markboyd.info Sunfish Boating Pages

My Sunfish Boating Adventures

September 14, 2011

I was talking with a friend the other day and mentioned that I was thinking about getting a Sunfish because my current sailboat takes more than an hour to set up and get in the water. He said, "A Sunfish? I have a Sunfish I'll give you." Long story short, I'm now the owner of a Sunfish.

September 16, 2011

I got the Fish today. It turns out its a Minifish which is the same basic boat as the Sunfish, just two feet shorter... and, since its smaller, it can't haul as much blubber like me. Its made for kids really. So it will be good for my grandsons to sail, but maybe not for me. We'll see.

Its actually in very good shape. Nothing missing and the sail seems to be in good shape. Everything was pretty dirty, but I spent and hour or so cleaning last night and its much better. Still needs more cleaning, but at least presentable now.

Here it is just as it arrived. Needs cleaning, but otherwise pretty much ready to sail.

The cockpit bailer seemed to not be working, so I need to check that out.
So now I just need to get the registration stickers, and hit the lake.

September 21, 2011

I checked out the bailer in more detail last night. It turns out that its simply a manual valve, not a float ball valve as was the original equipment.

Seems like this is good and bad. Good because the ball won't fail to seal and let water into the boat. Bad because you have to manually open the valve when you're sailing in order to have the bailer work.

Also discovered a chip in the gelcoat on the starboard chine.

So now I actually have something that needs some fixing up on this boat.