Recently (as in yesterday) I became the owner of a 1971 Sunfish (according to serial number). It is the first sailboat I ever had; I have a jetski but I got it for a totally different reason (and it is not what people buy them for). Anyway, it will need some cleaning and probably I should consider doing some restoring and deciding where this restoration should go. So, let me ask a few loose questions:
I have seen online articles about adding some inspection holes, one by the rudder and one on the front. Are they a good idea?
This boat has the old style rudder, as it in does not raise up like the ones I sailed on at the university lake. Does it worth upgrading?
The rudder hardware seems to be made of brass and has that patina look. Should I clean it up or leave the patina? I remember being told it actually works as a nice corrosion protection layer.
I found out the mast collected water inside it. What is the best way to make it leave the mast? Pop one of the end caps?
That depends ... the pre-'72 style rudder also flips up and if well maintained can be adjusted to function decently. It does have a weakness for flipping up unexpectedly when sailed in the upper limits of the boat's designed range.
No question, the newer design performs better. New parts will likely run you ~$400+, used ~$200
The rudder hardware seems to be made of brass and has that patina look. Should I clean it up or leave the patina? I remember being told it actually works as a nice corrosion protection layer.
Your call. If you polish the parts the patina will return fairly quickly unless you clear-coat them..., and it will go through a green phase along the way.