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Sailing, Buying A Used Sunfish Sailboat: Know The Ins And Outs Before Sailing Away
by David Dunlap
As anyone who’s ever bought a used car knows, you have to approach the project armed with your own knowledge before you even set foot on the lot. In this situation, being uninformed is tantamount to being taken to the cleaners.
The same goes for buying a sailboat. And, like automobiles, no sailboat is the same, so you should know the basics (and some particulars, as well) about the overall condition of the Sunfish sailboat you have your eye on.
The first question should always be, of course, how much cash are you willing to part with? If you plan on upgrading a used Sunfish, that alone can cost from $550 to $750 or more, depending on whether you want to use it to race. Prices also vary by location and supply; there’s no “set” price for a used Sunfish sailboat.
Then, where do you find a good used boat? Some people prefer to place their own ads (either in local newspapers or on the Internet) as opposed to responding to those already published. Many people have used Sunfish sailboats in pretty good condition but just haven’t thought of placing an ad for it. Also, check out local dealers, particularly if you’re buying out of season or if the outfit isn’t a Sunfish dealer. Also, knowing that sailboats go for less in winter and fall will put you ahead of the game.
Some obvious things that people often forget to look for are: age of the boat, which can be determined by checking the rudder, gunwales, or the serial number, if you don’t know the actual age; the weight of the hull, which should be between 115 and 130 pounds, and the resistance or lack thereof — watch out for a hull that’s too flexible.
Also, check the mast step and dagger board trunk for hairline cracks or holes, and the condition of the bailer and storage compartment. And, the cockpit rim may be hiding some damage.
Other places to look for potential deal-breakers: 1) Signs of moisture in ports or drains.
2) Nicks or dents in the blades; splits and cracks in wooden blades.
3) Rudder and tiller cracks, corrosion, or pitting.
4) Dents or bends in the mast, near the tube.
5) Corrosion in the gaff and boom.
6) Holes or bad seams in the sail.
Never let the seller think you know as much as you do, bring plenty of cash just in case, and you’ll find a good deal on a used Sunfish sailboat.
About The Author: David Dunlap is the founder & owner of multiple boating and sailing online resources. For more information on sailboats (http://www.allaboutsailboats.com), yachts (http://www.onlyforyachts.com) or other sailing (http://www.theoceansailingguide.com) topics, feel free to email david@onlyforyachts.com
These articles on lifestyle and more
Return to the selection of sailing
You may want to try these articles on sports
Sailing, Sailing: An Ideal Sport For Families by Gray Rollins Approximately 507 Words
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You may want to try these websites for additional information
http://www.sfsailing.com/
http://www.cruisenews.net/
http://www.hoofersailing.org/
The information provided in this article is the express opinion of the author. Exchangenet is not responsible for the content!
As anyone who’s ever bought a used car knows, you have to approach the project armed with your own knowledge before you even set foot on the lot. In this situation, being uninformed is tantamount to being taken to the cleaners.
The same goes for buying a sailboat. And, like automobiles, no sailboat is the same, so you should know the basics (and some particulars, as well) about the overall condition of the Sunfish sailboat you have your eye on.
The first question should always be, of course, how much cash are you willing to part with? If you plan on upgrading a used Sunfish, that alone can cost from $550 to $750 or more, depending on whether you want to use it to race. Prices also vary by location and supply; there’s no “set” price for a used Sunfish sailboat.
Then, where do you find a good used boat? Some people prefer to place their own ads (either in local newspapers or on the Internet) as opposed to responding to those already published. Many people have used Sunfish sailboats in pretty good condition but just haven’t thought of placing an ad for it. Also, check out local dealers, particularly if you’re buying out of season or if the outfit isn’t a Sunfish dealer. Also, knowing that sailboats go for less in winter and fall will put you ahead of the game.
Some obvious things that people often forget to look for are: age of the boat, which can be determined by checking the rudder, gunwales, or the serial number, if you don’t know the actual age; the weight of the hull, which should be between 115 and 130 pounds, and the resistance or lack thereof — watch out for a hull that’s too flexible.
Also, check the mast step and dagger board trunk for hairline cracks or holes, and the condition of the bailer and storage compartment. And, the cockpit rim may be hiding some damage.
Other places to look for potential deal-breakers: 1) Signs of moisture in ports or drains.
2) Nicks or dents in the blades; splits and cracks in wooden blades.
3) Rudder and tiller cracks, corrosion, or pitting.
4) Dents or bends in the mast, near the tube.
5) Corrosion in the gaff and boom.
6) Holes or bad seams in the sail.
Never let the seller think you know as much as you do, bring plenty of cash just in case, and you’ll find a good deal on a used Sunfish sailboat.
About The Author: David Dunlap is the founder & owner of multiple boating and sailing online resources. For more information on sailboats (http://www.allaboutsailboats.com), yachts (http://www.onlyforyachts.com) or other sailing (http://www.theoceansailingguide.com) topics, feel free to email david@onlyforyachts.com
These articles on lifestyle and more
Reprint this article free of charge as long as you keep the author's resource box or bio intact and the links active. A copy of the ezine or URL of the page where the article was reprinted emailed to the author would be very much appreciated. sailing
Return to the selection of sailing
You may want to try these articles on sports
Sailing, Sailing: An Ideal Sport For Families by Gray Rollins Approximately 507 Words
Sailing, Sail Through Nature by Johnathan Bakers Approximately 604 Words
Sailing, Setting Sail By Yourself by Johnathan Bakers Approximately 540 Words
Sailing, Swift Sailing: Whipping Through The Tempestuous Waters Of Newfoundland by David Dunlap Approximately 370 Words
Sailing, Single? Meet And Greet On A Yacht! by David Dunlap Approximately 446 Words
Sailing, Get Swept Away On Your Wedding Day: Rent A Sailboat Or Yacht! Make Yours The Perfect Marriage Among Sun, Sand, Moonlight, And Sea by David Dunlap Approximately 379 Words
You may want to try these websites for additional information
http://www.sfsailing.com/
http://www.cruisenews.net/
http://www.hoofersailing.org/
The information provided in this article is the express opinion of the author. Exchangenet is not responsible for the content!
