Design and Construction
The Sunfish was originally built in plywood. Production began in 1952, and ALCORT produced the first fiberglass hull in 1960; by the mid-1960s, fiberglass had replaced the wooden models. The resulting lightweight fiberglass hull is easy to transport and store.
The hull is a medium-sized, hard-chined pontoon type, with a distinctive flat, lightweight shape and a wide beam for stability. Most fiberglass Sunfish have a virtually unsinkable pontoon hull built around six closed-cell expanded-polystyrene blocks—three forward and three aft—held in place by marine-grade foam. Recent boats use internal plastic air bladders for flotation.
Modern materials and construction methods have improved the boat’s longevity. The rugged hull stands up to wear and tear in harsh conditions, and boats built 20 or 30 years ago can still be found in great condition.
Rig and Handling
The Sunfish carries a 75-square-foot lateen sail. Its 10-foot aluminum mast is deck-stepped, while the 13′ 9″ booms and other spars are made from anodized T 6061 aluminum.
A single halyard hoists the sail, running through a deck block to a horn cleat on the deck. The single sheet leads from an aft bridle through two boom blocks to the cockpit. Early boats had no fairleads. Later models gained a sheet hook, followed by a swivel cam cleat in the 1980s; today, they usually carry a ratchet block on a stand-up spring.
The 44-inch daggerboard and foil-shaped rudder provide excellent control on all points of sail. A 1971 rudder redesign introduced an aluminum gudgeon, pintle, and spring system. It allows the sailor to raise or lower the blade from the cockpit, while also letting the rudder kick up automatically for beaching or after striking an obstacle.
Owners report that the Sunfish is easy to handle and maneuver, and that it behaves admirably in winds up to around 15 knots. If the breeze dies, it also paddles well—with the rudder down—using a single-blade or kayak paddle.
Cockpit and Intended Use
The Sunfish is an open-cockpit daysailer intended for one person at the helm. It can be sailed single-handed or with a passenger, but only one person can navigate it comfortably.
In 1952, input from Aileen Shields Bryan led to a 12-inch increase in hull width and the addition of a small cockpit foot well, making the boat more comfortable than the Sailfish. A storage cubby was added beneath the aft cockpit in 1971.
This boat is designed for active day sailing rather than casual cruising. Its low freeboard and three-foot draft put the sailor very close to the water. The Sunfish is well suited to beginners and can be learned within a day of trial and error, yet experienced sailors also value its simplicity.
Sailing Characteristics and Known Issues
The Sunfish’s low freeboard and near-water, three-foot draft make for an extremely wet ride, even in mild conditions. That is a documented characteristic of the design rather than a flaw.
The boat can capsize easily, whether or not the sailor is a novice. Its daggerboard keel is a considerable advantage when righting it, however, and in shallow water the boat can be flipped upright easily.
Carrying more than one person can make handling difficult to nearly impossible. The design also demands constant attention to seating position and mast control, rather than allowing the sailor to settle into casual conversation.
Refits and Ownership
All parts are interchangeable across the fiberglass fleet except for the old versus new rudder systems, simplifying ownership and repair. New boats can be ordered with either mahogany or FRP rudders and daggerboards. Modern tillers are aluminum and come in straight or wishbone form, replacing the original ash tiller.
The DePersia Venturi bailer, originally aluminum and made from plastic beginning in 1971, self-drains the cockpit once the boat reaches a few knots of headway. An internal float ball closes the bailer.
The Sunfish and its spars are cartoppable. It can be launched from a beach and rigged in minutes, making it practical as either a starter boat or a fleet trainer.
The Verdict
The Sunfish is a rare design that has taught generations to sail without compromising its core character. It is virtually unsinkable, cartoppable, and supported by broadly interchangeable fiberglass-fleet parts. At the same time, it makes no apology for being wet, active, and primarily intended for a single sailor. On lakes, at camps, and around racecourses, it remains a benchmark small boat.
Pros
- In continuous production since 1952, with interchangeable parts across the fiberglass fleet except for the old and new rudder systems
- Virtually unsinkable pontoon hull with foam-block or bladder flotation
- Lateen rig can be set up in minutes, and the boat can be learned in a day
- Cartoppable, beach-launchable, and easy to store
Cons
- Extremely wet because of its low freeboard and three-foot draft
- Capsizes easily and is not suited to casual cruising or easy two-person sailing
- Limited to day sailing, with one person handling the boat comfortably
