cracks or splits around any drilled holes.
I check for all hardware. If the mast is down, I make them raise it and attach everything so I can
1: be sure its all there
2: so I can see exactly how the mast is raised and rigged.

are the blocks all there and in working condition.
I look around the pintles and gudgeons , looking for major cracks.
everyone may not agree but these are a few of the things I look at.

If you don't love to work on things then don't buy a fixer upper. You are almost always better off buying something that already has everything you want.

Along with what everyone else has said I would also say sail condition (just look how much new ones will cost) and is it missing any parts, if so how much will those parts cost.