I am searching for a Sunfish in the D/FW area and came across a Sailfish in fairly good shape. There is only minimal information or photos available online. I have found that both boats were made by Alcort and that the Sailfish lost it's popularity around the time that production changed from wood to fiberglass.
Can anyone help me with a little history and/or personal advice regarding the Sailfish? Although the Sunfish is my first choice, the Sailfish might be a good option.
Well once you sail one you'll find out almost immediately why the Sunfish prospered and the Sailfish bit the big one....LOL
The Sailfish is the original board boat. It does not have anything resembling a cockpit, just a flat top resembling a surf board.
Here's a link with a picture or two of true board boats: http://www.woodenboat-ubb.com/cgi-bin/UBB/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=003080&p=
Thanks to everyone for the informative replies. You have confirmed by assumption that I should continue on my quest to find that perfect Sunfish! I know that she is sitting somewhere around the Dallas area and will surface soon!
Thanks again. this is truly a friendly and helpful site!
You have confirmed by assumption that I should continue on my quest to find that perfect Sunfish! I know that she is sitting somewhere around the Dallas area and will surface soon!
Mike
Mike, JMHO, but if I were looking for a used Fish I would restrict my search to 1992 or newer boats. That gives you the newer rudder system and larger cockpit. While the rudders were on boats from IIRC 1972 on they do that the smaller cockpit and the first years of the larger cockpit boats were built by Pearson and as I owned one can safely say were built way to light (not enough resin/glass) in the hull. '92 and newer hulls were built by SLI or Vanguard and again JMHO but have better built hulls.
I have a Sailfish sail that is excellent...and I think is the same size as a Sunfish, but i would like someone to confirm that. I will sell it for $50 if anyone is interested.
I have a Sailfish sail that is excellent...and I think is the same size as a Sunfish, but i would like someone to confirm that. I will sell it for $50 if anyone is interested.
Sailfish are still very much around. This example—with the Sunfish logo—surfaced recently in New Hampshire, where I first noticed how deep in the water it was. The spars seem to be from something else, as they're longer than the boat.