Refurbishing 1971 Daysailer

[Char Bentley]

Looking for information regarding original equipment(block & tackle, etc.) as well as advice on installing optimal equipment on my daysailer. I have modified my daysailer by cutting the mast and installing it in the hull so as to create a "keel-stepped" mast, thus shortening the part above the deck for the purpose of single-handed installation. Any advice or information welcome. Thanks, Char

[justin - o'day owners' web]

Char, The daysailer is a great boat for single handed sailing and can easily be set up by one person, though as you've discovered raising the mast can get a bit hairy. I would be careful as to making drastic modifications, however, as the DS was pretty well thought out and there is usually a user friendly way to accomplish anything you need to do.How much of the mast have you cut? Does the mainsail still fit on it? How about your wires? Have you redone them to fit the new, shorter mast? Is the gooseneck sufficiently above the deck to allow the boom to swing? The first step in upgrading any older vehicle is to restore it as close as possible to original to ensure that everything is working as its is supposed to. Before you start upgrading, what stage are you at?justin - o'day owners' web

[Char Bentley]

Justin,The mast is exactly the same height as before, it's just that the bottom portion as been permanently installed through the deck to the interior hull bottom. When the "shorter" mast is stepped on the deck, with much less difficulty mind you, the height is the same. The boat has no hardware at this time. I am making new mahogany decks and coaming, and finishing up the no-skid painting. I need to add hardware-some of the removed hardware was not original- and would like info on original pieces. Racing is an option. This is a slow-going project. Any info. welcome.Thanks, Char