Hello,
In response to a post I made elsewhere (excerpted below) GreenLake suggested I start a new thread to see if anyone has compiled design changes for DSII as has been done for DSI. My questions stems from the following observation.
The drawing on the cover of Roger Conrad's DSII Manual (as well as drawing 6.4 Rudder Head Assembly) shows a different rudder-tiller configuration than I have on my boat, built March 1983 (HIN: XDY 12250 M83). Based on the descriptions and images at D&R Marine, I'm guessing that mine — with the tiller passing through a black metal rudder head — is a newer version. It looks similar to what D&R Marine is selling for DS II & III (for DSII 1983 and up).
It appears that this change was made towards the end of 1982. This is not one of the differences Roger lists on page 4 of his book.
GL suggests that I first try to establish if what I have is a factory original, so that is my first question.
Beyond that I wonder if there are any other differences between what Roger has documented and what was being turned out in 1983. : )
FYI, D&R sells this for DS I & II (1959 to 1982 - 1/2).