Surf Sailer Information, Review, Specs

Under the guidance of its founder, Raymond P. Greene, Ray Greene & Co. established itself as a leader in fiberglass boat manufacturing, known for designs focused on practicality rather than just speed. The Surf Sailer, a direct reflection of this ethos, offers a straightforward sailing experience that has made its inspiration, the Sunfish, immensely popular among both novices and experienced sailors alike.

The Ray Greene Surf Sailer was launched in 1968, emerging from a company renowned for its groundbreaking work in fiberglass boat construction. Ray Greene & Co. had been at the forefront of the fiberglass revolution since the 1940s, rapidly expanding to become one of the largest fiberglass boat builders globally by 1949. Their manufacturing philosophy centered on producing durable, low-maintenance, and consistently built vessels designed for broad appeal and enjoyment.

The Surf Sailer, explicitly noted as Ray Greene's version of the iconic Sunfish, directly inherited the design philosophy that made the original so successful. The Sunfish was conceived to be an "easy-to-sail, fun, and versatile boat that could be enjoyed by beginners and experienced sailors alike." It features a very flat, board-like hull and carries an Oceanic lateen sail mounted to an un-stayed mast, a configuration known for its simplicity and effectiveness. The hull of the Surf Sailer is constructed from solid fiberglass, as is its deck, reflecting Ray Greene's expertise in the material and commitment to robust construction. No significant variations or Mark versions of the Surf Sailer have been widely documented, aligning with the consistent, mass-produced nature of such popular recreational designs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Given its compact size, with a length overall of just under 14 feet, the Ray Greene Surf Sailer is a highly maneuverable and responsive personal sailing dinghy. While traditional performance ratios are not typically applied to boats of this class, its design principles, borrowed from the Sunfish, prioritize ease of handling and stability. Sailors consistently describe the Sunfish as an "amazingly fun and easy boat to sail," capable of providing enjoyment for all skill levels, from beginners to experts.

The Surf Sailer's lateen rig, combined with its daggerboard keel, allows for quick adjustments and good upwind performance for its type, while also offering shallow-water accessibility. Its flat, pontoon-type hull contributes to "outstanding stability and ease of use," making it forgiving for learning sailors and lively enough to be considered "quite the hot rod" in the right conditions for more experienced individuals. Its lightweight fiberglass construction (displacement of 125 lbs) ensures easy beach launching and retrieve, a key aspect of its appeal as a recreational dinghy.

Accommodations and Layout

As a beach-launched sailing dinghy, the Ray Greene Surf Sailer does not feature traditional interior accommodations. Instead, its design focuses entirely on a functional and open deck layout, optimized for a single sailor, though it can comfortably accommodate two for leisure sailing. The deck, made of solid fiberglass, typically features a spacious cockpit area that allows the sailor to move freely for weight distribution and trim.

Essential control lines for the lateen sail are straightforward and easily managed from the cockpit. The boat includes a daggerboard, which is housed in a trunk within the cockpit area, and a single rudder for steering. This simple and uncluttered layout emphasizes direct control and an immersive sailing experience. While headroom is not applicable to an open dinghy, the design provides ample space for personal gear to be stowed securely on deck, often beneath bungees or in small compartments, maintaining a clean and functional environment for its primary purpose: pure sailing enjoyment.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Ray Greene Surf Sailers, and the closely related Sunfish, frequently praise these boats for their robust construction and enduring design. Common strengths highlighted include their "timeless design, outstanding stability, and ease of use," which contribute to their continued popularity decades after their introduction. The lightweight hull is often appreciated for its simple transport and handling, making it an excellent choice for casual outings.

However, a recurring issue noted in owner communities, particularly for older Sunfish-type boats, is the potential for "water logged hulls." This can occur when water infiltrates the hull through various points, saturating the internal foam core and increasing the boat's overall weight, which can affect performance and handling. Despite this common maintenance challenge, the strong community of enthusiasts and the boat's fundamental design for fun and accessibility ensure its continued appeal.