Howdy everyone. Got my new project home Thursday -- a 1973 Sunfish. She appears to be sound and fairly well kept, judging by the appearance of her hull, fittings, etc. She's missing her bow handle, but not much else. Dagger board and rudder need some TLC and a refinish. Sail appears serviceable. She even came with a dolly. From reading on here, I'm assuming I will need to install a bow port to access the underside of the foredeck to remount a new bow handle because, upon removal of the old one, the backer block was lost? Who knows why the old one was removed, but it appears to have been deliberately removed, rather than being ripped out, as the screw holes are neat and not ragged. Probably be asking lots of questions, so thanks in advance. Can't wait to get her shipshape and in Bristol fashion! I plan on using it to teach the grandchildren how to sail and, hopefully, pass on to them my love of sailing. She will look great out on the water with our other vintage watercraft -- a similar vintage (1970) Boston Whaler Sakonnet.
As for me, I started sailing young enough that I can't remember what I learned in ... probably an Optimist, but the first boat that was all mine was a Sailfish. Loved that boat and have very happy memories of spending all day on her out in a very large northern lake. I forgot what ever happened to that boat, and in the years since, moved on to offshore racing and cruising (crewing OPB's ). But I have never lost my love for the joy of sailing in its purest form -- tiller in one hand, mainsheet in the other, wet feet and saltwater in your face.
Regards,
John
As for me, I started sailing young enough that I can't remember what I learned in ... probably an Optimist, but the first boat that was all mine was a Sailfish. Loved that boat and have very happy memories of spending all day on her out in a very large northern lake. I forgot what ever happened to that boat, and in the years since, moved on to offshore racing and cruising (crewing OPB's ). But I have never lost my love for the joy of sailing in its purest form -- tiller in one hand, mainsheet in the other, wet feet and saltwater in your face.
Regards,
John