I've been sailing Lasers and windsurfers for a number of years but am new to the DS world. I'm currently looking at at '78 DS II
(# 8819) and have a few questions, any help is appreciated:
1. I've heard that some "older" DSs may need the hull reinforced. The boat's external fiberglass is in excellent shape, is this reinforcement need due to just age or will there be external signs/indications (i.e. how do I tell if it is needed).
2. The only real defect in this boat is, on the bow, the metal trailering "loop" had loosened up so the owner cut a small square in the front of the cuddy to access the bolts holding the loop in place (just thru the fiber at top front of cuddy). Question is does this affect the structural integrity of the boat, is it a major concern? I can patch it easy enough but am worried that the hull has been weakened.
3. DS IIs appear to have problem prone centerboards. Without putting it in the water, are there certain things to look for which are indicative of problems (other than the obvious hull/hardware inspection).
4. Boat price is $2000 w/ old trailer. From reading this appears to be a good price if above questions prove to be n/a. Good price?
5. Because I have kids, I'll be getting a small OB for it. I've been following the OB discussion at this site and found it very useful. Question - I want a very reliable long shaft motor, what is the best hp, make, year? Used motors to be avoided.
6. I live in Southeastern Mass. and am interested in doing some near-shore bay sailing in the Onset, Wareham, Monument Beach area of the Cape. Are there some good areas w/ public ramps that are suited to DS sailing? How is access to these in the summer months. Any good lakes in this area w/ public ramps would also be useful.
Thanks for any help on this bunch of questions, its gonna be hard buying a boat in New England in January, maybe I'll get the wife a dry suit for Christmas!
Chris Marcus.
Chris Marcus (cmar-at-cmar.com)