Saddlesores

stricd

New Member
I just got a Sunfish last week and have had a blast learning to sail it. However, my 49 year old butt is SORE from sitting on the hard surface. Actually brought a gardening knee pad with me on one trip, but lost it to the wind. Anybody else have this problem? It won't stop me from going again, but it would be nice to be more comfortable.
 
Your affliction is also known as 'rail tail'. More common on the older Sunfish with the aluminum trim.
Hiking pants with suitable padding will (largely) prevent that problem.
In the meantime, do get better before the soreness turns to blisters....
 
Blisters! Yikes - thanks for the warning. So, after reading this I ordered a pair of Breaker shorts with the "fender fanny" - worth it at this point. And yes, it was a good week!
 
For me the problem is only really noticable the first time or two sailing in a season. Maybe my rear is numb by that point.
 
My butt is 73 years old and I use the Sailing Angles shorts with the "fanny fender." Any similar product will do the same.
I noticed this year that a bathing suit does not prevent a lot of slipping on the deck. Stick to the shorts designed for the job!

Fred
 
I was thinking about cutting a swimming noodle in half lengthwise and attaching each half close to the edges of my boat; however I think realistically I will just tough-out the "rail tail". It would be interesting to see if anyone did try this.
 

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