If the deck is not connected to the cockpit, and you capsize, all that water is going right into the hull itself! That problem must be fixed.You have a old boat that looks in good condition. I would not but the time, effort or cost in. Just sail it.
From what I can see I think your boat is between 1965 (when front deck stripe was added as an option) and 1968. Halyard block would be another clue but what the heck is going on with the top of that mast?
Wow you guys are sharp. The top of the mast is missing the plug. Being that it has an AMF Alcort sticker it must be a 69 or 70. I will be bonding the deck to the compartment
Hi Beldar,I think it’s a 69 or 70. I’m pretty sure that the bow stripes were introduced in 69 (or maybe 68). Also, looks like you need a bridle and bow handle.
Breezebender, I’ve seen a lot of brochures, and haven’t seen any mention of optional stripe. This shows red and blue stripes in 65 with an otherwise pure white boat http://www.sunfishklasse.nl/documenten/Sunfish Timeline.pdf and mentions an optional sail, but not an optional deck stripe. I am very interested in keeping my Sunfish knowledge up to date so would like to see any old brochures mentioning stripes. There is one from 69 I have seen mentioning stripes and I should see if it could be added to the timeline. OK, enough of my sidebar!
That doc shows an all white boat with red bow stripes, and an all white boat with blue bow stripes. It doesn’t mention boat stripes being an option for the other colors, including the white boats that have colored spray rails and cockpits. I think the old all white sail with the narrow red and blue stripes was the option for those nearly all-white boats with the red or blue stripes.Hi Beldar,
You are right, the sail stripe is the option, but it would match the existing deck stripe, no?
That timeline link shows this for 1965:
• White sail with diagonal stripes at peak to match deck striping offered as an option.
Am I reading this wrong? Forward stripe had to be there in 65, if not earlier?
I noticed this in my Sunfish purchase as well. It looks very similar to the OP.If the deck is not connected to the cockpit, and you capsize, all that water is going right into the hull itself! That problem must be fixed.
A friend in the business recommends biaxial tape for maximum strength.I noticed this in my Sunfish purchase as well. It looks very similar to the OP.
It seems fairly leak free, but when I capsize, the hull fills up with tons of water. I did an air test and noticed a lot of air coming from all the gaps where the cockpit meets the hull.
Any advice on how to seal this ?
I have a yet to be determined year Sunfish. I believe it to be pre 1970 and the cockpit has separated from the deck. I have extensive experience with fiberglass repair (and work at a large adhesive company). My plan is to grind away the gel coat and butter it up with epoxy then lay multiple layers of glass cloth. Then I will apply new yellow gel coat to the entire cockpit. How do I ID the year? No plate on the deck behind the splash rail. No numbers on the transom. Bronze hardware holding rudder. No storage compartment.
I am very excited to get this thing on the lake and have some fun.
Thank you
Weston do we need MC numbers for this boat? I’m on a private lake and Higgins Lake"MC" Registration - a fellow Michigander. Welcome to the Sunfish club. I'll look for you on the lakes.
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Private lake? - Probably could get away with not.Weston do we need MC numbers for this boat? I’m on a private lake and Higgins Lake
Weston, I’m pretty sure Sunfish type sailboats SHOULD be registered.Because the Sunfish is less than 14 feet feet and has only sail power, Michigan does not require any registration. What I’m not sure about is if a sunfish had been registered in the past, do you need to renew reregistration going forward? I just bought a 75 mini fish that has Michigan registration numbers on the hull, but was last registered in 1981! Do I really need to reregister it? I’m going to call the Secretary of State and find out
Ugh. Looks like you are right, tag. Here is what the latest MI SOS page says:Weston, I’m pretty sure Sunfish type sailboats SHOULD be registered.
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Weston,Ugh. Looks like you are right, tag. Here is what the latest MI SOS page says:
Watercraft exempt from registration are:
There clearly is some confusion about it, though. Labor Day 2020, I launched 2 of my Sunfish at the DNR boat launch on Orchard Lake. Because it was a holiday and lots of boat traffic, the Sherriff was onsite and on the lake. The Sherriff noticed that one of my boats was registered (the '71) and the other was not (the '77). He asked why I had gone to the trouble to register the '71 since it was not required. I told him it had been registered by a previous owner and I just continued doing so. Looking at the experience documented by forum members xerexes and repete, the law is being applied inconsistently.
- Those 16 feet or shorter, propelled by oars or paddles, and not used for rental or commercial purposes;
- Nonmotorized canoes and kayaks not used for rental or commercial purposes, rafts, surfboards, sailboards, and swim floats, regardless of length; and
- Watercraft registered in another state and used only temporarily in Michigan.
I think their is confusion among Michigan legislators and law enforcement as to whether a Sunfish can be classified as a 'sailboard' or not.
In the end, you are right, the safest thing is to register. If nothing else, it might reduce the chance of theft.
Mine is very much propelled by paddles when the wind stops. Not registering jack.
At a minimum you’ll need a sales receipt.Weston,
This boat has no VIN#, hull #, tags or any other identification to be found. How would I register it?