New to sailing - Sunfish for $250?

[turbulicity]

Get it and start saving for your 22 ft boat. Itch will come soon after you learn how to handle the sunfish well and you would like to take friends/stay longer in the water.

[ejholmgren]

Ack ... is learning to sail on a Sunfish even worth it for an adult? I've picked up a Butterfly for $200, Capri 14.2 for $700, and an MC Scow for $1,200 all in sailable condition with trailers so far in my quest to learn how to sail. All fun boats, which I imagine are a _much_ bigger blast to sail than a Sunfish in that price range.

[puddinlegs]

Sailing in any boat is worth it for an adult learner. Time on the water is what it's all about. Is a laser better than a sunfish? In many ways, sure, but you can go out and sail around comfortably by yourself and take a wee one along on a sunfish. $250? Sure. If it's not a wreck, buy it and have a blast!

[weinie]

just be prepared to get wet.

[pinayreefer]

I learned to sail on a Laser, but also used a Sunfish (largest one-design association in the world, I've heard) to sail more. I preferred the Laser, due to it's being easier to tack (Sunfish sail sweeps the deck so there's a lot of movement to keep from getting whacked) plus a Laser can take two better than a Sunfish. The hull/deck joint on the Sunfish seemed to be where most of the water got in, and I've seen them sink while sailing due to that.
Still, either way the best way to learn is with one of those small boats. When I taught my kids to sail I got them an Optimist Pram, which can be sailed by an adult too, and has the advantage of being a fair dinghy when you inevitably move up to a bigger boat! They tend to be pricey though as they are tough, can be repaired and have a huge racing association too.

[tomandchris]

Sunfish are fun platforms to learn basics on for adults and kids. Yes, you will get wet but that is part of the fun.
If this boat is already at a lake, throw it in the water and see if it floats. If it does just buy it and get on with it. You should have no problem selling it if you don't enjoy it. You yourself have said you have missed buying because the boats were sold too fast for you. Could it be you are just kicking tires at the moment?

[WDS123]

Difference between Sunfish and Laser (as well as shameless plug for the Lido 14)

The Laser is going to be much wetter, more weight sensitive (ie capsize easier), but way faster than a Sunfish. As far as learning goes, the Sunfish is likely a better boat.

Don't forget the Lido14, it is a beamier & drier boat than either the Sunfish or Laser. There are thousands of them which also can be picked up for nil. Still one of most active Dinghy Associations in USA.

[DRFerron]

Meh. Go for it (if you have the spare change). You'll learn something, you'll cool off.

I have a 30' boat two hours away and I'm always thinking about buying a small Sunfish-type boat to use on a nearby lake when I can't get down to the marina.

Also consider joining a local sail club to get experience on larger boats. Find the right one and it'll cost you less than a dinner out.