Sentimental Sunfish story

Kristie E

Member
I am a 52-year old soccer mom who had been anticipating an empty-nest with my husband this summer, after our youngest graduated from high school in May. Instead, we found ourselves at home with three college-aged men who were kicked off campus because of Covid-19. “The smart place to ride out this craziness will be Mom’s house at the lake!” Sadly, we lost my mom last summer, and “staying at the lake” also means cleaning out her house, and all the dust, sorting and sentimental stuff that comes along with that. Also, this is not a big house and my college-aged men average a height of exactly 6’-2”. Recently, a windy day, after a hefty arm workout of a kayak ride, I mentioned what a perfect day it would be for a Sunfish. 40 years ago, my mom taught me to sail on a Sailfish in Lake Michigan. It was actually a Japanese sailfish clone with a mahogany deck and a red and white sail. My Dad bought it in Japan when he was in the Navy (late 1950’s) and his Captain allowed him to bring it home aboard ship (!?). I’m not going to lie, sailing on Lake Michigan can be scary. And eventually, we “upgraded” to a waterlogged Sunfish, also with red and white sail. On a perfect day, there would be small whitecaps, and the wind would be coming in so that you could sail perpendicular to the shore. Every time we would crest (crash) a wave, while heeling, Mom would yell “Whoo-HOO”! (Mom was born in 1939, but she did not follow the path of the 1950’s housewife). When I declared a Sunfish was the move, my husband figured it was another one of my cockamamie schemes (I am known for my cockamamie schemes). But when I told him I wanted to teach MY kids to sail, it tugged at his heart, and when I used the analogy: “It’s like when you wanted to teach the kids to golf…”, I had him onboard. That pun was intended.
We scoured Craigslist. We watched a dozen boats sell. We had a budget, and we had a plan. Then we watched the supply dry up. There was not a
Sunfish to be had at any price. And no, I am not going to buy a Hobie Cat! Until we searched out of area and found her: a 1971, serial number by the splashguard, old style rudder, cubby in the cockpit, red deck, and a red and white sail, with a window. What’s with this window? – has to be a gimmick.
My oldest, biggest son and I masked-up and drove three hours to get this boat, from a gentleman looking to find it a good home. Bingo. She’s not in perfect shape - someone patched her underneath. But it was someone who knew what they were doing. And she is NOT waterlogged.
I taught my sons to rig it. I have not rigged a boat in 30 years, but you do not forget this. My son watched YouTube videos on wind angles, and now he is teaching me. And that WINDOW! How does anyone sail without a WINDOW?!
And so I am sharing with this Sunfish forum, because you seem like a group who would appreciate a good story during Covid. (Don’t forget to check on your yeast bread rising). I will reach out when I decide to cut a hole in this beautiful red deck to install an inspection port and a gudgeon plate. OHHHH, what must my Dad have done with that waterlogged boats’ rudder?
For now, we will sail her as-is. And she needs a clean-up. I’d love to shine up this deck without waxing myself into the water. Toilet bowl cleaner for the hull? Is that really a good idea? Anyone know how to un-stick this deck drain screw?
We are on an inland lake now. The flags are starting to flutter, so I will get out there. Stay safe.
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Wow, nice Sunfish-sized lake! Those sons of yours will have to draw straws (or cards) for use of the boat, otherwise they'll be scrappin' on the lawn, LOL... :confused:

I wouldn't recommend toilet bowl cleaner, there are milder products... I'd start with simple dish soap at first, just like washing a car, then graduate to some good polish for the hull & deck. Be sure to rinse all the soap before letting the boat dry & applying the polish. :rolleyes:

Use penetrant to loosen that drain screw, there was just a thread on this very same topic. T-A-P, PB Blaster, WD-40, any of those will do to get the job started, let it soak in before using a large screwdriver (and possibly tapping lightly with a hammer to free the threads). You'll get it done, it's small potatoes... :cool:
 
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I have a somewhat similar story. My Dad and I went to buy a Sunfish in Florida in 1978. We hauled it up to our old family homestead in northern Wisconsin that summer where it has been ever since. Knowing Dad was getting older (born in 1936), I have visited the last three summers. Dad died at the beginning of June. I had wanted to rent a motorhome to try to get him up there but he was too old to travel. Glad we had a great visit last summer. It was an emotional visit this summer. We worked on the place and I got a lot of sailing in. Last summer, I bought a new sail that must have made an impression because my next door neighbor and the guy five docks down got Sunfish boats and another neighbor got a Minifish. We all sailed together and it was the first time I remember seeing any other Sunfish but mine on the Lake. I found a picture of mine from 1983. We didn't get the dock up so I had to moor to a birch tree this year. Also, my Dad gave me a remote control sailboat that was a lot of fun. Just
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got back after spending three weeks in the boathouse this year. Very hard to leave.
 
Awesome photos, Norcalsail! Sorry about your pop... I lost both parents a few years ago and they are still loved & missed. :(

But mooring to a birch tree? That's some Daniel Boone action there, LOL... okay, NOW I'm off to the store, CHEERS!!! :cool:

P.S. Those R/C sailboats can still teach ya a thing or two... that one looks pretty sweet, like she's a performer!!! :rolleyes:
 
Wow, nice Sunfish-sized lake! Those sons of yours will have to draw straws (or cards) for use of the boat, otherwise they'll be scrappin' on the lawn, LOL... :confused:

I wouldn't recommend toilet bowl cleaner, there are milder products... I'd start with simple dish soap at first, just like washing a car, then graduate to some good polish for the hull & deck. Be sure to rinse all the soap before letting the boat dry & applying the polish. :rolleyes:

Use penetrant to loosen that drain screw, there was just a thread on this very same topic. T-A-P, PB Blaster, WD-40, any of those will do to get the job started, let it soak in before using a large screwdriver (and possibly tapping lightly with a hammer to free the threads). You'll get it done, it's small potatoes... :cool:
A beautiful story, one that I suspect many of us can relate to.
 
Kristie, I love your Sunfish story! Like somebody said, "There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half as much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."

Try a dampened Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on the deck. They are magic!

As you can see from my photo, I do have a Hobie Cat. Been sailing Hobies since 1990. Last fall, my neighbor asked me if I wanted her brother's Sunfish. He hadn't used it in years, and they were moving. My neighbor knows my sailing addiction. So, of course, I got it!

My local lake is 162 acres, kinda small for the catamaran, so I have to trailer the cat an hour or more to a bigger lake. But the Sunny is perfect for my local puddle! And who knew these little boats were such a blast? (Rhetorical question, obviously you all do!) I'm doing a lot more sailing, because my travel time and setup time is minuscule with Sparky (my Sunfish). And she puts a great big smile on my face!
 
Thanks for sharing that touching story, Kristie. It sounds like things are coming around full circle for you, which can be bittersweet. There’s something very rewarding about sharing your love of sailing with the next generation, and your sons will hopefully continue the tradition with their own kids. I too am fortunate enough to have a small cottage. It’s on the same beautiful lake where my parents managed an Aquatic camp in the late 60’s and 70’s. I spent the best summers any kid could hope for there. My parents both died way too young, but they gave their children the roots we needed and the lasting love of water and boating. In these crazy days we’re all living in now I realize more than ever that water, and especially sailing, keeps me balanced and at peace. Peace to all my Sunfish forum friends! Norcalsail, so sorry to read about your dad!
 
Great read...thanks.

I may be the one where you read about toilet bowl cleaner. I've used it for years and years, on stubborn stained waterline and boats that were generally just nasty. Never an issue on the gelcoat. Prior to that I used a product called "Zing"...actually a marine product made for such situations and is basically straight muratic acid. Get some drops even diluted on your tennis shoes, you eventually felt it. Kinda dangerous stuff to use, but still currently available. For that reason, I learned that Tidy Bowl worked just as good. I professionally bottom paint larger, cruising sailboats, and prior to bottom painting, gets the scum off waterlines, bootstripes...you gotta let it sit a minute or two...but try a small area first if you have concerns. Trade secret actually
 
I am a 52-year old soccer mom who had been anticipating an empty-nest with my husband this summer, after our youngest graduated from high school in May. Instead, we found ourselves at home with three college-aged men who were kicked off campus because of Covid-19. “The smart place to ride out this craziness will be Mom’s house at the lake!” Sadly, we lost my mom last summer, and “staying at the lake” also means cleaning out her house, and all the dust, sorting and sentimental stuff that comes along with that. Also, this is not a big house and my college-aged men average a height of exactly 6’-2”. Recently, a windy day, after a hefty arm workout of a kayak ride, I mentioned what a perfect day it would be for a Sunfish. 40 years ago, my mom taught me to sail on a Sailfish in Lake Michigan. It was actually a Japanese sailfish clone with a mahogany deck and a red and white sail. My Dad bought it in Japan when he was in the Navy (late 1950’s) and his Captain allowed him to bring it home aboard ship (!?). I’m not going to lie, sailing on Lake Michigan can be scary. And eventually, we “upgraded” to a waterlogged Sunfish, also with red and white sail. On a perfect day, there would be small whitecaps, and the wind would be coming in so that you could sail perpendicular to the shore. Every time we would crest (crash) a wave, while heeling, Mom would yell “Whoo-HOO”! (Mom was born in 1939, but she did not follow the path of the 1950’s housewife). When I declared a Sunfish was the move, my husband figured it was another one of my cockamamie schemes (I am known for my cockamamie schemes). But when I told him I wanted to teach MY kids to sail, it tugged at his heart, and when I used the analogy: “It’s like when you wanted to teach the kids to golf…”, I had him onboard. That pun was intended.
We scoured Craigslist. We watched a dozen boats sell. We had a budget, and we had a plan. Then we watched the supply dry up. There was not a
Sunfish to be had at any price. And no, I am not going to buy a Hobie Cat! Until we searched out of area and found her: a 1971, serial number by the splashguard, old style rudder, cubby in the cockpit, red deck, and a red and white sail, with a window. What’s with this window? – has to be a gimmick.
My oldest, biggest son and I masked-up and drove three hours to get this boat, from a gentleman looking to find it a good home. Bingo. She’s not in perfect shape - someone patched her underneath. But it was someone who knew what they were doing. And she is NOT waterlogged.
I taught my sons to rig it. I have not rigged a boat in 30 years, but you do not forget this. My son watched YouTube videos on wind angles, and now he is teaching me. And that WINDOW! How does anyone sail without a WINDOW?!
And so I am sharing with this Sunfish forum, because you seem like a group who would appreciate a good story during Covid. (Don’t forget to check on your yeast bread rising). I will reach out when I decide to cut a hole in this beautiful red deck to install an inspection port and a gudgeon plate. OHHHH, what must my Dad have done with that waterlogged boats’ rudder?
For now, we will sail her as-is. And she needs a clean-up. I’d love to shine up this deck without waxing myself into the water. Toilet bowl cleaner for the hull? Is that really a good idea? Anyone know how to un-stick this deck drain screw?
We are on an inland lake now. The flags are starting to flutter, so I will get out there. Stay safe.
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I love your story and boat. Teaching your kids to sail like your Mom did with you is really cool. She must have been an amazing person and you passed the sailing to your kids. It's interesting how sailing and the Lake seem to have the answers. I always come back from Wisconsin in much better shape both physically and mentally. Sailing is a simple but ancient skill. I had the luck to have my nephew with me a few weeks ago and taught him to sail the Old Fish. I took him out and let him control the tiller and then the mainsheet. Then, when we got close to the boathouse, I jumped out and let him sail in by himself. He'll inherit that boat when I'm gone.
 
Thanks for sharing
They say “adversity doesn’t build character, it reveals it”
In the face of adversity you and yours seemed to have pulled together, and that is another life lesson you husband are teaching the boys. You seem to be winning at this parenting thing.

Anyhow...
I’ll second the toilet bowl cleaner. It does wonders on old stained hulls. I’ve recently acquired a few older hulls people discarded after they sat outside for decades.
A couple of tips:

1. definitely work in a well ventilated area, preferably within reach of a hose. Working out a bucket will be tough.

2. Wear gloves, maybe even a face mask if you decide to try and spray it on. This stuff will burn you skin.

3. Using a stiff bristle brush will make easy work of grime and stains after you let the cleaner set fo 10-20 minute. Try not to let it dry out while sitting. Mist it with the hose to keep it damp,but don’t rinse it off without a quick scrub.

4. When applying either squeeze from the container directly to hull and spread evenly with a scrub brush, or put into a spray bottle and spray an even coat over the hull.
If using a sprayer be mindful of wind direction and the fact that small droplets on the skin will burn...or so I’ve been told. ;)
 
Loved your story. Thanks for sharing.

I like a product called "bar keepers friend" to clean up oxidized gel coat. It comes as a powder and as a liquid cleaner. You will find it at home depot/Lowe's. I prefer to powder. Just wet the surface sprinkle some on sponge and watch the color come back as you scrub. Clean in a cross hatch pattern not circles. That way you wont have any scratches. It's abrasive like a rubbing compound so you don't need to scrub hard. Wear gloves cause it will take all the oils out of your skin leaving your hands really dry.

I've never heard of using Tidy bowel so idk if it works better than bar keepers. I will try it next time.
 
I haven't tried this on really bad (year old) stains, but Soft Scrub (with bleach) has worked well for me.
 
Soft Scrub is great....but the next level down from Tidy Bowl. If your deck is too slippery from waxing...Soft Scrub will come to the rescue.
 
Beautiful boat! And a wonderful story.

Why would she need an inspection port?

Oh, you forgot to mention her name :)
 
Beautiful boat! And a wonderful story.

Why would she need an inspection port?

Oh, you forgot to mention her name :)
Beautiful boat! And a wonderful story.

Why would she need an inspection port?

Oh, you forgot to mention her name :)

I've located every product in this house to clean this boat - bar keepers friend, soft scrub, tidy bowl, magic eraser. Now if I could get ten minutes to work on it. My kids are on it every windy minute! Best purchase I've made in years. I did get the drain screw loose - dry as a bone. What a bonus!

The inspection port I'm planning is to upgrade the rudder. It's seen better days, isn't exactly straight, and we really need a spring loading so we can beach it on a regular basis. I'll wait til the off season for that project.

Name? - we're still working on it. My kids want "Scarecrow" from Scarecrow Boat, which is the band name of the air headed guy from Parks and Rec. I'll consider it, then make then name it after their grandmother. Better than naming it after their mom... (Oh please, they could've done so much worse)
 
Kristie and crew

What was your Mom's name? Skipper likes SCARECROW, and in her family there is a tradition of two names, one that was on the birth certificate and then one that they were called by. Wilhemina was called Nunu, Katherine was T, Margurite was Adrite, Adrienne was Mary...

We'd love to see photos of the Japanese Sailfish if you have any, great story there. The Sailfish was, and still is, "the boat you learned to swim on." Strangley enough, Skipper yells "woo hoo" all the time and "Starboard" at passing boats, whether she is on a starboard tack or not.

There is an option to cutting a hole for the rudder conversion, the AMF/Alcort way was to split the deck/hull seam and do the work inside, then seal the seam back with a strip of 4 oz fiberglass cloth bedded in thickened epoxy, lightly clamped until it dried. For parts, you may have noticed that there is a Wanted Ad section of the Forum and we have several great parts sellers here on the Forum, whatever you get from them will be pristine and not crusty. I have the proper gudgeon backer plate when you decide to go forward, it is metal with a vertical hump in it that fits over the carriage bolt indentation.

When you get the parts gathered, the boat will be in maintenance for about a day.

We have a blog post about the Inspection Port conversion method, and all kinds of photos and videos on deck seam splitting.

Sunfish Rudder Conversion

In the meantime maybe the group can help tune up the old style rudder, one helpful upgrade was a tube that is placed on the carriage bolt, it helps hold the bolt vertical and reduce pop outs. You can also tweak carriage bolt tension to find the Goldilocks spot where the rudder stays down but releases when you want it to. It's a two person launch for us, I adjust the carriage bolt wing nut tension while Skipper holds the boat.

Audrey Zip gen 2 rudder Lagniappe Beach.jpg


The Sunfish story is flipped in Skipper's family. Her Dad Jack taught her to sail on a 16 foot Petrel that they built, Skipper then took sailing classes on Sunfish in college and in 1994 she taught him how to sail the Sunfish. He was hooked, gathered a Sunfish from Skipper's Aunt, and then proceeded to gather and restore 5 or 6 other boats. The restoration bug was planted, it laid dormant until 2011, when it infected us hard out here in NW Florida.

C U Out There!

PS Skipper thinks you need your own boat, a Sailfish maybe :)
 
Kristie E.,

I am working on your sistership, a 1971 with red deck and single white stripe on the foredeck. Like yours, it has the storage compartment aft of the cockpit, but the old style rudder system. Mine had been stored outside upside down, and was very dirty and stained. I washed the hull with hot water and laundry detergent with Oxyclean and gentle use ofa Scotch Brite sponge/scrubber. Then a big rinse with a hose followed by regular laundry bleach to remove any organic matter and stains. Then another hose rinse. Wear gloves and eye protection - you don't want to get any of this stuff on your skin or eyes. If you have rust stains, Use CLR liquid to remove them. Tomorrow it's 3M Fiberglass Restorer to get the deck polished.

These early 1970s Sunfish were well made, a little heavier than newer Sunfish but they have stood up to the years better than newer boats.

Alan Glos
Cazenovia, NY
 
The custom mahogany rudder you made for me, Alan, sits on another red-decked, white-striped ‘71 named, Ruby. Between you, me and Kristie, we have a set of Identical triplets!
The photo below is before I converted from the old style rudder.
 

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