I just realized this. The rolled edge boat was introduced in ‘87 (I had thought it was ‘89, but this source always had the facts right http://www.sunfishklasse.nl/documenten/Sunfish Timeline.pdf). So the metal edge boats were made from ‘60 to ‘87 or so, and rolled edge boats for the 33 years since!
And obviously the new style rudder fittings have been around longer - since 1972. But it’s amazing how many old style rudder boats are still going!!
It’s really a testament to the build quality of the older boats. I’m sailing at the latest a ‘70 sunfish ( old style rudder, metal bailer, No cockpit storage).
These things are practically bullet proof.
The only damage was to the cockpit floor.
Which seemed strange to me,as the hull seems fine, minor scratches is about it.
Yet the cockpit floor was cracked on the inside. It’s definitely amazing how much fun I’m having with a boat that was built about the same time I was born, and we’re both going strong. Maybe there is hope for me yet. Although I did pick the boat off the curb for free...lol.