I am looking at a couple of DS1s that are for sale within a few hours’ drive of my home. They are a 1966 O’Day and a 1983 Spindrift. I have not seen either boat in person but in the classified ad photos they appear to be in the condition I would expect of cared for leisure/family boats of their ages. Not bad and not racing trim. The 66 looks to have some blistering on the hull below WL. The 83 appears to have a pretty smooth hull maybe even shiny gelcoat (at least topside). From reading this forum I know a few of the differences between these vintages. But I am starting to confuse myself trying to cross-reference everything I am learning here as I think about these boats…
So I would really appreciate any advice on how to compare them and on important differences of which I may not be aware. I’m not worried about the things that I can gradually fix or change like finish, rigging, 1983 hull stripes, etc. I would really like to hear the forum’s expert advice on things like the pros and cons of wood rack floor vs molded floor above bilge; Oday lever CB vs the line operated(?) 83 CB, general quality of construction, and anything else that I don’t even know to ask about.
Thanks for any thoughts