As anyone who has ever bought a used car knows, you need 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 dry cleaners.
The same goes for buying a sailboat. And like cars, no sailboat is created equal, so you need to know the basics (and some details, too) about the general 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 plan to upgrade 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 ones already posted. Many people have used Sunfish sailboats in very good condition, but have not thought to place an ad for it. Also, check with local dealers, especially if you’re shopping 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 for are: the age of the boat, which can be determined by checking the rudder, rail, 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: watch out for a helmet that is too flexible.
Also, check the mast step and daggerboard stem for cracks or holes, and the condition of the bailer and storage compartment. And, the cab trim may be hiding some damage.
Other places to look for possible deal breakers:
Signs of moisture in ports or drains.
notches or teeth on blades; cracks and crevices in wooden sheets.
Cracks, corrosion or pitting on the rudder and rudder.
Teeth or bends in the neck, near the tube.
Corrosion on the gaff and boom.
Holes or bad stitching 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 great deal on a used Sunfish sailboat.