Jenn@Otis
New Member
Hi everyone.
Recently purchased a used Sunfish! A 1968 Alcort
Bought a house on a lake last summer and since I am "house-poor," this is probably going to be the only boat I have for a while.
I am going to be honest: I have no idea what I'm doing...
I've worked at an all-boys residential summer camp in the Berkshires for the past 15 years and I figure if the 11 and 12 year olds can do it I can certainly figure it out. They often ask to take me out on them to show off their new skills. That being said, I have never actually tried to use one myself. The former athlete in me is really determined (and impatient) to "master" this quickly
Looking for advice on the following for now:
- What's a good amount of wind (or too much) to take it out in
- What are common mistakes for beginners
- What repairs/updates are worth making to the boat itself
- Resources that are worth reading/watching (there is SO much out there)
- I hear a tiny bit of sloshing in the hull (a cups worth?) but the boat doesn't feel overly heavy - what's my next move here? Would like to avoid drilling holes in this thing since its in great shape.
I have attached a few photos below showing some of the hardware. Let me know what looks like it might need replacing.
Also, I read up on gel-coat refinishing and when I did a test patch it looks like it should shine up to a nice bright red (great news!)
Recently purchased a used Sunfish! A 1968 Alcort
Bought a house on a lake last summer and since I am "house-poor," this is probably going to be the only boat I have for a while.
I am going to be honest: I have no idea what I'm doing...
I've worked at an all-boys residential summer camp in the Berkshires for the past 15 years and I figure if the 11 and 12 year olds can do it I can certainly figure it out. They often ask to take me out on them to show off their new skills. That being said, I have never actually tried to use one myself. The former athlete in me is really determined (and impatient) to "master" this quickly
Looking for advice on the following for now:
- What's a good amount of wind (or too much) to take it out in
- What are common mistakes for beginners
- What repairs/updates are worth making to the boat itself
- Resources that are worth reading/watching (there is SO much out there)
- I hear a tiny bit of sloshing in the hull (a cups worth?) but the boat doesn't feel overly heavy - what's my next move here? Would like to avoid drilling holes in this thing since its in great shape.
I have attached a few photos below showing some of the hardware. Let me know what looks like it might need replacing.
Also, I read up on gel-coat refinishing and when I did a test patch it looks like it should shine up to a nice bright red (great news!)
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