by Bob Hunkins » Tue Apr 29, 2008 10:19 pm
The DS II has a raised hull liner with considerable airspace in between the hull and the liner. There's also less leg room in the DSII - I feel like my knees are under my chin when I sit in one.
The cuddy is always closed off, and the centerboard is controlled by lines that raise and lower the board. There are no thwarts in the DS II.
The DS I usually has an open cuddy, but with the latter boats, built by Sunfish-Laser and Cape cod Shipbuilding, These boats have a closed off cuddy, like the DS II. The centerboard is always controlled by brass lever. The hull does not have a false bottom, although sometimes there is a foam core or inner hull liner bonded to the inside of the hull. Nearly all DSI's have thwarts, except for some in the 700-900 class number range.
The shape of the DS III hull is different from that of the DS I and DS II. Also the rudder is differently shaped. This is why the DS II was not accepted by the class association as a legal Day Sailer; it's a different hull.
Personally, I think the DS I is the best of the lot.
Bob Hunkins
#11750, "Surprise"
San Leon, Texas