Running Out Of Sail Time

I managed to get out again on the Sunfish last weekend. Great weather, but the temperature is steadily declining. I am kind of sad that the season is coming to an end.  I am trying to squeeze in as much sailing as possible, before the weather gets too cold (I am not a dry suit guy any more - too old now). One thing I definitely need to practice is my back up skills at the boat ramp. I received a few comments about taking too long, and I vow to practice on my street until I get better! If I find any great related videos, I will post them.

Summer of Sailing

I took the boat out again last weekend. Great conditions, and a great sunny day on the water. The new rudder works wonders for the boat. It points much better, and turns on a dime. I highly recommend getting this update, if you have an older rudder. Will try to get some shots of the boat on the water this weekend.

Sunfish FRP Rudder Blade

It's been a long time since I posted. My birthday just past, and one of the items I asked for was a new Sunfish FRP Rudder blade from Intensity Sails. My previous rudder had a significant warp to it, and since the price was right for the Intensity blade, I pulled the trigger on the purchase. It was a great B-Day present! See attached photos. I think it really updates this old boat.

Project Finished!

Last weekend I spent my time finishing off putting the trailer together. Sunday I spent wiring, so that the break and turn signals worked. It was my first time wiring a trailer, and it was easier than I thought. I used a wire fish, and zip ties to make sure the wiring was out of harm's way, and everything was nice and neat. I also modified the bunks used to support the boat. I added an extra layer of foam, and an extra layer of carpeting that I had lying around. I rigged the boat to ensure everything was working. Here are some photos. All in all, a great experience! Next weekend I will get the boat out. See you on the water! If I have any issues, experiences, or repairs, I will still post them here.

Dude Where's My Trailer?

I haven't posted in a while. I have been researching my options about finding a trailer to purchase online. Living in Canada, I was frustrated with the options. In the U.S. Harbor Freight has a perfect trailer for the Sunfish with free shipping for $325.00. The cheapest option for Canadians is to get s jet-ski trailer from Canadian Tire for $999.00. Quite a difference, and one I wasn't willing to pay.

After much searching I finally found a trailer in BC for $375 from an inflatable boat dealer. Below is a picture of the trailer once assembled. I haven't gotten this far yet, as I just received my trailer kit last week. I have the basic frame built, and will post updated pictures.

I also have to get the trailer registered, then install a plate once finished.

Sunfish Daggerboard Cord & Trunk Carpet

Can't think of anything else that needs doing. Last night I decided to grab some shock cord from my local shop. I threaded on two sister clips on each end of the cord and tied two figure 8 knots. This will work great as a dagger-board retainer line should I capsize, and will also allow me to yank up the dagger-board for adjustments while sailing, and have it stay in place. I got 9 feet of shock cord and threaded it through the bow handle. Tell a lie, I got approximately 10 feet and had some extra line left over after the knots. I wanted to play with the tension until I was satisfied.

I also grabbed 1 square yard of grey indoor outdoor carpet from Home Depot and cut them into 1"/13" strips. I glued one each to the fore and aft edges of the dagger-board trunk, and also one on each side, port and starboard. I just used some regular Loctice waterproof adhesive that I had lying around. I will see how well it holds up.

Sunfish Mainsheet Boom Blocks, Mast End Cap, Boom End Caps

Over the weekend, I decided to get all of my rigging issues sorted out. My original Sunfish booms came without end caps, and without boom blocks. I found a set of old boom blocks and old boom end caps on the web, but decided it wasn't worth it. My original mast came with a top cap that had a block attached (old-style). The block was attached via an eye-bolt that was through-bolted. I noticed the bolt was loose and when I tried to tighten it, the old bolt broke in half in my hands. I wasn't going to buy 40 year old blocks attached to eye-bolts that might break. So I decided to upgrade. I eventually went with Harken Bullet Blocks (not class legal), because they were readily available at my local shop. Originally the booms had one hole drilled for the through-bolted eye-bolts. I used this original hole and drilled an additional hole at each location. Then I riveted on an eye-strap. I attached the blocks. The other open hole on the other side of the boom, I riveted and filled with 3M 4200. I also replaced the interlocking eye-bolts that hold the booms together. They looked like they were coming apart after years of use. In addition, I replaced the mast base cap which was cracked. I drilled two holes in the mast and attached the base cap via rivets. One thing I forgot to do, is put some 3M 4200 on the end cap. I had to gently mallet the new cap on, and once I realized my mistake, I tried to get the cap off. It wouldn't come off at all. Admitting defeat I drilled a small hole in the center of the cap for drainage.