Can a Sunfish be transported in the back of pickup truck? Anyone have any pictures of how best to do this? I am picking one up in the morning and I think it should fit but I would love confirmation from someone who has done it! =)
A six foot bed has less than half of a Sunfish supported. Maybe OK, but depends on the ride.
I made a rack with 5/4ths lumber and bed frames. The Sunfish hangs over the tailgate and hood, and is transported with the transom forward. It's not easy to load for one person, but using a stepladder helps to support one end.
L&VW - thank you for your response! I do have another peron to help me.
So sounds like tailgate should remain down for the extra support? only traveling about 15 minutes and can stay off highways, but there may be hills and turns...
I have a 6.5 bed with tailgate up, if I put it down that gives a little over 8 feet of support, but then I wouldn't have the extra confidence of having the nose lifted up for a little more gravity to happen in the back. Planning on loading stern first into the bed so nose is sticking out.
Only thing I'd worry about is that the extended load is properly secured and marked with a
flag according to state law. What with our litigious society if a drunk rear-ends you, you don't
want to give his lawyer any excuses.
I've seen Sunfish carried diagonally in a pickup's bed!
But OK, it's a short ride, and only one-way. Find a way to secure the "near" end, and soften the tailgate end—like with boat fenders. Don't hit any speed bumps on the way.
Advising to travel during daylight hours. Asking others if carrying it up-side down would give better support.
I recommend making a rectangular shaped frame out of 2 by 4 for the boat to sit on. This will allow for the boat to sit flat and also product the cockpit drain. Hooks can be screwed into the frame to be strapped down then all you need is to run some bungees or rope around the boat and connect them. This may be overkill for a short drive, but just an option.
I have used a similar system to transport wood, kayaks etc. Not tried with my Sunfish clone as i have a trailer but it would certainly add support to the hull.
I'd recommend cushioning with foam or blankets and you good to go.
Here is my poor '95 pickup, halfway through its twice-yearly 2000-mile trek, carrying two sliding glass doors, tons of tools and hardware, chaise lounges—annnnnd...a Sunfish!
Driving around a few weeks before the trip, I noticed that the Sunfish kept the cab interior cooler when parked in the Florida sun. A thin stainless steel cable, threaded through a protective foam tube (which protects the paint) holds the transom down. Notice that I'm not blocking a sidewalk.
It was when I saw the parked truck (and sign) that I thought to take the photo.
I was worried about nothing, it fit fine! Thanks for all the comments! One line from bow to front bumper, and one from bow to back bumper kept it firmly in place! I wasn't traveling too far so it worked perfectly!
Unfortunately the bottom needs repairs. Stay tuned- Next thread on that!
A Sunfish search turned up nothing on "furling" or "securing", so I'm adding it here:
When furling between sailing sessions, or for overnight, the sail is protected—plus—it keeps the PFD from blowing away. One buckle goes in front—and one behind—the halyard. Good idea?