Redesigned daggerboards may be class illegal

Cindy Taylor

Cindy Taylor

Member
The new design of the daggerboards was discussed in the following thread:
http://www.sunfishforum.com/showthread.php?t=1856

I am also a member of the Sunfish list server and a couple of messages popped up on the new daggerboard identifying a measurement problem. This affects me since I just purchased one. Where is quality control??? The new daggerboard does have an official Sunfish class sticker on it.

Here is what Gail wrote in the list server:

The Class is working with the manufacturer to determine what remedy will be appropriate.

The daggerboard mold was modified after a sailor lost a finger tip slamming the previous style daggerboard with the large opening and blue rubber stops and the stops broke off. In the course of the redesign of the mold, the shape of the part of the board that extends beneath the hull and its length were inadvertently changed slightly. These boards were manufactured approximately from October 2006 to May 2007.

It is estimated that fewer than 300 "Class illegal" daggerboards are in circulation.

The builder is working with the Class to make corrections so that daggerboards delivered with new boats or as replacements will be accordance with Class rules.

If you believe you have a "Class illegal" daggerboard, it is suggested you contact the dealer from which it was procured. As further progress is made on this issue, the Class and the manufacturer will share developments.

Sincerely,

Gail
~~~/)~~~~/)~~/)~~~~~~/)~~~/)~~~~~~~~/)~~~~~
Gail M. Turluck
Sunfish 24186
ISCA Handbook Editor
USSCA Secretary
~~~/)~~~~/)~~/)~~~~~~/)~~~/)~~~~~~~~/)~~~~~
Click to expand...
 
so basically if you just bought a new daggerboard, your screwed because its not legal? Wow that is a big mistake by vanguard...
 
A guy PMed me and had a good point. He said that he thought that rule 1.1 would cover this...

"1.1 Unless specifically prohibited, any equipment that has ever been supplied by the Builder may be used on any boat."

my question is, do you think that would cover this issue?
 
sailorf2 said:
A guy PMed me and had a good point. He said that he thought that rule 1.1 would cover this...

"1.1 Unless specifically prohibited, any equipment that has ever been supplied by the Builder may be used on any boat."

my question is, do you think that would cover this issue?
Click to expand...

That's a good point. I didn't know the rules stated something like that. What might be the gotcha is "Unless specifically prohibited" but the new daggerboard was not prohibited when I bought it and it does have a Sunfish class sticker on it. I know of about three other Sunfish sailors that have this daggerboard since they bought new Sunfishes this year.
 
I am one of the people Cindy knows with a new boat this year. I have the new board and sailed at the NAs. We had a complete measurement and my board passed. If it had been any longer it would not have, but it did. My board and some others I have seen were filed on the bottom by the factory to bring it into measurement. It is still about 3/16 of an inch longer than my old board. I think most of the boards that are too long are on the 07 Worlds boats. We discussed it there and I think the Vanguard reps listened.
 
Would a longer board make you faster? I just had to replace mine due to an unfortunate encounter with a rock. I can't imagine that 1/4 inch would make any difference yet can appreciate the need for same dimension parts. But I'm wondering which would give you any advantage?
 
Since the late 60's people have known that any dagger board for the Sunfish was undersized. The current plastic dagger board with it's increased length was said to still be undersized but was a compromise because of depth worries and the fact that any new board had to fit all the old daggerboard trunks.
So yes, any increase in length will have a slight advantage over a similar shaped shorter board.
 
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