Buying a Used Sunfish Sailboat: Know The Ins and Outs Before Sailing Away

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 daggerboard 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:
Signs of moisture in ports or drains.
Nicks or dents in the blades; splits and cracks in wooden blades.
Rudder and tiller cracks, corrosion, or pitting.
Dents or bends in the mast, near the tube.
Corrosion in the gaff and boom.
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.

David Dunlap is the owner and founder of All About Sailboats and The Ocean Sailing Guide, two online resources for every sailing enthusiast. For sailing information and resources, including boat insurance and sailing charters, visit http://allaboutsailboats.com or http://theoceansailingguide.com

---

Exploring the Exotic - Antarctica Cruise

Antarctica is one of the great unexplored areas of the... Read More

Boat and Yacht Detailing - Teak Reconditioning and Care, Detailing the Deck

If you find your boat with gray and weathered teak,... Read More

Cleaning Canvas Tops on Boats

Cleaning boat canvas covers is difficult unless you know the... Read More

Crossing Paths With a Legend

When 13-year-old Bill Lefakinis first visited the famed yacht Christina... Read More

Marina Dock Cleaning Equipment

Docks needs to be routinely pressure washed or they become... Read More

Celebrity Cruise! Opulence Perfectly Staged

Each generation of Celebrity ships has emerged to assume a... Read More

Radisson Cruises- A Six Star Luxury Experience / Radisson Cruises- Best Cruise Value

Radisson cruises come under the flagship of six star luxury... Read More

What You Need to Know About Cruise Holidays

Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of driving,... Read More

Australia Cruise Expert Guide

Australia is a country of amazing diversity and awe- inspiring... Read More

Luxury Cruises On The Mediterranean

A classic Mediterranean cruise visits major port cities located on... Read More

The Best European Cruise Travel Vacation!

So, you are contemplating a European cruise. You are looking... Read More

Bingo At Sea?

Under the "G" for Great Holiday. Bingo players can take... Read More

Update April 2005 - Holland America Cruises, Signature of Excellence Program

Holland America Cruise Lines has initiated a program of up-scaling... Read More

Cruising---What Everyone Should Know

August 7, 2005 -- Taking a cruise is now one... Read More

Why a Cruise Vacation is YOUR Dream Holiday

Thinking you could use an escape from the wintertime blahs,... Read More

Beautiful Tropical Beaches!

The world is blessed with wonderful beautiful sandy tropical beaches.... Read More

Boat Hull Cleaning; Equipment Needed

How do you clean the hull on a boat when... Read More

Yacht Chartering in Greece - A Few Things to Consider

When to GoThe sailing season in Greece lasts from March... Read More

The Delightful Land beyond Imagination

The kids are grown and gone, the mortgage is paid... Read More

How A Boat Can Make Retirement A Pleasure

Boats are a fine part of any man's retirement. They... Read More

Online Shopping for Cruise Deals, Travel Deals & Great Vacation Packages!

Are you contemplating a travel vacation and don't know how... Read More

Western Caribbean Cruise

We were on the Radiance of the Seas for the... Read More

Sit Back and Relax on a Crewed Yacht Charter Vacation

Ever wanted to really put yourself to the test and... Read More

Preventing Boat Propeller Injuries

Each year hundreds of propeller accidents leave tragedy in their... Read More

Family Reunion Cruises - Something Everyone Can Live With

The mere thought of getting together for a family reunion... Read More

Dining Out At Sea

If eating fine food is your pleasure, a cruise vacation... Read More

Atlantic Ocean at Great Depths

The Atlantic Ocean is Earth's second-largest ocean. It covers approximately... Read More

The Nile Cruise

Egypt is where history first emerged. It is here that... Read More

Diving Philippines is Impressive, Varied, and Spectacular

Scuba diving Philippines does not get any diverse, anywhere in... Read More

Hawaii Cruise Expert Guide

Experiencing a Hawaii cruise is a dream come true for... Read More

Alaska By Ship

When was the last time you saw an eagle descend... Read More

Philippines Surfing if You Want to Miss the Crowds

Philippines surfing is not quite a destination that would conjure... Read More

School for Sails, by Capt. Cary Hanna

Gorgeous, acrobatic, and lit-up, Sailfish rank as the # 1... Read More