Hi, I've been lurking on this forum for about 2 years and finally registered. I find this to be a very informative site.
I have a 1976 DS2 I bought about 2-1/2 years ago (sail #8075, HIN XDYD8075M76G). Boat is in pretty good shape, but I haven't taken it out much. When I bought the boat it came with a good running 1940 model 2hp Evinrude motor for an auxillary. Boat's name is Ranger.
The first time I took it out I found all the things I missed in my original inspection of the boat. For instance, I never thought someone would sew all the batten sleeves closed, so I didn't look for that. Couldn't put the battens in. Sails are now replaced. A few other things have been upgraded as well.
My sailing background is that I learned to sail in 1969 on my dad's O'Day
Mariner 2+2. Dad had started sailing National One designs in the late 30's, good teacher. In college I raced it in a mixed fleet, always the most handicapped (and smallest) boat in the fleet. Didn't win anything, but learned alot and had a lot of fun. got away from sailing for about 20 years while I was riding horses in historic re-enactments. Knees are bad, can't ride anymore, time to get back into sailing. I also have a little Beetle Boat Swan catboat (made in the early 50's) that was given to me.
John