Typhoon Daysailer vs. Weekender Questions

[Jim]

I am well familiar with the Weekender but not the Daysailer. I realize that the Daysailer does not have a self-bailing cockpit and has the mast stepped through the cabin to the keel. The Daysailer also has a much larger cockpit than the Weekender. With more teak on the Daysailer it is understandable that maintenance would be greater. Are there any specific advantages of the Daysailer over the Weekender besides the larger cockpit? Is it difficult to step the mast on the Daysailer since the mast is stepped to the keel, i.e., does this process involve the use of a small crane with sling to hold and position the mast or can it be done as easily and safely as with the Weekender? Do any Daysailer owners install a bilge pump and/or boom tent while on the mooring ? Are the sailing characteristics of each model the same?



atea@att.net

[Hobbster]

Jim:

Cape Dory also made another model of the daysailer. This one has no cabin. A seat/storage locker is in front of the mast. Not many were made as far as I can tell. I have 2 of them. They are wonderful boats. I am installing a bildge pump in them as this is needed. I have been slowly rebuilding one of them and have it about 70% complete. I have steped the mast on both of them with no problem. The mast step is on the cockpit deck.

Glen



glen@hobbymarine.com

[Mark Barth]

I agree with Glen's comments. I also have one of the completely open daysailers -- only thirty-some made I am told. I have contemplated a boom tent and my boat already is fitted with bronze hooks around the outside of the coaming to accept the eyes on the bottom edge of a boom tent. Rainwater accumulation in the bilge is annoying. Also, the coamings on the completely open models are fiberglass, not teak, (with molded in winch pads) so you can sit atop the combing -- not a comfortable option with the usual teak coaming. Seats, toe rails, taffrail, and other trim are teak. Mast goes up with two persons (one to hoist mast and one to affix forestay) with no problem -- never tried it alone. Cockpit is huge, but storage quite limited. There were some pics of this model daysailer on this board a few months ago. A search would probably turn them up.

[matt]

Jim, I have one of each of the daysailer models. Really would be hard to pick between them. Each has a mooring cover so rainwater in the bilge is really not a problem. Sailing, I much prefer them over the Weekenders in that you sit much lower in the boat with high backrests. More comfortable and and a greater feeling of security when your out there in 20+ knots of wind. Storage is limited in both models. I posted a message some time ago with a link to pictures of both and another one that I saw on Hilton Head. I don't remember the link but a search will probably turn up. If not, let me know and I will send the link when I get home on Monday. PS. Had a perfect day of sailing the cockpit model on Lake Keowee, SC. today.



morkins@cinci.rr.com

[Chris Bell]

I am well familiar with the Weekender but not the Daysailer. I realize that the Daysailer does not have a self-bailing cockpit and has the mast stepped through the cabin to the keel. The Daysailer also has a much larger cockpit than the Weekender. With more teak on the Daysailer it is understandable that maintenance would be greater. Are there any specific advantages of the Daysailer over the Weekender besides the larger cockpit? Is it difficult to step the mast on the Daysailer since the mast is stepped to the keel, i.e., does this process involve the use of a small crane with sling to hold and position the mast or can it be done as easily and safely as with the Weekender? Do any Daysailer owners install a bilge pump and/or boom tent while on the mooring ? Are the sailing characteristics of each model the same?

I have an '81 dayailor w/ the cuddy. when i bought it I had a choice between this and a weekender. the daysailor was in great shape and the weekender was so so, and 4-5 yrs older. they were priced the same, so the choice was clear to me. I also have a Yamaha 30 w/ plenty of accomodation so if I want to go somewhere and sleep aboard, that's the boat for it.
The daysailor is really a terrific little boat. a grp 24 or 27 battery w/ a little USF floppy solar charger is all you need to power a bilge pump(and lights, and a radio), and I've installed a hi spec hand pump, too.
face it, most boats are daysailed, incl the big gold platers. the only serious advantage the weekender has is you can put a portapotti below and the ladies can have their privacy.
as far as rigging it, it's actually very easy to do alone, and I'm 51, and no bodybuilder.
Chris



rchrisbell@hotmail.com

[Jeffrey Clark]

After sailing both the weekender and cuddy daysailor I opted for the daysailor. The cockpit is very much more comfortable and it has a masthead rig allowing a bit more sail area. I like the cuddy for the little extra shelter it gives going upwind and for a place to hang lines, lifejackets, etc.

Last week I removed the mast by sitting on the roof of a boathouse and lifting it out. Chris, I am curious as to what your procedure is.

Jeff



jclark@weemsva.com