Too heavy for Sunfish?

[Osbormic0]

Hello y’all,

I’m 6’5” and nearly 300lbs, wanting to get into sailing for cheap. I can find sunfish all day in my price range but I’m having trouble finding a weight capacity. Does anyone have experience sailing as a larger man?

Thanks

 

[L&VW]

There are a few of us here over 200 pounds. The only issues seem to be getting back on board after a capsize, with emphases on upper body strength and one's age.

.

 

[George_NJ]

258 LBs here with two spinal fusion surgeries and I had no problem getting on, sailing, getting tossed over and then pulling myself back up into it. I had one of my two sons (135 Lbs) with me each time out so far too.
As far as the weight capacity for the Sunfish, I think it is around 500LB or three passengers.

 

[tag]

I’m about 240 lbs and sail a Sunfish no problem. Regularly take a kid or two along with me. And once took my dad (he’s probably close to 300 lbs?) as well... that one we were riding pretty low in the water.

 

[Alan S. Glos]

The Sunfish is fairly forgiving for skipper weight. For racing, the optimum is about 5'11" at 170 lbs. I am 5' 9" at 200 lbs and do just fine for a 75 year old racer.

Alan Glos
Cazenovia, NY

 

[signal charlie]

500 pounds weight capacity, and she will sail fine at 300. You'll want to rig the sail a little higher so you can duck under it easier when tacking.