I am totally new to sailing and am looking into buying a sunfish. I came across one that is missing the mast and boom parts. I'm wondering how hard it might be to find a replacement or if I should pass. Any info appreciated.
It really depends on how much and condition of the hull, a mast and boom alone are hard to find. How much are they charging? Is there an ad that we can see. Being new, it might be best to find a complete boat. Where are you located?
I do sell used Sunfish spars (mast $65, upper boom, $35, lower boom with blocks $45, gooseneck $38) but they are pick-up only in Cazenovia, NY near Syracuse as shipping is too expensive. You are better off buying as complete boat in most cases.
ajthechick, I went this route when putting together my 2 Sunfishes. I took quite a bit of time to find all the parts and you have to be patient. I originally started with just a mast, spars and an old sail which came from a wooden Sunfish I had when I was younger.
Don't pay a lot for a hull unless it's in really good condition. Most people get rid of hulls because they're in tough shape and water logged. It takes quite a bit of work to get a hull back into shape.
Not sure if this is the hull you're looking at which is listed on Facebook Marketplace for $450 in Auburn PA but that price is way too expensive for just a hull.
I've seen complete boats for sale for around $700 but there's not too much available at the moment unless you want to travel quite a distance.
Thank you for the feedback! After doing more research I realized the boat just isn't worth the $500 they want for an old sail with a hole in it and the top boom. The Hull itself seems to be in great shape but I never got a chance to look at as she did not provide the serial numbers or anything. I concluded it would probably cost around $1,000 to get the parts I needed plus shipping. At that point I might as well wait and find a complete boat.
Here is the original listing. She did not mention it was missing the parts until I spoke with her on the phone. I am located in Pittsburgh, PA but also Jamestown PA.
Based on the hull features and the sail logo, I am about 99% sure you have a Windflite Sunfish clone. See this Shorty Pen site: Windflite By Alcort ShortyPen Sailboat Guide Whie it is not a Sunfish, it uses stock Sunfish parts.