Minifish Information, Review, Specs

Produced in significant numbers, the Minifish represents AMF's commitment to making sailing accessible during its period of marine industry expansion. As a product of the AMF/Alcort Division, it carried forward the legacy of easy-to-manage, fun-to-sail small boats that defined the Alcort brand.

History and Design

The Minifish entered production in 1971 under the AMF Alcort brand, continuing a tradition of popular, easy-to-sail dinghies. Designed by AMF Alcort itself, the boat was conceived as a smaller, perhaps even more approachable, alternative to the iconic Sunfish. Its production run extended over a decade, concluding in 1983, with approximately 14,000 units built, indicating its widespread appeal.

AMF's ownership of Alcort, acquired in 1969, meant that the Minifish benefited from the corporate backing and manufacturing capabilities of a large conglomerate. This period saw AMF focusing on the leisure industry, and the Alcort division was central to their small sailboat offerings, known for their simple, robust designs. The Minifish II, a later iteration, notably included a kit to convert the boat to an unstayed cat rig, offering some versatility to owners. The hull construction of the Minifish is solid fiberglass, ensuring durability typical of boats from this era.

Sailing Performance and Handling

True to its design as a recreational dinghy, the AMF Minifish offers straightforward and forgiving sailing performance. Its lateen rig, a hallmark of the Sunfish family, contributes to its ease of setup and use, making it particularly suitable for novice sailors and those seeking a low-maintenance experience. With a reported sail area of 65 square feet and a light displacement, the Minifish is responsive in light to moderate breezes.

The Minifish features a daggerboard, allowing for good upwind performance when deployed and easy beaching or shallow-water navigation when retracted. At just 11.75 feet overall with a beam of 3.83 feet, its compact dimensions contribute to its agility and quick acceleration. Owners often describe the Minifish as balanced and easy to handle, providing a direct connection to the water. While not built for high-performance racing (though one-design racing events exist), it excels as a stable platform for learning and enjoying a relaxing day afloat.

Accommodations and Layout

As a small recreational dinghy, the AMF Minifish does not feature enclosed accommodations or an interior cabin. Instead, its design focuses entirely on the open cockpit, which is straightforward and functional. The cockpit is designed to comfortably seat one or two sailors, with space optimized for managing the simple lateen rig.

The minimalist layout includes basic deck fittings for sail control, with some older models noted for a cast hook in the front of the cockpit for managing the sheet rather than a more complex block system. Storage is limited to small compartments or areas under the deck, suitable for stowing essentials like personal floatation devices or a paddle. The solid fiberglass hull and deck provide a durable and easily maintained structure, typical of its class.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners generally praise the AMF Minifish for its simplicity, durability, and suitability as a beginner or family boat. Many appreciate its robust construction, which often allows these boats to endure decades of use. Its close relation to the Sunfish is frequently highlighted, with some owners noting that Sunfish spars and sails can even be adapted for use on a Minifish, simplifying parts acquisition.

Common discussions among owners revolve around basic maintenance and upgrades. Frequently mentioned improvements include replacing original rigging such as halyards and mainsheets, and upgrading to newer, more efficient blocks or a mainsheet ratchet block for better sail control. Some owners also opt for new sails, often made from durable Dacron, to refresh performance and appearance. The Minifish is consistently recommended as a good entry-level sailboat, reflecting its forgiving nature and the sheer fun it provides on the water. While generally solid, some older boats may require attention to fiberglass patches or the re-bedding of original deck fittings, common with vessels of this vintage.