Dart 15 Forums

Kristian Davies wrote:

Hello once again
I've seen a Dart 15 sprint sail number 11??. The only thing I can see wrong with it (apart from it needing a good scub)is that one of the toeloops has broken. How hard are they to fix? Also, are Dart 15s meant to have another two toeloops further back (making four in all). The one I've seen looks as if its only ever had the foward two.
Thanks in advance
I will get one before long
Kristian

Keith in Hong Kong replied:

Repairs......yep...Laser centre will flog you the tube, rivets and plastic plate for one arm, one leg and a left ear (left or right arms/legs are fine).

Alternatively, assuming you still ahve the plate you need two long rivets (about 3.5 mm dia I think) and some fibre reinforced hosepipe of the appropriate diameter.

Most 15.s have two per side. Mines set up with the aft one half way between the transom and the rear beam box, and the forward one about half way between shroud plate and rear beam box. That was just worked off a few stock boats in the dinghy park, so other guys might prefer different.....works for me though. I also use a Dart 18 style restraint line, though this may not be within the rules.

I often sail alone on the open sea with no rescue boats and no other boats around, so a trip around the forestay is to be avoided, rules or no rules!

So get it bought then...mines 1073...built in 85, if that gives you any clues to it's age.

Keith

Bob replied:

Hi Kristian. As Keith says the toe loops are very easy to replace. You just need a good rivet gun plus the replacement bits from the Laser Centre. Look for more important stuff (eg Sail condition, tramp condition, rudder mechanism, etc)
Boats with sail number of about 1100 are about 1986/1987 vintage.
Cheers
Bob Carter