Hilu Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The production of the AMF Hilu commenced in 1972, during a period when its builder, AMF Corp., was making a significant foray into the leisure and marine industry through strategic acquisitions. AMF, originally American Machine and Foundry, had diversified from its industrial roots into recreational pursuits after World War II, notably with its success in automated bowling equipment. In 1969, AMF acquired Alcort, a company renowned for its popular small sailboats like the Sunfish and Sailfish, subsequently branding it as the "AMF/Alcort Division."

The design philosophy behind the Hilu was pragmatic and resourceful: it was conceived to utilize many existing parts and appendages from other AMF/Alcort models, including rudders, daggerboards, and rigging components. This approach allowed AMF to introduce a novel design while streamlining manufacturing. The Hilu itself was presented as a fiberglass interpretation of a Polynesian proa outrigger sailing canoe, adding another "species" to AMF's line of sailboats named for oceanic wildlife. While a sales brochure was printed, only a small number of Hilu boats were ultimately built, with some reports suggesting as few as two dozen were produced, making it a truly rare find today. The exact end year of production is not definitively recorded, but it appears the model was sold for a very brief period, perhaps only a year or two.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Given its compact 14-foot length overall and exceptionally light displacement of 75 pounds, the AMF Hilu is designed purely for spirited day sailing rather than heavy-weather performance or long-distance cruising. As an outrigger design, traditional performance ratios do not apply in the same way they would to monohull or larger multihull sailboats. Instead, its handling is characterized by agility and responsiveness.

The Hilu, often rigged with a Sunfish-style lateen sail, is described as being easy to sail. Owners and enthusiasts note its ability to be sailed "on the edge," capable of lifting a hull with relative ease, a thrilling characteristic often associated with high-performance multihulls but in a more accessible package than, for instance, a larger Hobie 16. This hull design is also credited with providing potentially better speed than a monohull dinghy with a similar rig. Its lightweight fiberglass construction and daggerboard keel contribute to its nimble nature, making it an engaging boat for quick excursions and lively maneuvers on the water.

Accommodations and Layout

As a dedicated personal-sized sports boat with a length overall of just 14 feet, the AMF Hilu offers no interior accommodations or cabin space. Its open deck layout is designed for a single sailor or possibly a small crew for day sailing. There is no maximum headroom specified, as the boat's design precludes any enclosed living space. The focus is entirely on a minimalist, direct connection to the water and the exhilaration of sailing.

Owner's Perspectives

While the AMF Hilu is a rare vessel due to its limited production, the few owners and enthusiasts who have encountered or sailed one generally speak of it with fondness. Its primary appeal lies in its unique outrigger design and the distinctive sailing experience it offers. Owners consistently praise the Hilu for being "definitely fun" and its ability to sail "on the edge," providing an exciting and engaging ride. Many appreciate that, despite its unique hull, it shares a rig with the ubiquitous Sunfish, simplifying sail and rigging maintenance. The boat's rarity is also a significant draw for collectors and those seeking an uncommon piece of sailing history. While no frequently mentioned weaknesses or common maintenance issues are widely reported, the scarcity of the model itself could pose challenges for finding specific parts beyond the shared Sunfish components, or for accessing specialized knowledge.