Super Sailfish Mk II Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Sailing the Super Sailfish Mk II is an exercise in weight trim and finesse. Because the boat lacks a traditional cockpit, the sailor sits directly on the flat fiberglass deck, mere inches above the waterline. This low center of gravity, combined with a narrow beam of approximately 3 feet, makes the vessel exceptionally responsive to body movement. In light air, the Mk II is a ghosting specialist; its minimal wetted surface area allows it to accelerate with the slightest puff. In a breeze, the boat transitions quickly to a plane, often outperforming the heavier Sunfish on reaches.

The lateen rig is the heart of its handling characteristics. This simple, two-spar setup is highly forgiving, allowing for easy depowering by simply easing the sheet. However, the Mk II’s lack of a footwell means the sailor must be agile during tacks and jibes, sliding across the deck while managing the tiller and mainsheet. According to technical archives from the Sunfish Class Association, the Sailfish lineage was intentionally kept narrower and lighter than the Sunfish to maintain its status as the high-performance variant of the Alcort line. The tracking is managed by a removable wooden or fiberglass daggerboard, and while the boat tracks well upwind, it requires active steering in a following sea to prevent the fine bow from digging into the wave ahead.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Sailfish brand, particularly the Super Sailfish Mk II, occupies a significant place in American nautical history as the precursor to the modern board-boat movement. While the Sunfish is the more famous relative today, the Sailfish was the original "beach boat" that appeared in countless mid-century advertisements promoting the new era of leisure. The transition of this model from wooden kits to the fiberglass Mk II is documented as a pivotal moment in the industry's shift toward mass-production composites. The original design legacy of the Alcort founders and their impact on fiberglass manufacturing is preserved and recognized by the Mystic Seaport Museum, which maintains extensive records on the development of these iconic small craft.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When evaluating a vintage Super Sailfish Mk II, the primary concern is the integrity of the internal flotation.

• Water Infiltration: The hull is filled with expanded polystyrene foam blocks. Over decades, if the fiberglass skin is breached or if deck fittings are not sealed, this foam can absorb water. A "dry" Mk II should weigh approximately 100 pounds; a "wet" hull can easily double that weight, severely hampering performance and portability.
• Mast Step Stress: The unstayed lateen rig puts immense pressure on the mast step. Buyers should inspect the deck around the mast hole for spiderwebbing or "softness," which indicates the internal support structure may be failing.
• Daggerboard Trunk Cracking: The interface where the daggerboard trunk meets the hull and deck is a high-stress area. Look for evidence of past repairs or active leaks, which are common if the boat was sailed into shallow water with the board down.
• Hardware Backing: Original fittings were often installed with simple screws rather than through-bolts with backing plates. Check for loose cleats or fairleads, as these can pull out under the load of a stiff breeze.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and historical data for the Mk II is the Sunfish Class Association. While the association focuses heavily on the Sunfish, they maintain the official history and technical specifications for the Sailfish ancestors. Additionally, because the Mk II shares many components with the Sunfish (such as the sail, spars, and rudder hardware), parts remain widely available through modern marine retailers.

The Verdict

The Super Sailfish Mk II is a minimalist masterpiece that offers one of the most direct sailing experiences available on the water. It is a boat for the sailor who doesn't mind getting wet and who appreciates the simplicity of a design that can be car-topped and launched in minutes.

Pros

• Extreme Portability: At roughly 100 lbs, it is easily handled by two people or one strong individual.
• Simplicity: The lateen rig is incredibly easy to rig, tune, and maintain.
• Speed: On a reach, its light weight and flat hull allow it to plane earlier than many larger dinghies.

Cons

• Wet Ride: The lack of a cockpit means you are essentially sitting in the water in anything over a light breeze.
• Low Stability: The narrow beam makes it significantly "tippier" than a Sunfish or a Laser.
• Limited Capacity: Strictly a solo boat for serious sailing, though a small child can occasionally ride along in calm conditions.