I have exhausted forums and YouTube videos trying to see the support system below the back deck of a pre 1971 Sunfish. This is the Sunfish without the rear cockpit storage area. I want to place a inspection port in the midline and near the forward end of the back deck. Does anyone know if there is any important support structures in that area. I need to access the area to install a backing plate for the rear hiking strap attachment point. Thank you
This may help. On page 5 of this restoration, I performed the exact modification you are speaking of. On page one or two is a schematic of the inner guts of the sunfish. It may help you as well.
Regarding your previous repair: • That repair's strength relies on about 1/8" of hull-thick epoxy on its edges (not real strong) and a 1" tape that gets thinned by sanding. :oops: Stronger still, would be a 2" tape epoxied to the back edges, leaving a 1-inch "halo" all around. To conform the...
This may help. On page 5 of this restoration, I performed the exact modification you are speaking of. On page one or two is a schematic of the inner guts of the sunfish. It may help you as well.
Regarding your previous repair: • That repair's strength relies on about 1/8" of hull-thick epoxy on its edges (not real strong) and a 1" tape that gets thinned by sanding. :oops: Stronger still, would be a 2" tape epoxied to the back edges, leaving a 1-inch "halo" all around. To conform the...
I was pretty frustrated that my 1st sail of the year wasn’t until late June, but I tend to be pretty good at making excuses (trying to wrap up things with the kids at school, need to finalize…
1) Access to a large storage area.
2) Deck remains uncluttered. Sponge or paddle is right at hand.
3) Ease of a strong strap hardware installation and inspections.
4) Bolts would be preferred over screws or rivets for the hiking strap.
5) Port could include a $10 water-resistant bag for camera, cellphone, and documents.
If strength is still a concern, make a pair of metal C-shaped rings to overlap each other, acting as a round backup plate. Bolt the four pieces together.
The port itself provides rigidity. It’s also a good idea to install a long vertical wood backer to span from deck level to below the cockpit tub for more rigidity. That way the cockpit isn’t taking as much load as if you just put a small backer in place.