by persephone » Fri Jul 31, 2009 8:50 am
Hi Erik,
Welcome to sailing. The Daysailer is a great boat (I might be biased a bit...). It has many advantages, but it would be hard to say if it is right for you. Here are some things you might want to consider before buying any boat.
What is your purchase budget.
Can you maintain a boat yourself or will you be relying on others to fix it for you.
Where will you be sailing (lake or coastal ocean). What are the average weather conditions there (wind and waves).
What type of sailing do you want to do (cruise or race, if race how competitive are you).
Will you need to trailer it. If so how often and how far.
Will you be using a motor of some type.
I work on classic (collectible) cars and I always recommend that a customer buy the BEST car they can find, period. Trying to save money on the front end (purchase) almost always costs more on the back end (repairs). Defining best when it comes to a boat is tough, but generally I'm referring to condition.
The DS is light, can be towed by an average car (I tow with a VW Passat), is easy to set up, even alone after some practice. It can be sailed alone, but can also accommodate a family on a day sail. Obviously there is a large support community (for both information and parts).
I have a DS1 (large open cockpit, not self rescuing... in other words it fills with water and has to be bailed out if you capsize). The DS2s and the Cape Cod Shipbuilders DS have closed cockpits that don't take in as much water.
If you don't intend to race ultra-competitively you might look at the Cape Cod Shipbuilders Daysailer. From what I have heard they are tough and well constructed (just a bit heavy for racing). They can be found used at a reasonable price.
If possible sail several boats before deciding on one to buy. If you are buying a used boat find someone knowledgeable to look at it for you. This could save you THOUSANDS of dollars in a worst case scenario.
Good luck. If you have any more questions just ask, there will be no shortage of answers here.
Geoff Plante, former DS1 owner
1950(ish) vintage National One Design.