After months of searching FB messenger and stalking this site for info, I got super lucky and a MiniFish a few weeks ago. I had been searching for one specifically because I want something I can cartop and sail while my wife uses her new inflatable SUP. I got a killer deal on it-it appears to be a 74 model and is in very very good original condition-all decals are in place, not waterlogged, spars, blades, sails, etc all complete and well maintained. I sailed it last weekend here in NJ (temp in mid 70’s) and am in love. As a dedicated Miata enthusiast I totally understand the minifish/Miata comparison. IT’s so nimble and responsive! It was very light air last week and I still had a blast. I knew it was going to be fun, but I was totally unprepared for how good the boat is
Here are some questions-
Right now the boat just has the old style hook for the main sheet. First spring project is going to be upgrading That to a ratchet block. Should I just follow the general sunfish advice out there or is there something specific for the Mini that works better?
Also- I car topped it on my old 07 RAV4 but I will soon be getting rid of that car and moving on to just using my ‘19 Kia Niro, The Kia doesn’t have roof racks right now and I’m planning on using the winter to assemble the right stuff to be able to cartop regularly starting in the spring, I know I I need to buy some cross bars. I already have straps with cams on them. I prefer using them to the ratchet straps since the ratchets tend to over tighten in my experience
What do minifish owners generally use when cartopping?
Do you just put it on the racks?
Would Kayak J-bars work or be better?
I’m relatively young and somewhat strong so I probably could lift it on the car myself, but I am thinking Of getting the rhino rack system that extends the racks laterally and adds the leg so that you can do a single person lift onto the car.
Anyway. I’m super excited that I got the fish. I was a competitive 420 and laser sailer in the 90’s as well as an instructor on Opti’s and Blue Jays. I had stepped away from sailing for the last 20 years or so aside from a few sunfish and hobie rentals down in the Caribbean. I’m so happy to be back. Thanks in advance for any of your advice.
Here are some questions-
Right now the boat just has the old style hook for the main sheet. First spring project is going to be upgrading That to a ratchet block. Should I just follow the general sunfish advice out there or is there something specific for the Mini that works better?
Also- I car topped it on my old 07 RAV4 but I will soon be getting rid of that car and moving on to just using my ‘19 Kia Niro, The Kia doesn’t have roof racks right now and I’m planning on using the winter to assemble the right stuff to be able to cartop regularly starting in the spring, I know I I need to buy some cross bars. I already have straps with cams on them. I prefer using them to the ratchet straps since the ratchets tend to over tighten in my experience
What do minifish owners generally use when cartopping?
Do you just put it on the racks?
Would Kayak J-bars work or be better?
I’m relatively young and somewhat strong so I probably could lift it on the car myself, but I am thinking Of getting the rhino rack system that extends the racks laterally and adds the leg so that you can do a single person lift onto the car.
Anyway. I’m super excited that I got the fish. I was a competitive 420 and laser sailer in the 90’s as well as an instructor on Opti’s and Blue Jays. I had stepped away from sailing for the last 20 years or so aside from a few sunfish and hobie rentals down in the Caribbean. I’m so happy to be back. Thanks in advance for any of your advice.