New Owner Q's

[Cal]

Just picked up #12413, a December (? 84L) 1984 DS2. In addition to a general cleaning and replacing some broken parts, I would like to remove the hull decal stripe that runs long both sides. Any suggestions on the easiest way to do this?

It has a broken spreader, does the HD/Lowes tubing, or hard wood, work or should I just spend the big bucks at DR?

Needs a rudder, I have searched the previous questions and found the dimensions and Bob's plans - has anyone built one? It would be nice to save $500.

Lastly, for now, the seller showed me the two aluminum pieces at the hull CB trunk opening and one has some play. Anything special needed here?

This site was key to finding the boat and convincing me to go with an ODay and not a less well supported type.

Thanks,
Cal

[GreenLake]

The spreader bars don't strike me as too expensive, and even if you can get something else that perhaps works, the total amount of possible savings is limited. If it's only one, and the ones on sale by D&R fit your brackets, I'd go for it.

I haven't done a rudder - haven't had to, but from the looks of it, it's a worthwhile project.

[Cal]

No, a spreader isn't expensive, unless something 1/10th the cost could do the job. Need a mainsail and other parts, nice to save where I can.

Another month or so left in the season, I am caught between wanting to sail now and doing the rudder over the winter.

Started peeling off the side trim, a heat gun would help. Lots of nicks and scratches so the tape keeps breaking off.

Cal

[GreenLake]

Nice that you like the forum. If you click on the search item above, and enter "spreader" you'll see, about three items down, the thread on spreader replacement.

Note how the do-it-yourself spreader apparently wasn't strong enough. Because the consequences of failure could be a damaged mast in the worst case, I'd spend the $16.95 to get a part... just doesn't seem worth the bother and risk to experiment with that particular part.

What's the matter with your rudder? First, it sounded as if you had none, but now it sounds like you could get by and sail first.

[mbowser]

Not sure about the decal removal, my guess is that it is on there pretty good and would be difficult to remove without leaving a trace.

As far as the spreader issue goes, Lowes carries 1/2 round aluminum tubing in 3 foot lengths for about $7. It is easy to cut them to size and drill the necessary holes. I had to do this over the weekend when the mast got away from me while stepping at the launch .

They are not too durable though and I am probably going to spring for the 'Heavy Duty' spreaders at DR Marine for $16. I hope that they hold up better than the round tubing from Lowes, but I think I will keep a backup in the boat just in case.

Either way, compared to my 35 foot Alberg, everything on this boat is soooo inexpensive.

[Cal]

Yes, I have been searching on stay, spreader, and other parts I need to work on. Seemed as if I had seen a lot of comments on using generic tubing but not many results.

Got the boat at a discount because it had some damage and both rudder and main were missing. Ordering parts from DR, just debating the $485 rudder and immediate sailing gratification for month versus an interesting winter project. Likewise, saw the comments about building a rudder but none on the experience or the results.

Thanks for the help.

Cal

[seandwyer]

Wish I could offer some advice on the rudder - but I can't.

I can however chime in on the spreader. I'm sure the material Lowes is selling is the same stuff that I bought at HD. The wall thickness is a little heavier and it's easy to cut and drill. However - I wouldn't reccomend using it! I did and after making two of them (for the same side) I'm convinced that the stuff is garbage. You really need to get something i a better alloy which is what D&R means by heavy duty. It's lighter, but much stronger. I purchased some of the same material at a local sailing store, cut and drilled to fit and have had no trouble since. The time and agravation of using the HD/Lowes stuff isn't worth it.

If anyone knows what the alloy is, perhaps they can post here - then just look locally for half inch in the same alloy and you will probably be able to buy enough to make three spreaders for the price of one.

Good luck!

[Cal]

Talked it over with Rudy and went with the heavy duty spreaders, that ought to help kick start the economy.

He suggested buying just the rudder head and build my own blade and tiller. Sounded good to me and the credit card didn't groan too much.

I my be out on the water sooner than expected, probably means the weather is about to change.

Now to see if the CB works.

Cal

[s1120]

To get that stripe off, a heat gun would do the trick. Go easy on it, you dont want to burn the hull. I used a heat gun, and a small scraper to get the lettering off of my transom. No scraches, but if that does not work for you, they make plastic "razor blades" just for that use. You should be able to find them at amy place that sells autobody supplys.

[Cal]

I have put the tape removal off to next summer, weather turning cool and not helping. Boat is in Maine and my heat gun is in Texas. I have been using a sharp chisel that has worked well without dinging the hull. With all the nicks in the tape I am lucky to peel an inch or so before it breaks again.

Rigging arrived yesterday from DR, another good job by Rudy. A visitor offered to loan me a main and may have a tiller in their barn.

I could always pretend I am a Viking and use a steering oar

Cal

[Peterw11]

Cal:

Applying heat always makes an easier job of removing those self adhesive applique stripes. If you don't have your heat gun handy, maybe you can rent one locally.

Or get hold of a hand held hair dryer. They can usually do the job, as well.

A lot better than the scrape and peel method.

Hope you can get on the water before the snow flies. Given how we've gone from "barely summer" to "instant autumn" over the past week or so, if appears that may happen sooner than later.

[Cal]

Thanks Peter, that is a great idea. I am too cheap to rent a heat gun when I can bring mine next spring, but I might be able to adapt my wife's curler to do the job.

Cal

[etonline]

I think the alloy would be 6061T aluminum. It is a tempered aluminum and harder than most.

For decal removal they sell an eraser at the auto body stores. It chucks in a drill and it is like a rubber wheel. Kinda pricey though.