by GreenLake » Wed Aug 28, 2019 10:24 pm
Welcome to the forum, and hope to welcome you to the DS community.
First, there is an older post here somewhere where someone did run through the same issue; what to do to evaluate a boat for sale. As I recall, there were a number of specific and useful suggestions. And, if memory serves, it related to a DSII. Might be worth scrolling backwards in time.
That said, the maim point would be that the price is right, unless there's some real structural issues with the hull. Everything else is eminently fixable on a DS and as you've sailed before you know that running rigging and sails are consumables that need to be replaced in regular intervals anyway. Just like new tires and brakes on a used car are nice, not having them should affect the price a bit, but not be a deal breaker. And boats in better conditions fetch about double.
Check for cracks and soft spots all around the hull, near the mast step, and centerboard. Also, check for deformation from the trailer bunks. The rudder looks a bit banged up in the picture, so have a look at the CB from below the trailer, even only edge on. If it's cracked visibly, I would ask to lower the price further, because you would need to replace it. However, it's possible to get replacements for both rudder and CB and you can get some that are hydrodynamically sound, unlike the factory originals. (Or build your own; not that hard. I've done my own rudder and am still fairly happy with it). Minor cracking and crazing in the gel coat, especially near stress points can be normal and is not necessarily a concern (unless it's really extensive and you were looking for a boat that can be made to look good again).
Check the mast for any defects or bends, extra holes drilled, fittings that aren't tight etc. Much of standing rigging and other mast hardware is fixable, but look whether it indicates a problem with the mast itself. Those are harder to replace, because shipping tends to be prohibitive. Likewise check the boom. You have enough experience to tell you whether something looks damaged instead of just worn and whether it's a quick fix.
Most DSIIs have some issues with their CB system. There's no way to eliminate that in a pre-purchase inspection, you simply need to be prepared to re-run up/downhaul and/or seal the uphaul opening (otherwise you have a waterspout in the cuddy). I don't own one, though I have sailed on one for an extended trip for several days and have read most of what has been posted here. It seems that most people were able to resolve or at least improve these issues with reasonable effort. Like swapping rigging, it's one of those things that comes up as boats change owners.
There are some places where there are backing plates or wood between the hulls, you may need to cut some access holes if you want to replace jib fairleads and the like, but you may well be able to sail the boat first.
I bet the boat was stored outside for a good part the 30+ years before the current owner moved it indoors. If you don't like that look, the faded hull would need being washed then buffed with a rubbing compound and polished, finally perhaps treated with an acrylic sealer. Or, alternatively painted. But that's something you can do or not do, as you see fit. Some people worry about function only for their boats, and in my experience they are not the worst sailors for that.
Last time I sourced a replacement trailer for a friend we found one for about $300; so if the trailer gets you home, you can do an overhaul and see whether the rust etc. are cosmetic, or spend the money on a replacement. If you plan to tow for any distance, pop the wheels and inspect/repack the bearings. (Also check whether any parts look at all rusted to the point of getting weak, of course, but the bearings you should be able to overhaul right there).
Does this give you the feedback you were looking for? It depends a bit on what you are looking for. If you're not afraid of doing some delayed maintenance and not willing to spend for other people's refurbishment, from what the pictures show it's not a hopeless case. As long as you check for the more serious issues.
~ green ~ lake ~ ~