Overhaul of 2 old sunfish....

I've had 2 Sunfish for about 5 years... they're 70's era boats.
They've been fun - but I'm a restoration lover - so they're in for an overhaul this winter.
I plan to introduce 2 of my kids & 4 neice/nephews to sailing in Summer '08.

One had unrepairable aluminum trim - and I have read about "rub rail" being used in leu of replacing the aluminum ($20 per 5' length).
I like the idea but can't seem to find much info on it.

Also plan to paint the hull and deck with epoxy - which they need badly.
(after I fix the hull on 1 boat where my brother and I "collided" while racing a year or two ago... oops.)

Also, the replacement sails sure are NOT cheap - so I hope they're worth it when I spend the $300 each. Any suggestions from anyone on sources?

Someone suggested that you should not paint the deck white - since it will blind you on a typical sunny day. Of course, most stock boat's decks are white - and darker colors may get xtra hot on sunny days, too. Anyone wanna make a suggestion or observation on which way to go?

Thanks a bunch!

Cocowyo

Hi Cocowyo,

Welcome to the forum. In regard to the rub rail, there are two manufacturers who make this vinyl trim, one is "Taco Marine" and their product is called 1/4" flex trim, the other "Beckson" and they call theirs trim mate, T-3 is the correct size.

As far as replacement sails go, If you plan on racing or being class legal, your only alternative is North Sails, the class supplier at $300 for a rec sail or $400 for a race sail. If your just cruising around and don't care to be class legal there are sources for these sails that range from $140 to $160 such as Kevane sails, The Sail Store or Neil Pryde Sails.

As far as paint goes check out this thread that I found to be very helpful:

http://www.sunfishforum.com/bottom-paint-recommendations-t460.html?t=460&highlight=Awlgrip

Hope this helps!

As was mentioned in the previous post, you can purchase a recreational sail for $140-$150. The Neil Pryde Sail website link is: http://www.sailingsource.com/neilpryde/store/sun.htm.

Judkei

I used regular garden hose to replace mine. It works great but you need a nose piece to finish the job. I took mine from a junk Mutineer. You can see photos of how I did this on my website: www.rvharvey.com/sunfish.htm/
Ralph

Outstanding!
I thought I had done my research... but obviously missed this source.
Thanks very much.
CocoWyo