Super Sunfish Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Super Sunfish was produced from 1974 until 1984, during a period when its builder, AMF, a large conglomerate, had diversified into the leisure industry through strategic acquisitions. AMF had acquired Alcort, the original maker of the Sunfish and Sailfish, in 1969, continuing their production under the AMF/Alcort banner. The hull of the Super Sunfish remained identical to that of the standard Sunfish, a design originally conceived by Alex "Red" Bryan and Cortlandt "Bud" Heyniger.

The significant departure for the Super Sunfish was its rigging. While the traditional Sunfish featured a distinctive lateen sail, the Super Sunfish was equipped with a modern, "Laser-like, high aspect unstayed cat rig". This rig was not entirely new, having been preceded by a slightly more complex "Formula S" rig a few years prior. AMF adopted and simplified this concept, making the Super Sunfish available either as a complete boat or as a conversion kit for existing Sunfish hulls. This design choice signaled an intent to appeal to sailors seeking a more contemporary and potentially faster sailing experience from their compact dinghy.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 13.83 feet and a displacement of just 129 pounds, the Super Sunfish is an exceptionally light and nimble dinghy. Its design as a personal, beach-launched craft means it prioritizes ease of handling and responsiveness over complex systems. The unstayed cat rig, in contrast to the lateen rig of the standard Sunfish, provides a more efficient sail plan, allowing for improved upwind performance and greater control.

Owners and enthusiasts often note the "relative performance" achievable with a Super Sunfish, and some even undertake conversions of regular Sunfish models to gain the benefits of its updated rig, citing desires for more speed and a better sense of control. Its lightweight fiberglass solid hull and daggerboard keel contribute to its agility and ability to point higher than its lateen-rigged counterpart. The Super Sunfish is widely regarded as a fun and engaging boat for recreational sailing, capable of providing an exhilarating ride in various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its role as a small, beach-launched sailing dinghy, the AMF Super Sunfish does not feature any enclosed interior accommodations in the traditional sense. Its open cockpit design is focused solely on providing space for the single or double crew and the necessary sailing controls. There is no maximum headroom or any interior layout to speak of, as the boat is intended for day sailing with no provisions for overnight stays or extensive storage beyond small personal items.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners often praise the Super Sunfish for its enjoyable and engaging sailing characteristics, frequently describing it as a "fun" boat to sail. Many have fond memories of these dinghies, often having been passed down through families. The performance upgrade offered by the unstayed cat rig is a recurring theme, with some sailors actively seeking to convert standard Sunfish to the Super Sunfish configuration for enhanced speed and control. As with many older fiberglass boats, common maintenance points for Super Sunfish models include the rudder and daggerboard, which may require replacement over time. Additionally, locating replacement sails for these older models can sometimes present a challenge for owners.