Sunfish Sails

[pukeslip]

A few days ago a I spotted a Sunfish that was being thrown away. Instinctively I picked it up and took it home. The trailer was shot, and the centerboard and rudder were missing. Only the boat, it's remaining rigging, and it's shotty sail got the opportunity to come back with me. It's not in the greatest condition but it's small and shouldn't require too much work or nearly the equivalent effort as my other boats, so I'm pretty excited. Im not really familiar with a Sunfish though and wanted to get some opinions from you guys, specifically on sails, but all helpful information is welcome. I'm looking to replace the sail with a quality sail that will give me the most bang for my buck. Keep in mind though that this is also just a throw together project for me and friends to sail in between alternative sailing trips, a communal boat if you will.

After a little bit of research I'm considering an Intensity sail (Intensity Sails & Gear for the Dinghy Sailor, but I for a little more money and some laughs I'm being drawn towards a jolly roger. (Jolly Roger Sunfish Sail w/Window)

What can you guys tell me about the quality of FX Sails? I know it's more but I feel like the quality is significantly less. Does it really make a difference?

Thanks!

[CalebD]

Cool find.
Sunfish can be a fun boat to sail. Before I dumped a lot of effort into the sails though I would try to check if the hull stays pretty dry when in the water.
Older hulls can leak and become water logged and no matter how good the sail is, you ain't sailing anywhere fast. Find out how long it takes for water on the deck, in the mast step and on the hull/deck joint to take on water, if at all.
If you are lucky it will remain buoyant for a long time. In that case I'd check out everything from craigslist to ... for a new(er) sail for your new Sunfish.
This place sells the newfangled (and better) rudder hardware for the Sunfish: APS - Sunfish - Rudder, Tiller and Daggerboard
Not cheap but worth it (cheaper) if you make your own center board and rudder from wood stock. Mahogany wood is what was mostly used for these parts with a varnish finish.
Good luck.
Fun, but wet boats.

[pukeslip]

Great thanks for the pointers. I will check out the hull/leak situation today. Hopefully there is minimal damage and can be easily patched up. I will probably opt for making the centerboard and rudder myself, and I may even have an extra one in the garage somewhere from a different day sailor. I definitely do have a spare mast and boom which I might replace on the sunfish. The sunfish boom is a bit bent.

Thanks again.

[Gary3675]

Try this link....may be able to find a good used sail, CB and rudder.
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