Wanted your opinion on the differences between old and new sunfish...

trist007

Member
I have a 1978 Sunfish that I use quite often. I love it! It's rugged and works quite well. I don't race. I just like going to different lakes and exploring. Of course, loads of fun sailing in 15+ mph winds. I am 34 and in decent shape. But there are times that I wouldn't mind a little more performance and a better workout.

So I was thinking about getting a Laser. After doing a lot of reading, I found that the Lasers are very delicate and do not last long depending on the care of their owner. So, instead, I am thinking about getting a newer Sunfish.

There is a 2006 nicely kept Sunfish that I could buy. Assuming that it is in good shape, would I notice a big difference in performance? Is it just as rugged as my older 1978 Sunfish? Is the compartment to store things just as big on the newer Sunfish? Is the weight capacity the same? I don't like how the centerboard on the newer one does not float. I know I could tie it down but I like the look of wood. Does the older wooden centerboard fit in the new centerboard slot?

-Tristan
 
I don't know where you got the Laser info, but it is erroneous. If you are somewhat careful with a Laser, the boat can last decades. Just peruse the For Sale section on The Laser Forum if you want evidence.

Switching to a newer Sunfish won't increase the thrill level one bit compared to an updated old(er) fish.
 
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I agree. Other than the rolled edges and a few pounds of weight, there's not much difference between the current and mid 70's boats. The only real performance difference will come from a race sail or glass boards. Wood boards are easy to find if you prefer them.
 
Are you sure that current boards don't float??? The foam boards definitely floated, and I strongly suspect the glass ones do too. But you would have the same issue with a Laser - their new boards are glass.

The only differences between your Sunfish and a newer one are:
- rolled edges
- cockpit opening a bit bigger (aft compartment is the same size)
- yours likely has aluminum rudder cheeks, new ones are plastic
- centerboard and rudder may be plastic or glass instead of wood
- new one likely to weight a bit less
- new one comes from plant with a hiking strap
- likely a longer tiller ext.
- new ones come with a mainsheet block instead of a hook
- new ones only have 2 loops in bridle.

I probably forgot something, but if you want to treat yourself to a newer Sunfish, go ahead, but the only performance difference will be due to the hydrodynamically shaped board vs. the smaller, flatter one in the old boat.

And Lasers will last a long time. Just be prepared for a much, much wilder ride when it gets windy!!!!!!
BB
 
I found this laser 1 on craigslist.

http://houston.craigslist.org/boa/4997509620.html

It's a 1972 laser 1 full size rig. Assuming that it's in good shape, would I feel a big performance difference than my 1978 sunfish?

What should I check for when I go see it?

There is also a 1985 laser 2.

http://houston.craigslist.org/boa/4977762470.html

According to the Portsmouth numbers the laser 1 is faster but only by a point. I would imagine that was taking into account 2 people on the laser 2. I would think if you single hand a laser 2 it will be a little faster than a laser 1.

What would you guys recommend if I want performance? I would be single handling it most of the time.

-Tristan
 
I've recently been jumping back and forth between my Sunfish and Laser, both in light and strong winds. In light winds, the Laser accelerates more quickly, goes faster and points higher in the very same wind velocity. Not by huge amounts but immediately noticeable never the less.

As you move into stronger winds, you start to come up against the limits of the hull speed of the Sunfish, which kicks in at a lower "through the water" speed. Ie, where the Sunfish quits going faster, the Laser keeps going faster.

One thing I really like about the Sunfish though is how quickly you can rig it and be on the water. Another big advantage it has is you can pull up to a spot during your sailing outing for a break and instantly lower the sail and roll it up. In contrast, you have to leave the Laser sail rigged and it flaps in the wind... unless you lay the boat on its side so the sail is down in the much lower wind velocity close to the ground.

With any Laser up until the lower 1990 years, you really need to re-enforce the mast step... unless you only plan to sail in light winds. The donut that the bottom of the mast tube is pressed into degrades over the years and when loaded by strong winds or gusts, the bottom of the mast tube can jump out of this donut step... with catastrophic failure of the deck area. Ask me how I know? Because this happened to me with one of my Lasers.

If you want more performance, don't bother with a newer Sunfish. Get a Laser. It's easy to keep them in good shape and from being damaged. And right here on this Sailing Forums site, they've got the best resources for Laser information and guidance I've found anywhere. The same level of fantastic knowledge and support as the fine folks here on the Sunfish forum!

And regarding sailing solo on a Laser 2 with the intent of being able to go faster, that may be the case on the very bottom of the low end of the wind range but any stronger wind and you're going to be quickly overpowered and people in single handed Lasers will leave you in the dust.

- Andy
 
The only issue with that Laser is it may not be a very good deal. Before negotiating with the seller, get on the Laser forum for an opinion. It is really old, the trailer has no title, and the sail does not sound to be a class legal one. The dolly itself is worth $300 or so, but not sure if the rest of the rest is worth $900.
 
I agree completely with Beldar. Just spend some time trolling on Craigs List and other spots for a while and you'll start to get an idea of what's a good value.

As a comparison, I did this for a number of months out here in California while watching the San Francisco Bay Area Craig's List. I was eventually able to buy a 1988 Laser in very good shape with a trailer (that was also in fine shape) for $1,050.

- Andy
 
Agree everyone, but just wanted to throw out there that if you're not racing anyway, you might want to look at a Force 5... Probably less money than a laser, but definitely more performance than a Sunfish...
 

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