Buying a used Sunfish sailboat: learn the ins and outs before you set sail

As anyone who has ever bought a used car knows, you should approach the project armed with your own knowledge before you even set foot on the lot. In this situation, being uninformed is equivalent to being taken to the dry cleaners.

The same goes for buying a sailboat. And, like cars, no sailboat is the same, so you need to know the basics (and a few details, too) about the overall condition of the Sunfish sailboat you have in mind.

The first question should always be, of course, how much money are you willing to give up? If you’re planning on upgrading a used Sunfish, that alone can cost anywhere from $550 to $750 or more, depending on whether you want to use it for racing. Prices also vary by location and supply; There is no “set” price for a used Sunfish sailboat.

So where do you find a good used boat? Some people prefer to place their own ads (either in local newspapers or on the Internet) rather than respond to those already published. Many people have used Sunfish sailboats in very good condition, but haven’t thought to place an ad for it. Also, check with local dealers, especially if you’re buying in the off-season or if the team isn’t a Sunfish dealer. Also, knowing that sailboats cost less in the winter and fall will put you ahead of the game.

Some obvious things that people often forget to look up are: the age of the boat, which can be determined by checking the rudder, gunwale, or serial number if you don’t know the actual age; the weight of the helmet, which should be between 115 and 130 pounds, and the resistance or lack of it: beware of a helmet that is too flexible.

Also, check the mast step and daggerboard trunk for cracks or holes, and the condition of the bailer and storage compartment. And, the edge of the cabin may be hiding some damage.

Other places to look for possible deciding factors:

Signs of moisture in ports or drains.

notches or teeth on the blades; cracks and crevices in sheets of wood.

Cracks, corrosion or pitting on the rudder and rudder.

Teeth or kinks in the mast near the tube.

Corrosion on the grapple and boom.

Holes or bad seams in the sail.

Never let the seller think they know as much as they do, bring plenty of cash just in case, and you’ll find a great deal on a used Sunfish sailboat.