Spindrift Hull Number

[mkwmson]

I just purchased a Spindrift One Design DS1. The guy who sold it to me said it was a 1981. The Hull Number Index on this site says that Spindrift only made them from 82-85 with hull numbers from 11569 to 11920. My hull number is 11469. Does this mean that it may actually be a 1981 model or could the Hull Number Index be incorrect? I am very sure that it is a Spindrift model since my boat still has the original decals with Spindrift One Design on it and the original Spindrift Sails, as well as the owner's manual.

Not that it matters a whole lot, but I would like to confirm the model year.

[persephone]

Welcome to the DS world.
As I did not have anything to do with the compiling of the index I'm just guessing, but here it is.
I think the index was put together with the best and most thorough information available. However, there are boats that exist outside the dates and or serial number ranges listed in the index. My DS 1 for example is # 6872, production date 10/73. I'm still unsure if it is a late O'Day or an early Can-Am.
The serial numbers on the boats do seem to fall into line (in other words numerical=chronological) from everything I have heard or seen.
Obviously you are sure of the spindrift part. Any chance the hull number is incorrect? If not then you also have a boat that falls outside the known production runs.
Personally, I enjoy being an anomaly.
What are your plans for your new boat? What is it's condition?

[mkwmson]

Thanks for the information, I was just wondering. Anyway, I picked up the boat yesterday and spent the better part of today taking inventory of what parts I have and don't have. I am new to the sailing world (am in the process of taking lessons at a local lake), but I believe the boat is in excellent shape with original paint (orange), decals, and sails that look as if they have never been used. I have stepped the mast, attached the forestay, shrouds, and connected the boom. I am currently trying to read as much as I can to figure out how to run the running riggings. I believe I should replace the both halyards since they are old & green with mildew. In fact most of the running lines are missing or in bad shape, but once I figure how & where they go, it should be easy (I think). Overall, I am excited to get it on the water. By the way, do I need to go to a marine store or order online from a marine store for halyards/sheets or can I get a high quality line from a hardware store? Thanks again.

[persephone]

Congrats on the find. As to places to get supplies I find it best to be very selective, as a failure can have dire consequences. Hardware store line would be ok for low tension or non-critical lines. Try to find out the load rating of any line you want to buy. For halyards I would buy it from a marine specialty shop. Online I use Jamestown distributors, D&R Marine and Mauri pro-sailing. Westmarine is usually more expensive than everybody else. And the goods are usually the same. Hardware (nuts, bolts screws etc...) can be purchased at the local hardware store. Just be mindful of any differences.
The running rigging can be set up in many different ways. Most owners eventually customize it to meet their likes and needs.

[Bob Hunkins]

Hi there. I've got a spindrift boat also.

The hull index could very well be incorrect. It was based on what information the DSA was able to gather from boats owned by fleet members. If you have any information that will help us upfate it, please send it to me.

You should be able to determine the year of manufacture from the Hull Identification Number imprinted in the starboard transom.
The number probably begins with "RRR11469..."
the RRR means Rebel industries/Spindrift - Rebel moved to Florida from Michigan and later renamed themselves Spindrift... the next set of numbers is your hull number. Somewhere after that there ought to be a number in the 80's that's the year it was built.

If you still can't figure out when it was built, post your HIN and we'll try to decode it...

As to lines, you could try washing the lines. If they look lke they are fraying, then replace them. I wouldn't skimp on lines, they are a pretty important part of the boat.

good luck, hope you enjoy your boat!

[GreenLake]

Halyards should be of low-stretch material. That's difficult to source from anywhere but a marine distributor.

Sheets might be another story. They are usually oversized so that they are easier to grip, which means that breaking strength is not at all critical, and neither would be stretchiness (the material being so thick that the forces to stretch it would be higher than the loads you'd put on it).

As long as it runs easily through the blocks and is comfortable to grip.

For nuts and bolts it depends a bit where you sail. If you ever paln to sail in salt water, getting a marine grade of stainless steel is critical (#316). H/W stores can let you down - unless you happen to have access to a well-stocked one with plenty of marine customers. A previous owner put some fasteners on my boat that are rusting out and have proven utterly resistant to drilling - which is an annoyance worth avoiding...

[mkwmson]

Thanks to all of you who have helped with info, I haven't had a lot of time today to respond with Easter and all. For those that are interested, I have rechecked my HIN and found it to be RRR11469M811, so I guess I have a 1981 vintage Spindrift DS1.

Daysailer.org and this forum are great resources, not to mention very interesting reading. I am sure I will become a frequent reader and participant.

Thanks again.