"...I'll be visiting some of them to see if any Sunfish are out there and just start talking to people..."
It sounds like it would work OK, but the readers here are crying for a photograph! Is the sail coated with something to make it firm? (Very unlike a cotton sheet)."...The sail is from a different small boat - I forgot which. The mast is wooden. The sail doesn't raise with rings - it's attached to the wooden mast by way of a sheath in the sail's tall side. So the only line the boat has is the mainsheet. Is this acceptable or will I need to get a Sunfish sail...?"
Hey-y-y-y...The sailing canoe can also have sleeved sails. There where 2 at the Sam Meyers Memorial Regatta this weekend.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:SailingCanoe.jpg
Talk about the slow boat to China.
You might find a book on basic small boat sailing like Bob Bond's, “Handbook of Sailing”, ISBN: 0679740635 more helpful at this juncture in your sailing career. It will give you all the terminology as well as the fundamentals of skippering your boat.Is there a good glossary out there for beginners?
It doesn’t appear the hull needs painting, just a good cleaning up. The gelcoat cosmetic finish of fiberglass is tougher than any paint.Where do I start for painting?
You didn’t say exactly where you are, but I assume Summit or Eagle County. Unfortunately, you are correct, lessons are probably more available on the Front Range. You may find instruction at Dillon, but it will most likely be taught on a large boat. Nonetheless, if that’s what you choose the general sailing skills will still apply to your day sailor.My first priority is to learn how to properly sail it …
A fresh coat of gelcoat is quite a different thing. That will give your hull a nearly new look and will last for many years. It’s nice to have friends in that business when you own a boat.When I do paint, we have a friend who used to spray fiberglass
Minifish were introduced about ’71 and the federal Hull ID system came about for ’73 models so if you don’t have an ID branded into the right rear of the hull at least you can figure it’s probably a ’71 or ’72.I can't place the year…
Looks like that’s a “Sabot” sail logo. I can’t say about the wood mast and boom. Maybe from a really old Sabot. If it makes the boat go then what the hey, you’re sailing. You can upgrade as you please.The sail is from a different small boat -
Seems to be only half there with the half that is there glued to the bottom with caulk. You can order a replacement and it will work as well as it should.I'm also worried that the bailer is missing something
Sure, but what are you inspecting, if I may ask?I'm assuming I can install an inspection port
Better, as Gail pointed out, to do a leak test and fix any leaks. And, sure, storage is a valid reason for a port too. Look up Wind Line Sails, How To Guides, on the internet for general instructions.I'm going to assume right now this boat - is going to leak .… I also like the idea of having a bag to keys, etc.
Normally they are installed where no access exists so you can inspect for or repair damage.I was wondering why they call them inspection ports
Mostly air and some Styrofoam blocks in nearly the exact same locations as the Sunfish has. (there’s a diagram and photos of these at the web site Gail recommended – along with a Minifish setup manual and a leak test guide)I don't know what's inside the hull
Gelcoat is essentially colored fiberglass resin without the glass fiber reinforcement. It’s the first layer sprayed on a boat mold and compared to paint is very thick 1/16” or more. If you see white you are seeing gelcoat. The rest of the hull beneath the gelcoat is a yellowish or greenish resin with fibers going every-which-way looking something like lots of straw in lemon jell-o, only rock hard. When the gelcoat is really gone, that’s what you’ll see..I'm not sure there's a gelcoat on this anymore
This forum is probably it. The nearest Sunfish dealer is in Kansas and the best small boat shop is The Anchorage in Lyons, CO (I-25 north to CO 66, west to Boulder County 36 – right at the intersection).I'm coming up dry on finding a place to go for advice
Within an hour you have Pueblo Reservoir, Aurora Reservoir, and Cherry Creek Reservoir. And check out C-Spgs. City Park Lake. If you can’t sail your boat there, they might still rent Sunfish by the hour. Look for a sailing club and classes at all these places too. SCSC (Southern Colo. State College) has a sailing club at Pueblo Res. Maybe they give lessons.I've only had the boat for a few days and haven't made it to all of the reservoirs around here