Identify Vintage and Type of Sunfish Boat & advice

Cai

Member
Hi all,

After seven years not being able to Sail, I'm going to start again with my beloved hobby Sailing a Sunfish. I found a Sunfish boat from a friend who got it from his neighbor who moved but he never uses it because he prefers motor boats. So sadly enough he does not know much about it. He is trying to reach the guy to figure this out for me but still waiting for response.

I made some fast pictures (the one on the far right), but realized they won't be telling you much perhaps. I'll try to make some more pictures later but perhaps as experts here on Sunfish boats you can already give me an indication.
IMG-20130224-01314.jpgIMG-20130224-01313.jpgIMG-20130224-01312.jpg

I believe (if i remember well the backside had this on it). But not 100% sure.
backside.gif

I tried looking for a serial number but was not able to find one except a sticker in the cockpit. Perhaps I'm looking at the wrong spot. Would be nice to see a picture of the boat with the places where the serial number perhaps could be. Next time I can take a look at the boat I might be able to find it.

I've been reading lots of tips on buying a 2nd hand Sunfish boat, but if you have some additional tips for me I would like to know. The boat weights 134 pounds (probably a little less because of the stuff and as you can see in it). I was thinking about buying the boat and fix it (if needed) and buy the rest of the stuff at a store new.

Thx ahead!
 
The boat on the far right is indeed a 1990's or newer Sunfish. The hull number should be located in the upper right corner of the transom. If there are no holes in the hull than that is a good start. Check the mast step area by filling it with water. If the water drains, there is a hole. If not, then the tube is good. If you were to buy the parts from a Sunfish store you will be out a lot of money. I would look for used parts locally. You can even get some new parts for less money from www.intensitysails.com. I also have some parts available such as used sails, new sail rings, new bow handles, new masts and booms. I can be reached at sailcraftri@outlook-dot-com. I am in Rhode Island but can ship some of these parts (not masts or booms).
 
look through this site: http://www.windline.net/how_to.htm

from my personal experience with used sunfish, if it doesn't come with rudder, dagger, mast and booms, keep looking for one that does...

Hi tybee,

First thank you for the fast response. You are right to state it is better to buy a ready to sail sunfish then only the boat and then buy the rest of the stuff. I forgot to mention that I am from Curacao. So finding a Sunfish 2nd hand is not very easy. Many people tend to keep it with them or are reluctant to sell it. Wish I was living in a market like the States, but here I am very depended on what is available. Often they do not have what we need or we can get it but it will take ages to get it.

Sadly on a small Island it is hard to get 2nd hand Sunfish boats. I already put up advertisements etc. but until now I have not gotten any response. I also asked the price for a brand new one which is 7800 dollar excluding tax. I asked the shop also indication for all the parts I will be needing. They told me roughly it would cost me 2500 dollar.

Up and until now my only option seems to be buying the 2nd hand boat and the parts separate.

Thx again for your input.
 
The boat on the far right is indeed a 1990's or newer Sunfish. The hull number should be located in the upper right corner of the transom. If there are no holes in the hull than that is a good start. Check the mast step area by filling it with water. If the water drains, there is a hole. If not, then the tube is good. If you were to buy the parts from a Sunfish store you will be out a lot of money. I would look for used parts locally. You can even get some new parts for less money from www.intensitysails.com. I also have some parts available such as used sails, new sail rings, new bow handles, new masts and booms. I can be reached at sailcraftri@outlook-dot-com. I am in Rhode Island but can ship some of these parts (not masts or booms).

Hi sailcraftri,

Also thank you for the fast response. Sound like a good year for a sunfish. Can you tell me how you determined this, since I am trying to learn what to watch for? I will be looking for the hull number at specified place. Except for a fixed spot (see left side top of boat in picture, from boat perspective it would be right top side) there are no holes in the hull or on boat. However the "Bow Handle" seems to be missing and the "Bailer" seems to be damaged at the bottom (little of the plastic on left top missing). The tip about the mast I find very interesting, which I will test along with the looking for hull number.

Indeed at the store it will cost me a lot of money. They told me about 2500 dollar roughly. As you can read from my previous post I am from Curacao. So getting the parts from the States unless small will be pretty expensive I guess.

Thank you for your indication and help.
 
It was in 1989 that the Sunfish switched to a rolled deck edge which this boat has. If you find the number on the transom the last two numbers would indicate the year it was built. The clam shell part of the bailer is broken. Can be used as is just keep the plug in and carry a cut off laundry bottle to bail out. Or Intensity sells a new complete bailer for around $40. Perhaps these small parts and new sail ($120) can be purchased and shipped to you. You will then just have to find a mast and booms.

The 2011 Sunfish Worlds were held in Curacao so I am surprised there aren't more parts available (used) there. I have new bow handles, etc. I'll see perhaps FedEx has delivery to you that is not too expensive. I could just about outfit your boat less the spars and see what it would cost to ship. I have a race sail, sail rings, bow handle, daggerboard, rudder assembly and ropes.
 
I checked and a 25 lb package FedEx is about $300. With shipping the parts I mentioned would be about $1100-$1300. Less for a non class legal sail, more for a class legal race sail. I have both.
 
I made some fast pictures (the one on the far right), but realized they won't be telling you much perhaps. I'll try to make some more pictures later but perhaps as experts here on Sunfish boats you can already give me an indication.
View attachment 10941View attachment 10942View attachment 10943

I believe (if i remember well the backside had this on it). But not 100% sure.
View attachment 10944

Thx ahead!

Based on the sticker, the hull is pre 1996 (the year that the Intern Yacht Racing U changed its name to ISAF)

I agree with sailcraftri that Curacao has a lot of Sunfish activity; you should be able to tap into the local wisdom around the club at the Spaanse Water. But as he wrote, the info on the transom should tell you what year the hull was made.
 
Wauw loads of good information and tips I get here. I'm not really an expert on parts and names yet, but everyday I am learning new things. I used to sail only but now it's taking a new dimension.

Thank you all for the support. Bailer seems to be cheap indeed. Sounds very interesting the offer sailcraftri. I will take a closer look at this option once I know the boat is OK., however I don't have much experience with importing good to Curacao. I believe the levy 10.5% but not sure about that, stuff to figure out. Also using alternative address in states who ships it to me would be an alternative. Nice to know there are so many good alternatives.

You are correct to state the Word Championship was held on Curacao with Sunfish. They are still trying to sell Sunfish from that period at www.caribbeannautical.com . But the price is a bit to steep for me. These are also the only place where i can get new Sunfish parts. 2nd hand parts of sunfish online or from people I have not been searching yet.

@Wavedancer
Thx for your information. Already asking around and putting advertisements. Also called the chairmen for sunfish to send my advertisement and ask around.
 
If it were me, I would take a different approach.

First, I would actually join the CSSA, right now. Apparently they have an e-mailing list for circulating communications among members. I would contact the club (see pdf link below); send in my dues; be patient and read some posts and get the tone of things (as with any forum); introduce yourself as a new member and ask for some advice; show up at the next regatta (again, see pdf file) on I believe March 17 and observe - or better yet, volunteer to help the race committee for the event; make a good impression there (again if it were me I'd bring along a cooler of beer on ice); in general, be nice and inquisitive but not pushy.

Now I don't know that particular group, but I do know plenty of Sunfish sailors - and if this approach doesn't get you out sailing Sunfish regularly on a shoestring budget, nothing will. These folks always know someone with a boat that isn't being used any more -- or they maybe have an extra one (or three) of their own. And in any event they'll make sure you don't get ripped off (if you end up spending much of anything at all) or somehow get a lemon.

http://sunfishclass.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Curaco-race-calendar2013.pdf
 
If it were me, I would take a different approach.

First, I would actually join the CSSA, right now. Apparently they have an e-mailing list for circulating communications among members. I would contact the club (see pdf link below); send in my dues; be patient and read some posts and get the tone of things (as with any forum); introduce yourself as a new member and ask for some advice; show up at the next regatta (again, see pdf file) on I believe March 17 and observe - or better yet, volunteer to help the race committee for the event; make a good impression there (again if it were me I'd bring along a cooler of beer on ice); in general, be nice and inquisitive but not pushy.

Now I don't know that particular group, but I do know plenty of Sunfish sailors - and if this approach doesn't get you out sailing Sunfish regularly on a shoestring budget, nothing will. These folks always know someone with a boat that isn't being used any more -- or they maybe have an extra one (or three) of their own. And in any event they'll make sure you don't get ripped off (if you end up spending much of anything at all) or somehow get a lemon.

http://sunfishclass.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Curaco-race-calendar2013.pdf


Hi minifish2,

Eventually I will probably join the CSSA (website is unclear how though) and volunteer. I also understood from Alex Roose there is an e-mailing list for circulating communication among members. Been talking to people already who give lessons, clubs and members. Curacao is a small island where people know each other in some kind of way. Right now I am offered a sunfish boat from a good friend who I can trust. Sadly until now that is the only option. Meanwhile I am hoping for a ready for sail Sunfish. If this takes to long and the boat is OK I'll be going for the boat only option. I don't think I want to wait for months to get a boat unless I really have no other option. I know Rome wasn't build in a day, but I can sure as hell try ;) Sorry if I sound stubborn, but don't worry I will definitely take your advice in consideration. I've been reading on the forum for a while now to know that my option also can take time.

I love the expression of getting a lemon. Most people until now are very friendly. I think I'll eventually get there, especially with this kind of help :)

Thanks for your input as well.
 
Question/request
I continue to ask many questions here. Hope I don't bother you all too much with this. I'm really anxious to start sailing again as you might have noticed. As you know I only have a boat but not the rest of the stuff. In order to make the boat complete I will be needing lots of stuff. I already went to a store, but I know the list is very incomplete. Can anybody help me to make a list of things I really need to sail. Also the amount could be important like: how many sail sings do I need?

Race
First question of course if would like to Race or not is YES, but depends on price. This would mean perhaps (I don't know like experts like you do) I will be needing 2 lists. One for Race and other for Standard. I would appreciate your help.

Update
Just for your information. I recently got a guy who is looking for a Sunfish sail ready for me, but he cannot promise anything so I continue my basic steps for my own boat. Today I will also try to take a closer look at the boat if I get a chance.

Store
I already went once to the store, but I know lots of things are missing. Just for an indication ending with the price in dollar:
LAP 89413 SF Lower Boom RACE (they did not have the normal one) - 280
LAP 89415 SF Upper Boom - 160
LAP 89023 Mast Sunfish - 200
LP 94302 Sail Machinaw - 510
LAP 85122 Rudder Blade FRP - 303
LAP 85126 SF Rudder Cheek Assembly - 92
LAP 85210 SF Tiller with 36" ext 280

This is all excluding 6% Tax

Perhaps importing would be cheaper but that would be the next step to figure out.

Thank you ahead for the trouble.
 
Anybody?

Also figured out the boat is from 1991. Only thing in need of fixing is the bailer.
 
We have been trying to tell you that you should get help from the Curacao Sunfish group. There's a good chance you will be able to get some of the missing items second hand by talking to them (and way less expensive since you wouldn't have to pay for shipping).

By the way, in the long run you will need a racing sail to be competitive. For the time being, I would go with the Intensity version which is less expensive and fine for training.
 
We have been trying to tell you that you should get help from the Curacao Sunfish group. There's a good chance you will be able to get some of the missing items second hand by talking to them (and way less expensive since you wouldn't have to pay for shipping).

By the way, in the long run you will need a racing sail to be competitive. For the time being, I would go with the Intensity version which is less expensive and fine for training.


I did as such, I got offered boats with parts not parts only. Most of them tell the part is expensive not the boat, and they rather sell the entire boat with parts, which in my view would be normal. Buying new ones is expensive indeed, yet some of the people told me better buy the parts new then 2nd hand and use the boat I have. It will also take quite some time. Everybody seems to have a different opinion of course and they were all nice and friendly and willing to help. Getting a a 2nd hand ready to sail boat 2nd hand with not too much damage will cost me about 2800 dollars which would cost me just as much as getting the parts brand new.

Racing is not my priority now indeed. Getting a ready to sail Sunfish is. Rather it is a racing boat or not I do not care as much unless I actually have a choice.
 
Well I did some research and created my own list. Perhaps somebody can tell me if I'm missing something or correct me on the things that I might have incorrect in my list. I would appreciate any remarks or tips. Thank you for the trouble.

Boat parts (in need of replacement)
1. Drain plug (lost)
2. Bailer complete (broken)
3. Hiking strap (too old and torn)

Additional parts (must have)
4. Complete mast (assume caps are included)
5. (Quick adjust) Gooseneck
6. Complete Lower Boom with single bullet blocks
- Prefer boom set
- Assume interlocking eyebolds are on it
7. Complete Upperboom
- Prefer boom set
8. Sail (race (white) or recreational (red and white - i hate green ;) )
9. Main sheet swivel block (already have one but not sure it is still ok)
10. Rudderblade complete with tiller
11. Daggerboard complete
12. Sail Rings (assume 30 pack the amount needed and some extra if possible)
13. All the lines (line kit)
- Sunfish Standard Halyard
- Sunfish Outhaul Line
- Sunfish Standard Mainsheet Line
- Sunfish Daggerboard Retaining Line Kit (assuming bummel hook included)
- Sunfish Daggerboard Safety Line
14. Mainsheet Snap or Removable Traveler Block

Optional
15. Bow handle (needs to be fixed if possible)
 
Hi Cai,

I have family who live in Curacao and they travel to Florida all the time for vacation or even medical treatment. If you could find someone who's planning to head to the US maybe they could pick up some of the smaller items for you used. I'm not sure how you're going to get a used mast or boom though. That's going to be tough.
 
Hi Cai,

I have family who live in Curacao and they travel to Florida all the time for vacation or even medical treatment. If you could find someone who's planning to head to the US maybe they could pick up some of the smaller items for you used. I'm not sure how you're going to get a used mast or boom though. That's going to be tough.

Hi Danpal,

Thx for your support and suggestions. I also was thinking about this. Only thing is I have no experience in buying 2nd hand parts in the States. Would not know where to start. My grandfather also ships items from different places of the world. Perhaps I can buy the parts new and let him import it for me. And I know a lot of people who go to the States and are possibly able to help me for the smaller parts. Today Already looking online for good stores en options. Buying smaller items in States could save me a lot of money indeed. The boat parts could be easily be traveled with for instance.

Let me see a list of things that could be taken with somebody in suitcase:
1. Drain plug (lost)
2. Bailer complete (broken)
3. Hiking strap (too old and torn)
4. Main sheet swivel block
5. Sail Rings (assume 30 pack the amount needed and some extra if possible)
6. All the lines (line kit)
7. Mainsheet Snap or Removable Traveler Block
8. Bow handle (needs to be fixed if possible)

Not sure (because it might be included to the lowerboom)
9. (Quick adjust) Gooseneck

The rest of the stuff would be too big I think.
 
Regarding the list you posted (message 17), you don't really need item 14 because you can tie the sheet to the traveler with a bowline. Many racers do that.

You will also need a tiller extension (and matching universal); very necessary around windy Curacao.
 
Regarding the list you posted (message 17), you don't really need item 14 because you can tie the sheet to the traveler with a bowline. Many racers do that.

You will also need a tiller extension (and matching universal); very necessary around windy Curacao.

Thank you Wavedancer. I was not very clear indeed with "10. Rudderblade complete with tiller", thanks you for the correction, and probably saving me some money with item 14. Looks like quite a complete list now. Curacao is indeed windy in this time of the year. But of course "Waaigat" is always windy.

Updated list:

Boat parts (in need of replacement)
1. Drain plug (lost)
2. Bailer complete (broken)
3. Hiking strap (too old and torn)

Additional parts (must have)
4. Complete mast (assume caps are included)
5. (Quick adjust) Gooseneck
6. Complete Lower Boom with single bullet blocks
- Prefer boom set
- Assume interlocking eyebolds are on it
7. Complete Upperboom
- Prefer boom set
8. Sail (race (white) or recreational (red and white - i hate green ;) )
9. Main sheet swivel block (already have one but not sure it is still ok)
10. Rudderblade complete with tiller and tiller extension
11. Daggerboard complete
12. Sail Rings (assume 30 pack the amount needed and some extra if possible)
13. All the lines (line kit)
- Sunfish Standard Halyard
- Sunfish Outhaul Line
- Sunfish Standard Mainsheet Line
- Sunfish Daggerboard Retaining Line Kit (assuming bummel hook included)
- Sunfish Daggerboard Safety Line

Optional
14. Mainsheet Snap or Removable Traveler Block
15. Bow handle (needs to be fixed if possible)
 
I had a look at a sunfish that was offered to me including trailer (not dolly which I think is very handy making it possible for me to sail everywhere) and race model sunfish with covers, fiber daggerboard and rudder and everything. Was wondering if anybody can indicate to me if a price of around 2800 dollar is ok. I have no idea how much a trailer normally would cost. The boat was in a good condition only thing is saw was that the mast hole was nicely fixed once and that the I believe the connection point around the "Eye strap" where the main sheet swivel block is connected to seemed had some use and very small cracks were visible. Seems that most of the strain was there. The front of the boat was little (lightly damaged) because they told me of anchoring the boat. For the rest I could not discover any real flaws on the boat. The sail, mast, upper and lowerboom looked ok. The cleat on the mast was a little loose but not anything badly. The rudder was complete and the tiller was made of wood and tiller extension (if i remember correctly) of plastic.
 
Very important:
You need to weigh the hull to see if it has taken on water internally, especially because the boat has been anchored. Acceptable weights range from about 120 to 140 lbs, IMHO.
 
Very important:
You need to weigh the hull to see if it has taken on water internally, especially because the boat has been anchored. Acceptable weights range from about 120 to 140 lbs, IMHO.
You are correct, forgot to mention the weight was within the acceptable weight range 129 lbs, but it just rained like hell on the boat. Handy thing was I also checked if the height of the water in the mast hole went down or not to see if it was leaking. Also this was ok.
 

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