Potentially buying a Sunfish

FishFlyer

FishFlyer

New Member
Hey guys. So after buying a Sailfish just a few months ago, I've been wanting a Sunfish as well.. Mainly after realizing that the Sailfish is not all that comfortable..

Anyway, I'm temped to go look at a Sunfish that came up on Craigslist locally. Figured I would get advice from the knowledgeable folks on this forum before i go take a look.

Here is a link to the ad. Sunfish Sailboat
 
This AlCort boat is ancient and has the old type rudder.
You should find out if it is water logged. The proper weight should be around 130 lbs.
The crack shown in one of the pictures (image 11) bothers me; I believe the current owner claims to have 'fixed' it.
Also rig the boat to inspect the sail and spars for yourself.
The price seems high to me...
 
Aside from the damage to the deck, it looks like it's had an easy life. The sail looks worn out, but there are no holes.

Judging by the very few impacts on the gunwhale, this may be my next boat!

WAIT, I already have five Sunfish--so, never mind! :confused:

Lol
 
A few things I would look into.

1. I agree with wave dancer that the crack/split looks more than superficial. My bet is that the glass is split. Does it matter? Probably not, other than water might have seeped through and water logged the foam.

2. I seem to be the "defender of the old rudder" on this forum, but even so, the straps that connect to the tiller are not original, and actually look to be from the new rudder system. The rudder blade itself looks fine.

3. The bottom of the boat shows white areas which are no doubt covering repairs. Hopefully the damage was just to the gelcoat, but I would ask the seller about it, and I would have a careful look at the repairs. To me, it looks like the boat has been repeatedly dragged over rocks.

4. I would press on the bottom and see how much it flexes. The ideal amount is "not much", but older boats will flex more than new ones. I think if you search this forum you can find out how much is "too much".

5. The sail looks pretty well done, but aftermarket sails from Intensity are cheap and work well.

6. Except for the split, I agree with L&VW that except for the split the topsides look pretty good.

7. You definitely want to have a look at the spars to make sure they are straight and not too pitted.

I also agree that the boat seems a bit expensive, especially as it doesn't seem to come with a trailer.

Hope the above is helpful to you.
 
That's top dollar for a Maine boat. It looks to be a 1969 with the double stripe and AMF sticker. I'd take a bathroom scale and weigh it, it should be 139 pounds +/- 5. If it is heavy, like 150+, I'd keep looking.

Otherwise, $450 gets you sailing, with some fiberglass repairs to clean up a bit.
 
It's both. See image 13.

00R0R_hlsNumSI7ex_1200x900.jpg
 
wjejr said:
A few things I would look into.
1. I agree with wave dancer that the crack/split looks more than superficial. My bet is that the glass is split. Does it matter? Probably not, other than water might have seeped through and water logged the foam.
2. I seem to be the "defender of the old rudder" on this forum, but even so, the straps that connect to the tiller are not original, and actually look to be from the new rudder system. The rudder blade itself looks fine.
3. The bottom of the boat shows white areas which are no doubt covering repairs. Hopefully the damage was just to the gelcoat, but I would ask the seller about it, and I would have a careful look at the repairs. To me, it looks like the boat has been repeatedly dragged over rocks.
4. I would press on the bottom and see how much it flexes. The ideal amount is "not much", but older boats will flex more than new ones. I think if you search this forum you can find out how much is "too much".
5. The sail looks pretty well done, but aftermarket sails from Intensity are cheap and work well.
6. Except for the split, I agree with L&VW that except for the split the topsides look pretty good.
7. You definitely want to have a look at the spars to make sure they are straight and not too pitted.
I also agree that the boat seems a bit expensive, especially as it doesn't seem to come with a trailer.
Hope the above is helpful to you.
Click to expand...
Yeah, even after a cleanup, the boat appears to have been dragged repeatedly. :(
Some filling and painting required.
I've enhanced the defects:

Fullscreen capture 7312019 51222 AM.bmp.jpg


If this is a short drive for the buyer, I'd take a look-see. Definitely weigh it. Maybe the buyer has a trailer—or can car-top.

The price seems high, but we're looking at it from 90+ miles away! :rolleyes:
 
Well, I messaged the guy and he doesn't know the history of it. He said it's in the same condition he got it in except for the crack on the deck.. So, as of now, I think I'm going to pass unless the price drops significantly.

Thanks guys!
 
Hope you can find another, and better, boat soon. But, if you like (to learn) to repair fiberglass, this boat wouldn't be so bad at $300 or so.
 
Flieger said:
What are the two cam cleats used for on the port/starboard sides in front of the cockpit?
Click to expand...
Some people like to put cam cleats there to cleat off the mainsheet.

I prefer a single cam cleat on the cockpit lip (or no cam cleat at all).

img0187_072.jpg
 
I'd pass as the new rudder conversion would likely exceed the cost of the boat. Also crack on deck, and obvious old repairs on the hull, old sail, etc. You'll be into it for what you can get a nice turn key sunfish that needs nothing. Might as well spend the $1,000 and buy a good turn key sunfish with trailer and go sailing.
 
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