1980 sunfish sailboat

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Sunfish Sailboat Boats for sale

SUNFISH SAILBOAT

Williamsburg, New Mexico

Posted Over 1 Month

SUNFISH SAILBOAT FOR SAIL. COMPLETE AND IN GOOD CONDITION. SAIL IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. CALL OR TEXT: 505-259-0842

Alcort Mini Fish Sunfish Sailboat

Annandale, New Jersey

Make Alcort

Model Sunfish

Category Sailboats

Length 12.0

This is one fast boat. The sail is that of a Sun Fish, yet this boat is two feet smaller and has a sealed cockpit. It's all there and and ready for fun. Has some usual wear and tear but it does not affect the performance of the boat. This is a wonderful learning boat for kids and it can fit two teenagers.

AMF Alcort Sunfish Sailboat with extras

Danbury, Connecticut

Make AMF Alcort

Length 13.9

Used 1982 AMF Alcort Sunfish Sailboat with ExtrasModel: AMF99536M82D This Sunfish was manufactured in December of 1982 in a line of Sunfish manufactured from 1969-1986 by AMF. This boat has only been used in freshwater and has spentmost of its life sitting in a garage between the times itwas used. This listing will include:1982 AMF Alcort Sunfish Sailboat with all parts and accessoriesDaggerboard Dolly w/ wooden stand 2 x blue flotation cushions I will rate all Sunfish Equipment to the best of my ability: Sunfish Hull: 8/10 - still retains original clear coat shinehas a few scuffs and scratches, and has a small paintchip behind the bailer as pictured. Underside has beenbeautifully kept with light scratching but, in overall good shape Lateen Mainsail: 8/10- Sail has 3 small rips as pictured, upper and lower boom are in great shape along with gooseneck mast ring all in good shape. The Mast is in great shape as well, but one sail set is missing. All rigging is included as pictured. Wooden Kick up Rudder and Daggerboard: 9/10 - Both in excellent100% working order. Daggerboard has spring lock in tact and the kick up rudder actually works and is spring loaded. Daggerboard Dolly: Just freshly packed grease into tires , makes iteasy for one person to move the Sunfish around for beach use or self launching. Also has a wooden stand for garage storage. Overall I rate this boat an 8/10 based on its age and condition,you don't really find these boats in this good of condition every day.Hoping it lands in good hands and is used for enjoyment and continuesto be as well maintained as it was in my family. This Sunfish will be pickup-only from Danbury, CT. Pretty central to NY, NJ, RI, MA. Buyer can fully inspect all items before purchase upon pickup.

Sunfish Sailboat 2nd Gen.(new style rudder)

Granville, Massachusetts

Length 14.0

Sunfish Sailboat mid 1970's in better than average condition. Have sailed it the last 11 years. An original class legal Alcort 5 panel sail with only 1 cigarette tip size hole, sail it for years to come, Daggerboard and rudder wood is original, but has had many coats of marine varnish put on in the last 2 years. Lines are in good shape, bridle broke so replaced it with a piece of rope, Bow handle is missing a screw and is slightly bent. The deck where the cleat to tie off the sail is cracked, still usable, but needs repair or put a hull inspection port there for $10 on Ebay and move the cleat. Can pickup or view in Tolland,MA Thanks for looking

Sailboat AMF Sunfish

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Make AMF Sunfish

Length 14 ft

AMF Sunfish excellent condition

Sunfish AMF Sailboat 1975

Decatur, Illinois

Make Sunfish AMF

Sunfish AMF 1975. This boat is in nice condition showing some wear and tear. It is complete and ready to sail. New sail only used one season. Trailer comes with the boat and both have good titles. Call Dennis if you have any questions 217-855-3457

Zuma/sunfish sailboat

Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania

Selling Zuma sailboat! This Zuma needs some tender loving care and needs to be cleaned up and patched. But after some quick easy patch work and a bath she will be good as new. The sail is hot pink (quite the stunner) and in EXCELLENT condition, looks brand new. Zuma comes with all parts. She's been sitting and was barely ever used. Pickup only, I do not have a trailer to haul her away. Serious buyers only! and NO low ballingThanksLeah

1974 Sunfish sailboat 14'

Knoxville, Tennessee

Model Sailfish

Category Daysailer Sailboats

Great little day sailer. It has a standard dagger board but is missing the brass wedge bracket. Easy to replace. It also has a white racing dagger board. Please see pictures. The sail is more of a racing style than most. This boat really moves. There are a few minor dings here and there. Nothing major. It is ready to sail. Trailer has lights and has good bearings. Will trailer just fine. Please feel free to call with questions. Ray 865.456.6456

14 Foot Sunfish Sailboat

New York, New York

Fourteen (14) foot Sunfish sailboat in excellent condition. Includes mast, sail, rigging, rudder, and keel board. Price includes two adult life jackets. Call 203-218-9058 to make an offer. Great for the upcoming beach season.

Shelton, Connecticut

AMF Sunfish sailboat

San Marcos, California

Good older Sunfish , A great learner boat for kids and beginners, Comes with hand cart to move it around," NO BOAT TRAILER" ,bring a truck or your own trailer,or stack it on your boat and go racing with friends

1970s Alcort Sunfish Fiberglass Sailboat - Day Sailer - Novice to Expert Sailor

Warrensburg, Missouri

Midwest Sunfish Sailboat, 1970s! This boat is in overall good shape and has always been kept indoors. The boat has not been cleaned and mild dirt on the sail was not washed prior to pictures. The boat has been in storage for several years and therefore the decision is to let her go to someone who will sail her again. She has been a good, reliable boat and never let us down. The boat has all its parts and accessories except for the centerboard, tiller and rudder... which have somehow been misplaced. The boat has had a mild fiberglass repair on the hull (see pictures) but it does not leak. The sail is in strong condition and also has a few repairs (see pictures). As you can see, rudder/tiller assemblies can be purchased online (new and used) as well as centerboards (new and used). The sail comes with its original bag. Available for local pickup. Shipping might be possible for a fee. Call Jason with any questions 6608646900 Features: The distinctive lateen sail gives the Sunfish an anachronistic appearance. Using a lateen rig for this style boat shifts the advantage toward better performance in lighter air and contributes to it having good down-wind characteristics. The hull’s very mild "V" bottom and hard chine make Sunfish a most stable boat for its size, along with enabling it to sail on a plane. Planing allows the boat to achieve a speed greater than theoretical hull speed based on length at waterline. Having a down-wind performance advantage helps the Sunfish to achieve a planing attitude at lower wind speeds. Designed as a water-tight, hollow-body pontoon, a hull like the Sunfish has is sometimes referred to as "self-rescuing" because the boat can be capsized and its cockpit swamped without threat of the boat sinking. Sunfish Boat Specifications LOA: 13\'9" Beam: 4\'1" Draft: 2\'11" Sail Area: 75 Square Feet Hull Weight: 120 Pounds Capacity: 1-2 people Skill Level: Beginner-Expert Race Level: Club International Optimal Weight: upto 190 pounds Transport: Car top carrier, hand dolly, over-the-road trailer The sailplan requires just 2 lines to control and the boat can be set up in less than 5 minutes. The patented kick-up rudder system allows full beach landings with no problems. The hard-chined hull and low sail plan provide unmatched stability and a forgiving feel. The Sunfish hull is light enough to throw on top of your car with ease. The Sunfish combines performance, stability and durability in a package that appeals to beginners and experts alike. If it's racing you crave, the International Sunfish Class has a full time staff that sanctions more than 1000 events each year. Add the hundreds of local and regional events to that list and you can stay pretty busy racing your Sunfish. The class will keep you posted with its quarterly magazine "Windward Leg" and provide valuable performance tips. The elegant simplicity, performance, and intelligent economy of the Sunfish is unmatched. The Sunfish enjoys fantastic resale value. Highlights: Convenient storage in the back of cockpit which is perfect for extra gear or a cooler Patented kick-up rudder makes beach launches, landings, and shallow-water sailing effortless. Self-bailing cockpit Hydrodynamic daggerboard maximizes upwind performance. Lateen rigged sail: 1.) automatically depowers when hit by a gust of wind 2.) two sides of the sail are supported which ensures durability 3.) easy to rig and derig Mainsheet is the only control line that you need to use to enjoy the simple pleasures of sailing a Sunfish. Simple main halyard is one of the two lines on the Sunfish, it hoists and lowers the sail in a matter of seconds, enabling spontaneous enjoyment of the water Stainless steel bow handle: facilitates carrying, docking, and holding the boat into the wind while launching or loading

1972 AMF ALCORT Sunfish Sailboat

Prospect, Kentucky

Purchased new in 1972, single owner - sailed for 10 years, stored for 30 years. Everything is original, complete, and in good condition. Mahogany rudder/tiller and center board are like new. Tee Nee Trailer has new high speed tires and rims, and a new trailer hitch. Would like to get it out of the yard. Its on the trailer and ready to go. Come see it - bring cash and tow it away - the trailer takes a 1 and 7/8" ball.$ 900.00

Alcort Sunfish Sailboat Boat, Mast, Sail, ropes, Rudder, and 2 Centerboard s

Mashpee, Massachusetts

Make Alcort Sunfish

Model Alcort Sunfish

I paid $1,575 for this boat 7 years ago. It had sat in someones garage for 30 years. It was in fantastic shape when I bought it. It was used 2 times the first year I got it. I had grown up sailing a sunfish and bought it hoping I would use it a lot at the lake in Mashpee Massachusetts summer cottage where it has been stored. It has been stored year round underneath tarps completely covered year round. This sale includes the boat, the sail, the ropes, the mast, 2 centerboards, and the rudder. The rudder was missing the last segment when I bought it-the part you hold on to, so I invented a last segment which worked fine for me. One centerboard is in great shape, the other in ok shape. The one piece of damage is seen clearly in the photos- one piece of metal strapping has peeled away from the edge. I am sure someone who knows what they are doing can bend it back. I would rather not attempt it myself. It was watertight when I sailed it. It is sold as is.It is a great deal.Cape Cod Mashpee on the shore of a lake.

1972 Sunfish sailboat 14' good sail with trailer new wheel tire hitch no mast

West Lafayette, Indiana

Length 14 feet

This is a Sunfish sailboat 14' with trailer. The boat is from 1972. A clear title comes with the trailer. It has a new wheel, tire and hitch with 1 7/8" socket. The sail is in good condition and has the emblem of the black sunfish on it. The two aluminum booms are both there, however the main mast is missing. It has some cosmetic scratches around the seating area, which can be filled in. Pictures of the rudder and the back of the boat show the metal hooks to attach the rudder, which is made of mahogany wood and aluminum. Though I have sailed this boat for many years, but not lately, I forgot how to attach it. The tiller does not have the extension, but it can be easily added. The sail is complete with aluminum booms and pulleys etc. The dagger board is included, as well as an extra paddle. Will Ship Worldwide.

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Learn How To Sail A Sunfish Like a Pro: Essential Tips and Techniques

Alex Morgan

Sailing a Sunfish sailboat can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience for water enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned sailor, mastering the art of sailing a Sunfish requires knowledge, practice, and a little bit of adventure. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the essential steps and techniques involved in sailing a Sunfish.

The Sunfish sailboat is a popular recreational single-handed dinghy known for its simplicity, maneuverability, and versatility. Before getting on the water, it is crucial to understand the key features of the Sunfish sailboat, such as its design, hull construction, and rigging components.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable sailing experience, proper preparation is essential. This includes checking the equipment and safety gear to ensure they are in good condition and preparing the Sunfish sailboat by inspecting the hull, mast, sail, and rudder.

Mastering the basic sailing techniques is the foundation of sailing a Sunfish. This involves rigging the sailboat, understanding wind direction, adjusting sail trim, and effectively steering and controlling the rudder.

For those looking to take their sailing skills to the next level, advanced techniques such as sail positioning and shaping, tacking and jibing, and harnessing the power of the wind will be explored. These skills allow for greater control, speed, and maneuverability while sailing.

Safety should always be a top priority when sailing. We will provide important safety tips and precautions to ensure your well-being on the water, including proper use of personal flotation devices and understanding weather conditions.

We will discuss common mistakes to avoid while sailing a Sunfish, such as improper weight distribution, overestimating wind conditions, and neglecting maintenance and equipment checks.

By following this comprehensive guide, both novice and experienced sailors can enhance their Sunfish sailing skills, gain confidence on the water, and enjoy the thrill of sailing a Sunfish to the fullest. So, get ready to set sail and embark on an exciting journey with your Sunfish sailboat.

Key takeaway:

• Understanding the Sunfish Sailboat: Familiarize yourself with the key features of a Sunfish sailboat to ensure a safe and enjoyable sailing experience.
• Master the basics: Learn how to properly rig the Sunfish sailboat, understand wind direction and sail trim, and control the rudder for basic sailing techniques.
• Advance your skills: Explore sail positioning and shaping, practice tacking and jibing, and harness the power of the wind to enhance your sailing abilities.

Understanding the Sunfish Sailboat

Get ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of sunfish sailboats ! In this section, we’ll dive deep into understanding the ins and outs of these magnificent vessels. From exploring the key features that make the sunfish sailboat a true marvel, to discovering the secrets of its exceptional performance, we’ll uncover everything you need to know to become a knowledgeable sailor. So buckle up and get ready to set sail with us!

Key Features of a Sunfish Sailboat

The hull of a Sunfish sailboat is fiberglass, making it lightweight and easy to maneuver. It has a triangular lateen sail that can be easily raised and lowered. The mast is aluminum, providing durability and stability. A daggerboard is used for lateral resistance and can be easily raised or lowered to adjust direction. The cockpit is spacious enough for one or two people to sit or move around comfortably. It has a simple rigging system, allowing for quick and easy setup and takedown. The Sunfish sailboat has a self-bailing cockpit, meaning water automatically drains out for enhanced safety. It has a kick-up rudder, which can be lifted out of the water to avoid obstacles or shallow areas. Known for stability and ease of handling, the Sunfish sailboat is suitable for beginners and experienced sailors. It can be easily transported on top of a car or trailer, making it convenient for sailing in different locations.

The Sunfish sailboat was introduced in 1952 by Alex Bryan and Cortlandt Heyniger . They aimed to create a small, affordable, and versatile sailboat for recreational sailing. The design quickly gained popularity, and millions have been sold worldwide since then. Its accessibility, simplicity, and reliability have made it a favorite choice for beginners and seasoned sailors. Over the years, the Sunfish sailboat has undergone minor design modifications but has remained true to its principles of stability, easy handling, and fun on the water. Today, it continues to be a beloved sailboat for individuals and families looking to enjoy the thrill of sailing in a compact and budget-friendly vessel.

Preparing for Sailing

Want to set sail on a Sunfish ? In this section, we’ll cover all the essential steps to get you ready for a smooth sailing experience. From checking your equipment and safety gear to preparing the Sunfish sailboat , we’ve got you covered. So, grab your sunscreen and let’s dive into the preparations that will ensure a fantastic time out on the water!

Checking Equipment and Safety Gear

Checking Equipment and Safety Gear is essential before setting sail on a Sunfish sailboat. Here is a comprehensive list of steps to follow:

1. Inspect life jackets: Ensure enough life jackets onboard for each person in good condition with no tears or damages.

2. Check safety lines: Verify securely attached and in good working condition.

3. Examine anchor and rope: Make sure anchor securely fastened and rope in good condition, free from fraying or knots.

4. Test horn or whistle: Ensure functioning properly and can produce a loud sound to signal for help if needed.

5. Inspect first aid kit: Check fully stocked with essential items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.

6. Verify presence of fire extinguisher: Confirm readily available on the boat and within expiry date.

7. Check communication devices: Test VHF radio or other communication devices onboard to ensure proper working order.

8. Ensure navigation lights are functional: Confirm working correctly, especially if planning to sail at night.

9. Check for any leaks: Inspect boat’s hull for any leaks or damages that could affect buoyancy.

10. Examine rigging and sails: Inspect for signs of wear, tear, or damage. Replace or repair as necessary.

True story: Once, while preparing to sail on a Sunfish, a sailor discovered a tear in their life jacket during the equipment check. Thanks to their thorough inspection, they promptly replaced the damaged life jacket and ensured everyone’s safety on the water. Remember, checking equipment and safety gear is crucial for a safe and enjoyable sailing experience.

Preparing the Sunfish Sailboat

To prepare the Sunfish sailboat, follow these steps:

1. Inspect the hull for damage or cracks. Repair or replace damaged parts.

2. Check the mast and boom for wear or damage. Ensure they are securely attached.

3. Attach the main sail to the halyard and raise it up the mast. Properly tension the sail.

4. Attach the boom to the mast and secure the mainsail to the boom using sail ties.

5. Check the daggerboard and rudder to ensure they are securely in place.

6. Attach the rudder to the stern of the boat and ensure it moves freely.

7. Inspect the lines and rigging to ensure they are in good condition and properly rigged.

8. Check the bailer and mast flotation to ensure they are functioning properly.

9. Attach any necessary safety equipment, such as a life jacket or whistle.

10. Double-check that all equipment is secure and properly fastened.

The Sunfish sailboat , known for its simplicity, affordability, and ease of use, can be prepared by following these steps. It was designed by Alcort, Inc. in the United States during the early 1950s and has gained popularity ever since. The design of the Sunfish sailboat has remained largely unchanged, with minor modifications made for better performance. It is a popular choice among sailors of all skill levels due to its lightweight design and stable hull, which make it suitable for racing, recreational sailing, and teaching sailing techniques. With its timeless design and versatility on the water, the Sunfish is a beloved classic in the world of sailboats.

Basic Sailing Techniques

Mastering the art of sailing a Sunfish requires a deep understanding of basic sailing techniques. From rigging the Sunfish sailboat to navigating wind direction and sail trim, and even mastering the art of steering and controlling the rudder , each sub-section in this voyage of discovery will unlock the essential skills needed to glide smoothly across the water. So grab your lifejacket and let’s embark on this thrilling adventure of Sunfish sailing mastery .

Rigging the Sunfish Sailboat

Rigging the Sunfish Sailboat is necessary before sailing. Follow these steps:

• Attach the mast to the mast step at the front of the Sunfish sailboat.
• Secure the sail to the halyard and hoist it up the mast, ensuring proper attachment.
• Connect the boom to the gooseneck at the bottom of the mast.
• Attach the mainsheet to the rear of the boom and thread it through the blocks on the Sunfish.
• Connect the mainsheet to the traveler, a sliding bar at the back of the boat.
• Attach the rudder to the back of the Sunfish, making sure it is securely in place.
• Check all the lines and rigging to ensure proper tightening and securing.

Once the Sunfish sailboat is rigged, you can start your sailing adventure. Always double-check your rigging before going on the water and familiarize yourself with the boat’s operation. Remember that weather conditions can impact sailing, so adjust the sail trim accordingly. Happy sailing!

Understanding Wind Direction and Sail Trim

Understanding wind direction and sail trim is crucial for successful sailing of a Sunfish sailboat. Adjusting the sail trim based on wind direction is key to optimizing the boat’s performance.

To determine wind direction, look for visual cues such as flags, water ripples, or movement of tree branches. It’s important to remember that wind can change direction, so regularly assess its angle relative to your boat.

Once wind direction is identified, adjust the sail trim accordingly. For effective upwind sailing, tightly trim the sail to catch more wind, creating lift and propelling the boat forward. Conversely, when sailing downwind, ease the sail to maximize the catching area and take advantage of the force of the wind pushing from behind.

Sail trim requires continuous monitoring and adjustment as the wind changes. Experimenting with different trim settings will help you find the optimal balance between speed and control .

Understanding wind direction and sail trim improves with practice and experience. Sailing and observing wind behavior will enhance your ability to instinctively trim the sail and enjoy a smooth and exhilarating sailing experience.

Steering and Controlling the Rudder

• 1. Check rudder position: Before steering the Sunfish sailboat, ensure that the rudder is centered, aligned with the boat’s keel, and straight.
• 2. Hold tiller extension: Firmly grasp the tiller extension, a long handle connected to the rudder. Maintain a comfortable grip while allowing for movement and flexibility.
• 3. Understand tiller and rudder relationship: The tiller is connected to the rudder, and any tiller movement directly affects the rudder’s position. Moving the tiller to the right turns the rudder right, and moving the tiller to the left turns the rudder left.
• 4. Adjust rudder angle: To steer the Sunfish sailboat, adjust the rudder angle. Push the tiller extension to the left to turn right, and push it to the right to turn left.
• 5. Maintain balance and stability: When steering and controlling the rudder, maintain balance and stability on the sailboat. Distribute weight evenly, stay centered in the boat, and make subtle adjustments for control.

Practice steering and controlling the rudder in different weather conditions and sailboat speeds to enhance proficiency. Through practice, you will develop a better understanding of effectively maneuvering the Sunfish sailboat.

Advanced Sailing Skills

Mastering the art of sailing a Sunfish requires more than just the basics. In this section, we’ll dive into advanced sailing skills that will take your Sunfish adventures to the next level. Discover the secrets of effective sail positioning and shaping , the art of tacking and jibing with finesse, and how to truly harness the power of the wind . Get ready to elevate your sailing game and navigate the waters with confidence.

Sail Positioning and Shaping

When sailing a Sunfish, proper sail positioning and shaping are key to efficient sailing. Consider the following factors:

– Wind direction: Position the sail perpendicular to the wind for maximum power.

– Sail shape: Adjust the sail’s shape using the cunningham, outhaul, and boomvang control lines.

– Cunningham: Tighten the cunningham to flatten the sail and reduce draft, especially in strong winds or for better upwind performance.

– Outhaul: Adjust the outhaul to control tension on the foot of the sail. Tightening it flattens the sail for increased speed and control in stronger winds.

– Boomvang: Properly adjust the boomvang to control tension on the leech of the sail and achieve optimal sail shape and control.

– Weight distribution: Positioning your body weight correctly on the boat is crucial for stability and performance. Adjust your position to maintain control and balance.

– Foot position: Properly position your feet on the hiking straps to balance and stabilize the boat. This allows for necessary sail adjustments and effective boat control.

– Continuously observe the sail and make necessary adjustments to adapt to changing wind conditions and optimize performance.

Mastering sail positioning and shaping in Sunfish sailing can greatly enhance your sailing experience and improve overall performance on the water.

Tacking and Jibing

– Prepare the Sunfish sailboat for tacking or jibing by trimming the sail and maintaining a steady speed. Begin the maneuver by turning the bow of the boat into the wind and crossing to the other side. Release the sail as the boat turns to make the turn smoother. Change sides on the boat to balance the weight and aid in the turn. Quickly switch the sail to the new side as the boat completes the turn and the wind fills the sail. Pull in the sail and adjust the trim for the desired speed and direction.

For jibing , turn the stern of the boat through the wind to change the direction. Prepare to release the sail as the boat turns and let it swing across. Cross over to the opposite side of the boat for balance during the turn. Guide the sail smoothly to the new side and adjust the trim accordingly. Continuously monitor the wind and make minor adjustments to maintain control and maximize efficiency.

Harnessing the Power of the Wind

Harnessing the Power of the Wind is crucial for successful Sunfish sailing. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Positioning the sail: Properly position the sail to catch the wind and propel the boat forward. Adjust the sail based on the wind direction and intensity.

2. Sail trim: Maintain proper sail trim to optimize wind capture. Adjust the sheet to keep it taut but not too tight. Watch for signs of luffing or flapping, which indicate insufficient use of wind power.

3. Using the telltales: Utilize the telltales on the sail to determine wind flow across its surface. The position and direction of the telltales help gauge proper sail trim. Adjust the sail to maximize wind efficiency.

4. Feathering: Reduce wind resistance and maintain forward momentum in strong winds by angling the sail away from the wind. This technique prevents excessive heeling and maintains control over the boat.

5. Understanding gusts and lulls: Be aware of changes in wind intensity. In gusts, loosen the sail to prevent overpowering. In lulls, adjust the sail to catch any available wind. Adapting to changing wind conditions improves overall sailing performance.

By implementing these techniques, you can effectively harness the power of the wind during your Sunfish sailing adventures. Practice and experience will improve your understanding of wind dynamics and enhance your sailing skills. Enjoy the exhilaration of harnessing nature’s force and explore the open water with confidence.

Safety Tips and Precautions

• Always prioritize safety when sailing a Sunfish by following these safety tips and precautions.
• Check the weather forecast before setting sail to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Before launching your Sunfish, inspect it for damages or leaks to prevent any potential accidents.
• To stay within the rules and regulations , familiarize yourself with the sailing rules of your location.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and keep an eye out for other boats or obstacles in the water to maintain a safe voyage.
• Keep a whistle or horn on board so you can easily signal for help in case of emergencies.
• Stay hydrated during your sailing trip by bringing enough water for your journey.
• Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing sunscreen and a hat.

Always prioritize safety when sailing a Sunfish and follow these precautions for a pleasant and secure sailing experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not wearing a life jacket: Avoid not wearing a life jacket while sailing a Sunfish. Prioritize safety on the water and always wear a properly fitted life jacket to prevent accidents or drowning.
• Ignoring weather conditions: Avoid ignoring weather conditions. Check the weather forecast before sailing. Strong winds, storms, or other adverse conditions can make sailing difficult and dangerous.
• Overlooking proper rigging: Properly rigging the Sunfish is essential for a successful sail. Don’t overlook the rigging process. Ensure the mast, boom, and sail are correctly attached and tensioned for optimal sailing.
• Not understanding the centerboard: The centerboard plays a crucial role in maneuvering the Sunfish. Understand how to use it correctly for control and stability. Learn how to adjust it based on wind and water conditions.
• Forgetting to secure the mainsheet: The mainsheet controls the sail’s position and power. Avoid forgetting to secure it properly to prevent accidental jibes and loss of control.

Some Facts About How To Sail A Sunfish:

• ✅ The Sunfish is a small, one-person sailboat that has been popular for generations. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ It is a personal-size, beach-launched sailing dinghy with a flat hull and a crab claw sail. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ The Sunfish was developed by Alcort, Inc. in the 1950s and has since become the most popular fiberglass boat ever designed, with a quarter million sold worldwide. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ Setting up a Sunfish takes less than 10 minutes and requires no special knowledge or fancy sailor’s knots. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ There are resources available, such as YouTube videos and sailing classes, to help beginners learn to sail a Sunfish. (Source: Our Team)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. how long does it take to set up a sunfish sailboat.

Setting up a Sunfish takes less than 10 minutes and requires no special knowledge or fancy sailor’s knots.

2. Can a Sunfish sailboat be launched from anywhere?

Yes, a Sunfish sailboat can be launched from the beach, dock, or anywhere with water access.

3. Are there resources available to help beginners learn to sail a Sunfish?

Yes, there are resources available such as YouTube videos and sailing classes that can help beginners learn to sail a Sunfish.

4. What is the sail plan and hull of a sailboat?

The sail plan and hull of a sailboat create lift forces in 3 dimensions as they react to wind and water.

5. How can I achieve balance and control while sailing a Sunfish?

Balancing the forces of the sail and hull is key to maintaining control and speed. Experimentation and practice are necessary to find the best settings and achieve comfort and control while sailing.

6. What are some tips for adjusting the sail’s center of effort and improving control?

Lowering the sail on the mast can help reduce heeling and allow for better control through hiking. Adjusting the gooseneck on the boom can reduce weather helm and improve control. Other controls like the vang, outhaul, and cunningham can further tweak the sail’s center of effort and de-power the sail.

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How the Most Popular Sailboat Ever Was Invented

The Sunfish taught millions of Americans to seize the breeze

Kate Wheeling

It's the platonic ideal of the sailboat, unmistakable in lakes and coastal waters across the country, with its colorful, equilateral triangle sail pulled taut in the summer breeze. It’s also the most popular sailboat ever made, with more than half a million built since the first launch in 1952.

The design of the Sunfish came from Cortlandt Heyniger and Alex Bryan, friends whose company, Alcort, was building a rescue paddleboard for the Red Cross. On a whim, Bryan added a simple sail to the wooden board to create a basic but elegant sailboat. As legend holds, his wife, Aileen Bryan—née Shields, a sailing scion and racing champion—tried sailing the craft and wanted a little more room to maneuver, as she was then pregnant. So Alcort’s first employee, Carl Meinert, designed a cockpit for the Sunfish, drawing the first mock-up in dust on the floor of Alcort’s woodshop in Waterbury, Connecticut. The first Sunfish was built in the early 1950s.

The first models were wood and measured just under 14 feet long. They sold for less than $200—roughly $2,200 in today’s dollars—and could be launched right from the beach without a dock, making the Sunfish an accessible and affordable fixture at vacation houses across the United States.

The Sunfish also opened up the world of sailboat racing to those who could not afford yachts and club memberships: 1963 saw the first North American championship for Sunfish racers, and the first Sunfish World Championship was held in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1970. The boat’s simplicity meant winning was truly a testament to one’s skills; as one Sunfish dealer told the New York Times in 1970, “Racing one puts a lot on the man.” Or woman, adds Lee Parks, a two-time winner of the women’s North American national championship: “Unlike some other classes, the Sunfish class is male and female. It’s multigenerational. Anybody can sail them.” In 1977, Fortune magazine named the boat one of America’s 25 best-designed products. The Sunfish designers were inducted into the Sailing Hall of Fame in 2021.

Sunfish enthusiasts, whether casual sailors or serious racers, are known for their sportsmanship. According to Parks, “Every event you go to is like a family reunion.”

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Kate Wheeling | READ MORE

Kate Wheeling is a former staff writer at Pacific Standard .

Boat Profile

Super Sailfish

A wild and wet ride

From Issue   August 2019

S eventy years ago, LIFE put the Alcort company on the map when the magazine featured the Sailfish sailboat in an article titled “ World’s Wettest, Sportiest Boat ,” published in the August 15, 1949 issue. Two years earlier, Alcort had expanded their market from iceboats to the little Sailfish, a lateen-rigged wooden hull that measured just under 12′. The boat was easy to handle, affordable, and offered a sporty, splashy ride to America’s post-war market of recreational sailors.

In 1946, Alex Bryan and Cortlandt Heyniger had combined bits of their first names to create Alcort, Inc., and the first sailboat that they designed, in 1947, was the 11′ 7″ Sailfish, built in Waterbury, Connecticut. The Sailfish had a beam of 31-1/2″, a crew capacity of 300 lbs, and weighed 82 lbs. The volume of air enclosed by the hull and deck made the boat virtually unsinkable. A 65-square-foot lateen sail provided ample power.

The authors’ Super Sailfish, ZSA ZSA, is their restoration of a wooden boat built in the 1950s. Here, the varnished daggerboard rests just aft of its slot.

The boat gained immediate popularity after the LIFE article, and within a few years the original design was lengthened to 13′ 7″ and widened a bit to 35-1/2″. The larger Sailfish flew a 75-square-foot sail, weighed 102 lbs, and had a crew capacity of 400 lbs. The original Sailfish was then labeled the Standard Sailfish and the big sister named the Super Sailfish. Production of the two models of Sailfish was brisk, and in 1960 Alcort added a fiberglass version, the Super Sailfish MK II. The MK II hull was the same size as the Super Sailfish, had the same capacity of 400 lbs, and used the same rig, but weighed 98 lbs. Alcort was also producing the wooden Sunfish, which used the same sail rig, daggerboard, and rudder as the Super Sailfish line, and a fiberglass Sunfish with a longer daggerboard and taller transom.

The Alcort literature promised the Sailfish would deliver “thrilling speed, brilliant performance, perfect portability, and swamp-proof safety.” The hull, deck, and frames were made of marine plywood, with mahogany sides, transom, rudder, tiller, and daggerboard. Wilcox and Crittenden in nearby Middletown manufactured the bronze and brass fittings for all of the Alcort boats. The spars on the original Sailfish were cut from Sitka spruce, mid-generation masts were a hybrid aluminum base with wooden top, and spars from the late 1950s on were aluminum.

Alcort offered the Standard Sailfish, Super Sailfish, and Super Sailfish MK II as factory-built boats, and they sold precision-cut knockdown kits for a wooden Sailfish through the late ’50s through the mid-’60s. The Standard Sailfish was phased out in the mid-’60s and the Super Sailfish kit was last seen in the late ’60s. Along the way, a two-page set of plans was produced by Alcort with measurements and a materials list for the frames, hull, rudder, daggerboard, spars, and sail. Armed with the plans, an intrepid home builder could build the boat with locally sourced lumber and hardware. We had occasion recently to replace the bottom panels on a factory-built Super Sailfish, and while we had the panels off we validated the measurements in the plans, and all were within a 1/32″ with only one exception. The factory boat’s bow was swept up just under 1″, a design improvement that helped reduce submarining.

The handrails amidships have an important role as foot bracing to keep the sailor from sliding off the deck when the boat heels.

T he Sailfish kits came with all of the wood, hardware, sails, and line needed. Finishing kits with primer, putty, paint, and varnish could be purchased as well. Alcort provided eight pages of well-written instructions with 16 photos. The first two pages of the instructions contained a list of parts included in the kit with numbered photos. The hull was assembled upside down using the shipping crate as a strongback. The first step was to attach the 13′ 3-3/4″ deck longeron to the stem, the seven frames, maststep, daggerboard trunk, and transom. The parts were coated with a sealer, and then screwed together, and the deck was then temporarily attached to the skeleton frame and the solid-wood sides were screwed on, attached first to the stem and pulled into place on the transom with a rope windlass. The inner keel longeron was attached to the frames, and it and the sides were beveled to accept the plywood bottom panels. They were attached with glue and bronze ring-shank nails.

The assembly process was easy. Alcort advertised that it could be done over a weekend with a hammer, rasp, plane, screwdriver, handsaw, square, brace, drill, and bits. A jigsaw would be helpful for building a hull from plans.

The Sailfish delivers on Alcort’s promise of fun. We have sailed all of the models and have only capsized once when a sail caught a puff and the sheet pulled Skipper off the deck. The sheet had no fairlead or cleat, so it was either let go of the sheet or go for a short swim. One sailor joked that “the Sailfish was the boat that you learned to swim on.” The shallow-V hulls of the Super Sailfish and especially the Standard Sailfish with its 31-1/2″ beam, require more balance than the Sunfish. When sailing Sailfish, we tend to sit more amidships and hike out by laying backward at an angle, rather than perpendicular to the centerline. Handrails on the deck serve as foot braces to help maintain control of the boat while hands are busy with the sheet and tiller. Some of the models had a small toerail, which is also helpful for maintaining a grip on the flat, cockpitless deck. The sheet also works as a tether to help keep skippers aboard. Some of the Sailfish had nonskid on the deck, but it quickly wore out pants bottoms. One trick that we’ve come up for tacking is to lean backward instead of forward—while you’re wearing a PFD it is harder to bend forward on a Sailfish than on a Sunfish, which has a cockpit to tuck your legs and feet into.

The most recent versions of the spars and mast for the Sailfish were all aluminum.

The Sailfish 65-square-foot sail for the Standard and 75 for the Super are appropriately sized, neither too small to provide fun, even exciting sailing, nor so large as to be overpowering and leading to frequent capsizes. All of the models power up quickly. We’ve found that tacking is improved with a longer daggerboard, similar to the one found on the 1960s fiberglass Sunfish. The mast is easy to step and even kids as young as eight can raise the sail. Our Sailfish moves well even in the lightest of breeze; we enjoy the fingertip control on the tiller and setting coffee cups set on deck, without them sliding over the side. Once the breeze picks up to 5–8 knots, a little more activity is needed to balance the boat and get through tacks smoothly. At 10–12 knots we are moving quickly to stay on course and work the puffs, and above 12 knots we have sailed the Super Sailfish with two on board, one at the tiller and the other serving as movable ballast.

With the sailing rig left ashore, or even stowed on deck, the Super Sunfish serves nicely as a stand-up paddle board.

A lcort made a lot of promises with the Sailfish and delivered on all of them. We’ve even come up with a few more uses for the boats. The Sailfish, with its deck unbroken by a cockpit, makes a respectable stand-up paddleboard, and with a 400-lb capacity, it is well suited for larger paddlers or for an adult taking little crew members out paddling. The deeper hull design has a greater capacity than a normal paddleboard and makes for a very stable platform. The small keel strip helps the boat track straight under paddle power. We can paddle our MK II out in flat calm, and set sail if the wind picks up. I took the hull out once with a low-slung beach chair lashed to the handrails, and it made a fine sit-on-top kayak, a very useful fishing platform or picnic boat. We have also seen folks add outriggers and take their pets out for a ride with plenty of room for the whole pack.

Kent and Audrey Lewis blog about and maintain a fleet of vintage Alcorts that include a Standard Sailfish , Super Sailfish , Catfish and a wooden Sunfish, along with several fiberglass Sunfish. They also maintain the Yahoo group Sunfish Sailor and publish The Sunfish Owners Manual .

Sailfish Particulars

Length/11′ 7″

Weight/82 lbs

Capacity/300 lbs

Sail Area/65 sq. ft.

Super Sailfish Particulars

Length/ 13′ 7″

Weight/102 lbs

Capacity/400 lbs

Sail Area/75 sq. ft.

Super Sailfish with offsets

Super Sailfish parts

The kit assembly instructions can be found in the Files section of the Sunfish Sailor Yahoo group (after joining the group) and are very helpful when repairing wooden Sailfish, or for building a new Sailfish from the plans, found in the same Files. Sunfish sails and spars to fit the Super Sailfish can be ordered from Sunfish Direct . The Sunfish is manufactured in fiberglass by Laser Performance .

Is there a boat you’d like to know more about? Have you built one that you think other Small Boats Magazine readers would enjoy? Please email us!

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Comments (15)

Let’s build one FOUR times original size! What a hoot! May have to reduce sail area proportionally….just imagine the fun! Or take one to J boat size! Wow!

Great article. Love the video to see how it sailed. But most of all, really enjoyed reading the history behind the ubiquitous Sunfish, which I have sailed often over the years. The wooden Sailfish versions were before my time. Thank you.

We have a mini sunfish that we bought used in the 1980’s. It is a sturdy craft, and we have sailed it a lot over the years down here in the Florida Panhandle. I repainted it with Interlux fifteen years ago, and it still looks good. It seems to be indestructible. I am thinking of making a longer dagger board for her, after reading the excellent article in Small Boats . Anybody know where I can get a new handle?

It’s interesting how things come around.

Al and Cort first built the Sailfish as a paddleboard to go after swimmers as they were trying for a Red Cross contract. An enlarged surfboard if you will. Too expensive for the Red Cross. So what to do with it. Besides iceboats, Al and Cort were open canoe sailors, and presumably had some kit kicking around. Doesn’t take much to put the two together. The LIFE article came about by some kind of friend-of-a-friend-girlfriend relationship. Don’t remember the details. In today’s saturated world it is difficult to think of a media splash that would have the same impact as a multiple page spread in LIFE . Not so incidentally Al and Cort created the first fully self-rescuable sailing craft.

The Sunfish apparently happened when either Al’s or Cort’s wife became pregnant and found the Sailfish hard to sail.

And it is interesting to see that the Sailfish does work pretty well as a paddleboard!

I got mine as a 13th-birthday present from my grandmother, back in 1967, and sailed her on Cranberry Lake in NW New Jersey. My evil trick was to grab a gust, haul in, then climb over the side to stand on the daggerboard, dumping my crew in the middle of the lake. I could right her and be off again before they knew what was happening.

Nice useful information here. I just purchased an early ’70s MK II. Ready to start cleaning it up. Question: there is a small (3/8″ – 1/2″) hole located next to the bow handle on the deck. Any idea what it’s for? A drain of some type maybe? Any help would be appreciated.

The Alcort Sailfish and Sunfish featured in your current issue are wonderful boats! The underlying philosophy of fun, simplicity and low cost, coupled with ease of transport and storage, would have given access to sailing to many, many people who otherwise would never have had an experience of the sport.

The Australian Sailfish very quickly became popular at clubs on Port Phillip, and then spread rapidly through the eastern states of Australia and onto Papua New Guinea. An Australian Sailfish Class Owners Association was formed in 1961. National championships commenced in 1968 and were held annually thereafter.

Pleasingly however, there has been a wooden-boat renaissance in Australia over the past decade or so, and this has lead to a revival also of the Australian Sailfish. There have been fleets of ten to twenty Sailfish participating at wooden-boat regattas over the past few Australian summers. There have been new builds, plans have been distributed worldwide, and there have been three Australian Sailfish built in the past year in the USA in Florida, Wisconsin, and San Francisco. This revival has been promoted and reflected by an Australian Sailfish website, of which I am a co-administrator. Jack Carroll remains well and active at 90 years of age, and was in fact awarded with an Order of Australia in June this year for services to sailing.

In June this year, I was fortunate to attend the WoodenBoat Show at Mystic Seaport, something I’ve wanted to do for many years. While there, I visited the museum’s small-boat collection. I was on a mission. Just inside the entrance was the Alcort Sunfish, racked up with its stablemate, the Laser. I went exploring further, and, to my delight, I found the Alcort Sailfish tucked away in a back corner of the collection. It was a thrill.

Several days later, by chance, I was able to hire a Sunfish on the beach at Chatham on Cape Cod, and sail it on the waters of Nantucket Sound. That was a great thrill!

I hope that this information might be of some interest to you. Thank you for your wonderful magazine.

Would anyone like to buy an early model of the Super Sailfish that is in great shape?

In the late ’50s and early ’60s we would sail with a neighbor on his Sunfish in Lake Michigan. Usually, sailing was a lot of fun, except for the day when small-craft warnings were posted, and we capsized, breaking the aluminum mast against the sand.

Great article.

I had a Sailfish and sailed Lake Ontario and some northern Ontario lakes with it from 1975 to 1991. It was faster and more athletic to sail than the Sunfish that we also had. I wish they were still available.

We rented a Sunfish 1966 and sailed it on Lake Simcoe near Big Bay Point. I convinced our family to buy one the next year. Sailed it at our rented cottage on Lake Simcoe and Lake Ontario from the Silver Birch Boathouse in east-end Toronto beaches for the next 9 years. Then was invited to race International 14 and Thunderbird yachts because of my Sunfish experience. Now I’m back in Sunfish racing in Canandaigua Lake and Rochester. Love going out in my Sunfish when the wind is too much for other boats.

A couple of answers.

1. For a replacement Minifish daggerboard I’d watch eBay for a “Barrington” board. If the desire is to make new handles, cut some 3/4″-square cleats and screw them to the top of the new, longer daggerboard.

2. The hole up by the bow handle was for a drain plug.

My first boat was a Masonite Sailfish (1974). The drain plug was in the transom, and it had wooden spars, grab rails, mast step, etc., and an old cotton sail. I varnished all the wood, and painted her international orange with a white cockpit – don’t laugh, it looked great with the varnished accents! The first time I capsized her, I was petrified, but then my feet hit the bottom! Shallow water! One time she just refused to tack, and when I got her home, found out that the stern drain plug had not been screwed in, and she weighed about 500 pounds. Many other newbie stories with that boat. Great fun always.

If you guys wanted to go back in time, my grandfather co-invented the Sunfish. Here is a poem I wrote about it:

A Maple leaf floated on the lake Momentum pushed it into a breeze Cortlandt watched it slowly drift by, tacking south The wheels in his head started turning Shorter, he thought, if the boat is shorter, it will turn more sharply It will be an easier boat for play In time, it was, and they were sold worldwide But for now, Bud tried to manipulate a sheet of paper into an airplane He wanted to see if he could hit the leaf Nailed it

Murray Dunlap “Next to a brain injury, the devil is a clawless kitten.”

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• Sailboat Guide

The name ALCORT derived from the nick names of it’s founders, Alex Bryan and Cortland Heyniger, both of Waterbury, Connecticut. They started in around 1941 building and selling SKEETER class iceboats. To provide year round work they decided to design and build a sailboat. This became the SAILFISH. (One story is that it was originally intended as a rescue surfboard for lifeguards, but did not achieve Red Cross approval.) Production began about June of 1945 for both kits and completed boats. After the boat was featured in a ‘Life’ Magazine article, production increased from a few boats a year to a point where a factory was needed to keep up with the orders. Neither the SAILFISH, or the later SUPER SAILFISH had a cockpit which was the impetus for the SUNFISH design and development. It was the company’s first employee, Carl Meinert, who drew his idea for the SUNFISH on the shop floor and a cockpit was added. The sails, transom, rudder and spars were the same as those made for the SUPER SAILFISH. By 1958 Alcort had out grown it’s third plant, so a new plant was built to their own specifications. At this time, the hulls were still made of wood. In 1959 Joe Schmit of Naugatuck Chemical Company convinced Alcort to try fiberglass. The SUPER SAILFISH was produced in fiberglass in 1959 and the SUNFISH manufacturing process was changed over to fiberglass in 1960. The SAILFISH was phased out in 1962, and the SUPER SAILFISH a few years later. Alcort stopped selling kits in the mid-60s. By 1982 over 200,000 SUNFISH had been sold. Despite the numbers, producing a single Sunfish hull was a labor intensive task. All the layup in the female mold was done by hand. Chopper guns were never used. By 1969 Alcort was overwhelmed by the ever increasing demand and the company was sold to AMF. Licenses were granted for construction in Holland, Canada, Chile and Uraguay. Vanguard took over the SUNFISH from AMF for several years. As of 2012, the SUNFISH was still in production.

Associations

• Puffer (AMF Alcort) on Yahoo
• Sunfish (Int. Sunfish Class Association)
• Force 5 Class Association
• Windrush Catamaran Association of WA
• Alexander Bryan/Cortland Heyniger
• Alexander Bryan/Cortland Heyniger/Carl Meinart
• Alex Bryan/Cortland Heyniger
• Bruce Kirby
• Carter Pyle
• David & Jerry Hubbard
• D. Bruce Connolly
• Fred Scott, Jack Evans
• George W. Patterson
• Richard & Jay McFarlane
• Steve Nichols

17 sailboats built by Alcort

Alcort Catfish

Flying Fish

Alcort Sailfish

Super sunfish.

Super Sailfish MKII

Minifish ii.

• About Sailboat Guide

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