Great pictures!For me it’s the history of the Sunfish and my best memories of summer camp, 1970’s. Races before lunch (though it doesn’t look like we’re racing on this particular day) breakfast or fishing on the docks as kids with boats lapping at their moorings, the thrill of a strong breeze and responsiveness of the little boat. What else in my life these days makes me say “WOOO HOOO!!” ??
My dog and a good steady breeze to bend in my Sunfish!
I believe the Sunfish will endure forever thanks to its affordability. Since there are thousands of boats out there, the price of a used Sunfish is reasonable. Sure, new boatrs are $4-5K but there are many older boats available for $100-$500. This affordability will always be with us since fiberglas lasts forever (almost).In other news, we have been commissioned to write a boat review on the Sunfish for Small Boats Magazine, they are finally ready for an article on the World's Beast Boat. What's your favorite thing about the Sunfish?
Mine? Simplicity.
Post a pic too if you want.
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"Wet" resin can be removed from the skin without chemicals. I use sawdust--and in the Southern States, Spanish Moss.Sunfish repairs are generally small, beginner stuff...so an inexpensive boat to learn how to get fiberglass all over yourself.
But simplicity getting ready to go from couch to water, is without a huge attraction. 1/2 day sails or shorter aren't out of the question for the.busy capt.
"Wet" resin can be removed from the skin without chemicals. I use sawdust--and in the Southern States, Spanish Moss.Sunfish repairs are generally small, beginner stuff...so an inexpensive boat to learn how to get fiberglass all over yourself.
But simplicity getting ready to go from couch to water, is without a huge attraction. 1/2 day sails or shorter aren't out of the question for the.busy capt.
I think that should be clarified to mean "used" boats....with maybe a couple decades of age on them. Boats are like cars...once left the dealership, value drops quickly and generally are very poor investments.Lee Montes did a great video about the money cost of a boat, and it is pretty much zero, as the boats keep their resale value.
I'm retired, so my time isn't worth much; besides, the "work" is outdoors--at waist level--in the warm sun.Then figure the math... .30 hours to make $500? (Remember that gallon of West System or Total Boat you bought too!)
A recent clone just sailed by with a solo skipper. I think the sail reads "RS Zest"First of all, Signal Charlie, I'm presuming you mean you're writing an article on the World's Best Boat. Having raced for many years in other one-design classes, I think you hit the nail on the head with "simplicity."
Cheers,
AQBill
youre pulling my comment oit of context. As a hobby or fun, hourly rates are moot.I'm retired, so my time isn't worth much; besides, the "work" is outdoors--at waist level--in the warm sun.
I agree, and would like to add "profitability-in-retirement" to reasons Sunfish are the world's best sailboat.youre pulling my comment oit of context. As a hobby or fun, hourly rates are moot.