Here's the maintenance and upgrades I've made on my recently acquired ancient Sunfish so far. I revarnished the daggerboard and tiller (the rudder is fine). I built a dolly. I replaced the halyard fairlead block with a double-block. I didn't want to replace it with a bullseye because I am very averse to touching the deck hardware. Even if I use the one-screw-at-a-time method to save the backing from falling into the hull, it will still weaken the threads of the backing. So instead I installed a double-block. I also installed a mainsheet block. And I added some simple velcro straps to the lower boom as mainsheet retainers.
Next up, replace the rusted, tattered three-loop bridle and its browned, flaking, crumbling vinyl with a new two-loop bridle. Then strongly consider installing a mast cleat, although I'm still nervous about that one. I can't believe machine screws can "bite" such thin metal. I like the post saw that recommended putting a back plate inside the mast for the screws to dig into.
I'd also to replace the now useless mainsheet hook with a cam cleat at some point. And I might upgrade the tiller extension to a universal joint.
And at some point I might upgrade the original-style rudder, but I'm not keen on adding a deck plate. Maybe next year.
Then I need a sail with a window. It took only one trip out to realize how crucial that is (I'm spoiled from sailing Lasers and didn't realize how much I rely on the window). And while I'm at it, I'll probably get a race-cut sail anyway, since the off-brand sails are cheap, and have windows, and are race-cut anyway. Then, of course, I need to paint a gigantic insignia on the sail...somehow.
And then I need to add a jib (moooostly joking, although that video of the Sunfish with the bowsprit is very inspiring).
Oh, and of course, I need to convert the daggerboard to a foil so I can get the boat completely above the water (j/k...mostly).
Next up, replace the rusted, tattered three-loop bridle and its browned, flaking, crumbling vinyl with a new two-loop bridle. Then strongly consider installing a mast cleat, although I'm still nervous about that one. I can't believe machine screws can "bite" such thin metal. I like the post saw that recommended putting a back plate inside the mast for the screws to dig into.
I'd also to replace the now useless mainsheet hook with a cam cleat at some point. And I might upgrade the tiller extension to a universal joint.
And at some point I might upgrade the original-style rudder, but I'm not keen on adding a deck plate. Maybe next year.
Then I need a sail with a window. It took only one trip out to realize how crucial that is (I'm spoiled from sailing Lasers and didn't realize how much I rely on the window). And while I'm at it, I'll probably get a race-cut sail anyway, since the off-brand sails are cheap, and have windows, and are race-cut anyway. Then, of course, I need to paint a gigantic insignia on the sail...somehow.
And then I need to add a jib (moooostly joking, although that video of the Sunfish with the bowsprit is very inspiring).
Oh, and of course, I need to convert the daggerboard to a foil so I can get the boat completely above the water (j/k...mostly).