AMF Hilu Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the AMF Hilu are defined by its asymmetry and its impressively low wetted surface area. Utilizing a standard Sunfish-style lateen rig, the boat is remarkably easy to depower, yet it possesses a surprising turn of speed in light to moderate air. Because the Hilu is a single-outrigger vessel rather than a symmetric trimaran, the handling varies significantly depending on whether the outrigger is on the windward or leeward side. When the ama is to windward, the sailor can use the outrigger's weight (and their own weight hiked out on the iakos) to counteract heel; when to leeward, the ama provides buoyancy to prevent capsizing.

In a 1970 technical review by Popular Science, the vessel was noted for its ability to handle "surprising amounts of wind" due to the stability provided by the outrigger configuration. However, unlike a traditional proa, which shunts (reverses direction), the Hilu tacks like a conventional sailboat. This creates a "heavy" side and a "light" side, requiring the sailor to learn the nuances of balancing the boat during maneuvers. Tracking is facilitated by a small daggerboard in the main hull, though the boat is known for having a wide turning radius compared to a standard dinghy.

Popular Mentions & Media

The AMF Hilu enjoyed a brief but bright spotlight in the early 1970s as AMF aggressively marketed its "leisure world" portfolio. It was frequently featured in full-page color advertisements in LIFE and Sports Illustrated, often depicted as a lifestyle accessory for beach-goers who found the Sunfish too conventional. While it lacked a dedicated racing circuit, its aesthetic appeal made it a frequent "prop" in coastal photography of the era. The Hilu is also documented in archival records of the Sunfish Class history, which occasionally notes the experimental designs launched by Alcort founders Alex Bryan and Cortlandt Heyniger during the transition to AMF corporate ownership.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a vintage AMF Hilu requires a specialized inspection, as the stresses on an outrigger design differ significantly from those on a monohull.

• Iako Attachment Points: The most critical areas are the points where the crossbeams (iakos) bolt into the main hull and the outrigger. Over decades of use, the fiberglass around these mounting blocks can craze or delaminate. Ensure the mounting hardware is secure and that there is no "play" or movement in the beams when under load.
• Hull Saturation: Like many Alcort-built boats of this era, the Hilu uses expanded polystyrene foam for flotation. If the hull has had leaks around the daggerboard trunk or inspection ports, this foam can absorb water, significantly increasing the boat's weight and ruining its performance. A simple "weight test" against the original factory specification (approx. 150 lbs) is the best way to verify hull integrity.
• Spars and Rigging: The lateen rig's aluminum spars are prone to bending if the boat was sailed in heavy air beyond its design limits. Check the boom and yard for permanent kinks.
• Daggerboard Trunk: Inspect the trunk for vertical cracks. Because the Hilu is a narrow-hulled boat, the leverage applied to the daggerboard puts considerable stress on the trunk’s internal structure.

Community & Resources

While there is no standalone international class association for the Hilu, the community is largely absorbed into broader Alcort and Sunfish enthusiast groups. Technical advice and replacement parts—many of which are interchangeable with Sunfish hardware—are frequently discussed within these circles. The Sunfish Class Association remains the best high-authority resource for the history and maintenance of the Hilu’s lateen rig and rudder assemblies.

The Verdict

The AMF Hilu is a striking example of 1970s nautical experimentation, offering a unique sailing sensation that bridges the gap between a surfboard and a trimaran. While it lacks the point-and-shoot simplicity of a standard dinghy, it rewards the sailor with a distinctive aesthetic and high-speed potential in the right conditions.

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight and easy to transport on a car roof.
• High stability compared to traditional board boats like the Sailfish.
• Iconic "retro-cool" aesthetic that stands out at any beach or boat ramp.
• Simple lateen rig is easy for beginners to understand and rig.

Cons:

• Asymmetrical handling requires a steeper learning curve than monohulls.
• Difficult to find original replacement parts for the specific outrigger beams.
• Prone to "waterlogging" if the hull seal has been compromised over the decades.