Sunfish, Page 2 |
Sunfish, Page 2 |
Put to the test at Moosehead lake, my cruising Sunfish performed superbly, In three days, we traveled more than 45 miles, even though we never started sailing before 1 p.m. The loaded boat was stable and sailed at about 5 knots on tacks with a 12- to 18-knot breeze. We handled much heavier weather than the canoeists, and with adequate wind could travel considerable distances with minimal effort. When there was no wind, the boat paddled quite efficiently, Since all gear was in the hull, the deck and cockpit were always clear of obstructions. If necessary, we could easily have packed food for a week or more, The Sunfish has a 500 pound carrying capacity, more than enough to carry two adults and our gear.
Many people enjoy cruising with cartoppable boats, but they can't do it with a typical boardboat. Oddly, boardboat manufacturers have left this market to canoes, kayaks, and folding boats, We think our custom cruiser offers a feasible alternative.
Editor’s note: Thomas Lisco used an old Sunfish for his custom boat project. Modifying a new Sunfish will invalidate its i-year warranty For information about Sunfish sailboats, contact AMF Alcort Sailboats, Dept. SB], PO Box 1345, Waterbury, CT06725. Phone: (203) 756-7091. For a helpful discussion of fiberglassing a boat similar to a Sunfish, read Melvin Willis' Boatbuilding and Repairing with Fiberglass (International Marine PublishingCo.,Dept. SB], 21 Elm St., Camden, ME 04843).
