o'day daysailer III

[rugosa]

Our 1st boat was a DS, drysailed on Lake Ontario, launching it with a fork lift & 3 section lift made from 1/8" lifeline with Wichard shackles connected on chain plates. Included 2 young sons and our Airedale. A fun and easy boat to sail. One knock down, on a day we should have stayed home, but managed to scramble and avoid overturn. Great choice to start out, and a whole lot more fun than bigger boats. It's like a '59 MG compared to a family truckster.

[scm2]

I've owned a DS3 since 1986 and have enjoyed it a lot. We also sail on the Chesapeake, and have only been close to a knockdown once -- also on a day we just shouldn't have gone out. I should probably replace the centerboard lines; They're still original. I've replaced all the other lines, but the standing rigging is still original too. Very forgiving boat, with a cockpit big enough for four. If I could change one thing, it'd be to make it a little easier to furl the sails when the wind gets much above 15 kts. But anywhere between 10-15 kts, and it's a whole lot of fun!

[jkemp101]

Should be a great experience. I learned on a DS1 on the Rhode/West rivers. I believe the DS2 and 3 have self bailing cockpits which is a big advantage over the DS1. I was always a little concerned of capsizing and needing a tow to the closest beach bail it out.

I mostly singlehanded it. So, I added a jib downhaul so I could easily douse the jib without leaving the cockpit. Everything else was already run to the cockpit. I also added a Holt Allen Nylon Jam Cleat to the tiller with a piece of 3/8" shock chord between the stern cleats to make a simple/cheap tiller tamer.

It was also easy to drysail so it was inexpensive to keep it at a marina. I quickly learned that stepping the mast was not going to be fun each time I wanted to go out. You may have a tabernacle...

[Waltthesalt]

This was the best all-around first family boat when I was growing up. Great boat to take a family out for a day-sail; trailable; stable; can put an outboard on the back; I think it has a raised cockpit floor that's a flotation tank; jib is easy to handle; cuddy to stuff dry like your picnic lunch, clothes.

[Cruiser2B]

Originally Posted by CalebD

I've sailed on a DS I or II. I'd agree that the DS is not so prone to capsizing; especially if the person at the helm has a hand on the main sheet, ready to let it out if a strong gust comes.
I'll also agree that the DS is a nearly ideal platform for learning how to sail.
The DS III cuddy cabin shown in Denise's video almost looks big enough to squirm into for the night, if you are not too opulent.

I learned on a daysailor II, great boat and I tried to tip it(young and dumb) and couldn't do it, it would round up first. A very good learners boat, put some reef points in the main sail and I think it would make a great bay boat. Good luck

[tweitz]

I had a DS and its a great boat to really learn how to sail. Lots of fun.

[Hookinup]

Many thanks to all who replied i think im going to take the plunge and pick this up. I have wanted to learn for a while and talk myself into waiting another year. It may be a few weeks ill probably post pictures and have a few more questions!