Two adults carrying a sunfish 50 yards on land?

duganderson

New Member
I'm interested in trying to launch my sunfish from a beach that does not have public launch. I would need to carry it about 50 yard to launch it.

How easy is this for two adults? Any tips for how to do this?

Thanks! Doug
 
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The newer style boats with the rolled gunwale are easier to grip, the aluminum trim models not so much. It's tempting to grab the bow handle but those can pull out easily or break if they have any corrosion.

The newer light boats are 129 pounds, older come in at 139. So at a minimum each person is carrying 65 pounds over that distance.

Is the ground smooth? You might make a dolly or buy one. You'll have more friends wanting to go if you have a dolly :)
 
My neighbor helped me take the Oldfish off my Dad's old N scale model RR benchwork last June. We carried it down the hill, back to the boathouse for sailing while we were there. I'm definitely not in the shape I was as a younger person. It wasn't fun and I'm thinking of getting a "Suspenz" kayak and canoe carrier. It might work well for the terrain at the house in Wisconsin.
 
Based on dragging the boat, this "tail wheel" suggestion was for firm surfaces:


For a sandy beach, a "tail-skid" could replace the small wheel mentioned in the link. ("Tail-skids" were used on early biplanes).

For a Sunfish beach application, the skid could be cobbled-up from a trailer's leaf spring. (Your Sunfish's trailer probably has too many leaves in it anyway). ;)
 
A Railblaza C-Tug may work. We have one but have not tried it on a Sunfish yet. Works great on the canoe and kayak. 260 lb capacity. They also sell sand track wheels as an option but we haven't tried those.

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C-Tug - Small Boats Magazine
 
I'm interested in trying to launch my sunfish from a beach that does not have public launch. I would need to carry it about 50 yard to launch it.

How easy is this for two adults? Any tips for how to do this?

Thanks! Doug

it would not be easy and the other person would run the other way the next time they saw you and your Sunfish appear.
Find a good Sunfish or Laser dolly with wheels intended for the beach and you will sail much more often. And others will be happy to help you launch. :)
 
My dolly, home design. Wheel borrow wheels, dagger board mount. 1/2 inch x 36 galvanized axel. Use also lawn mower or wagon wheels
 

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I am thinking once in a while- maybe. I think the walk will get old quick on loose sand. Plus if you are tired walking back.

Something with wheels might be better in the end. Obviously a real dolly is what your REALLY want, they make life much easier, but can be pricey. But a little creativity and stuff you might find on marketplace locally at a good price you might be able to throw something helpful together.
 
A Railblaza C-Tug may work. We have one but have not tried it on a Sunfish yet. Works great on the canoe and kayak. 260 lb capacity. They also sell sand track wheels as an option but we haven't tried those.

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C-Tug - Small Boats Magazine
'Found your next aluminum boat for your collection:

 
I'm interested in trying to launch my sunfish from a beach that does not have public launch. I would need to carry it about 50 yard to launch it.

How easy is this for two adults? Any tips for how to do this?

Thanks! Doug
Fully loaded with mast, sail, lifejackets, paddle, daggerboard and rudder...in soft sand... Its a 3 person job in my experience
 
Fully loaded with mast, sail, lifejackets, paddle, daggerboard and rudder...in soft sand... Its a 3 person job in my experience
Note my post #7, One man job. Pick wide lawn implement wheels and it’s even easier. I have reached the age where torn shoulders and popped disks are life altering. Use a tool whenever possible. There is no point in accumulating damage over time.
 
Note my post #7, One man job. Pick wide lawn implement wheels and it’s even easier. I have reached the age where torn shoulders and popped disks are life altering. Use a tool whenever possible. There is no point in accumulating damage over time.
Fully agree. I tried carrying a fully loaded Sunfish in one trip 300 meters to a hard-to-reach beach just one time and that convinced me of the supreme value of a lightweight dolly.
 

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