How the Most Popular Sailboat Ever Was Invented
The Sunfish taught millions of Americans to seize the breeze
Kate Wheeling
:focal(1241x827:1242x828)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/49/07/4907326a-a85c-4721-86a1-c951e3faa780/julaug2023_g26_prologue.jpg "1977 sunfish sailboat")
It's the platonic ideal of the sailboat, unmistakable in lakes and coastal waters across the country, with its colorful, equilateral triangle sail pulled taut in the summer breeze. It’s also the most popular sailboat ever made, with more than half a million built since the first launch in 1952.
The design of the Sunfish came from Cortlandt Heyniger and Alex Bryan, friends whose company, Alcort, was building a rescue paddleboard for the Red Cross. On a whim, Bryan added a simple sail to the wooden board to create a basic but elegant sailboat. As legend holds, his wife, Aileen Bryan—née Shields, a sailing scion and racing champion—tried sailing the craft and wanted a little more room to maneuver, as she was then pregnant. So Alcort’s first employee, Carl Meinert, designed a cockpit for the Sunfish, drawing the first mock-up in dust on the floor of Alcort’s woodshop in Waterbury, Connecticut. The first Sunfish was built in the early 1950s.
The first models were wood and measured just under 14 feet long. They sold for less than $200—roughly $2,200 in today’s dollars—and could be launched right from the beach without a dock, making the Sunfish an accessible and affordable fixture at vacation houses across the United States.
The Sunfish also opened up the world of sailboat racing to those who could not afford yachts and club memberships: 1963 saw the first North American championship for Sunfish racers, and the first Sunfish World Championship was held in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1970. The boat’s simplicity meant winning was truly a testament to one’s skills; as one Sunfish dealer told the New York Times in 1970, “Racing one puts a lot on the man.” Or woman, adds Lee Parks, a two-time winner of the women’s North American national championship: “Unlike some other classes, the Sunfish class is male and female. It’s multigenerational. Anybody can sail them.” In 1977, Fortune magazine named the boat one of America’s 25 best-designed products. The Sunfish designers were inducted into the Sailing Hall of Fame in 2021.
Sunfish enthusiasts, whether casual sailors or serious racers, are known for their sportsmanship. According to Parks, “Every event you go to is like a family reunion.”
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This article is a selection from the July/August 2023 issue of Smithsonian magazine
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Kate Wheeling | READ MORE
Kate Wheeling is a former staff writer at Pacific Standard .
Jay's Technical Talk
My external memory, 1977 amf alcort sunfish sailboat restoration.
I purchased an old (1977 manufacture date) AMF Alcort Sunfish 14 foot sailing dinghy. It was mostly complete and almost “ready-to-sail”, except for the broken auto-bailer, and cracked rudder, but the price was right.
Since I had to repair the crack in the rudder, I decided to go overboard and completely restore the entire rudder and tiller assembly. And once the rudder looked nice, I had left-over varnish and decided to go ahead and re-surface the daggerboard as well.
After the first sail I drained all of the water out of the hull (which MIGHT have already been in there…..maybe….) and purchased a better drain plug and rigged up a solar powered fan to dry things out. If I find water inside after the second sail, I’ll probably be doing some fiberglass hull repair.
You can see all of the details by watching the (multiple!) videos in this YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmHP4lUqxKmv13lkNpPqG2FbnV9L4aaL0
I’ve found that the Better Boat Mini-Paddle fits perfectly into the rear cubbyhole on my 1977 boat.
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Posted 2024-09-03 19:22
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Sunfish 1977 - $1,475 (Irondequoit)
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Sunfish 1977 - boats - by owner - marine sale - craigslist
Ready to sail! 1977 Sunfish sailboat with Seitech dolly. Harken block and swivel cleat, brand new Intensity sail with window, dagger board, rudder with extension, mast up cover.
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Sunfish Parts
Shop our limited selection of remaining Sunfish sailboat parts. Stock is limited.
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Sunfish Mainsheet w/ Shackle
Sunfish Sail Rings
Sunfish Racing Main Halyard
Sunfish Bridle 3 Loop (Wire)
Sunfish Bridle 2 Loop (Dyneema)
Sunfish Mast Top Cap
Sunfish Boom Cap
Sunfish Bridle 2 Loop (Wire)
Omniflex Tiller Joint Universal w/ Rope Core
Sunfish Upper Boom
Tiller Saddle
Drain Plug (Allen)
Sunfish Line Kit *Standard*
Sunfish Boom Block
Sunfish Bow Handle
Pre-Cut Line: Sunfish Halyard (25 Ft)
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Since the 1950s, there has been no better way to play on the water than in a Sunfish. Find out why we're the go to source for dinghy sailing parts and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on qualifying orders . Our staff of Sunfish and dinghy sailing experts is on hand to answer questions about rigging a Sunfish and provide tips. Let us help you get ready to own the water in your Sunfish!
Click here for Sunfish Reference Photos
Click here for Sunfish Rigging Guide
Click here for Sunfish Parts Locator
**Product Availability - Please Read**
Due to changes in the supply chain for new Sunfish and related parts, many one design Sunfish components are currently unavailable. Products we have in stock or are able to source will be listed on this page. Other products that are unavailable may be listed elsewhere on our website for reference. Our team is working hard to find new sources for Sunfish parts and will add those to our catalog as they become available. While our selection may be limited compared to previous seasons, we remain committed to serving Sunfish sailors and will continue to offer as many of the parts, rigging, sails, and accessories you need to keep your Sunfish at its best.
Sunfish Sails & Sail Rings Sunfish sails are recognized all over the world for their bright, fun colors. We stock an extensive selection of popular recreational sails in a variety of colorways plus the classic white racing sail for the hardcore Sunfish racing sailor. Don't forget to replace your sail rings when upgrading to a new sail, and add a set of tell tails for maximizing performance.
Sunfish Hull & Deck Parts West Coast Sailing is your source for hull and deck fittings for your Sunfish sailboat. Check out our selection of bailers, drain plugs, hiking straps, inspection ports, bridles, gudgeons, bow handles, and more.
Sunfish Covers Protect your Sunfish with a proper Sunfish cover, blade bag, or spar bag. Our covers are waterproof and resist both mildew and UV. They fit snuggly on your boat to provide max protection. Use a blade bag to protect your rudder, tiller, and centerboard, or pick up a spar bag to safely store and transport your mast and booms.
Sunfish Sailboat Lines & Line Kits Sunfish sail boat ropes and lines including mainsheets, sunfish halyards, outhaul lines, sunfish bridles and more.
Sunfish Rudder & Tiller Parts Keep your Sunfish heading the right direction with our selection of Sunfish rudder, tiller, and centerboard replacements and spare parts. We stock sunfish rudder parts, sunfish tillers and tiller extensions, centerboards, sunfish rudder pins and spring posts, pivot bolts, and more.
Sunfish Dollies & Trailers Keep things easy on shore with a Sunfish beach dolly or trailer. We stock dollies and trailers from Dynamic Dollies and Racks, Right-On, and Trailex, all designed specifically for your Sunfish! Sunfish dollies ship via our standard free ground shipping and are easy to assemble. Trailers can be shipping anywhere in the US or picked up fully assembled from our warehouse here in Portland, Oregon.
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COMMENTS
The Sunfish is a personal-size, beach-launched sailing dinghy.It features a very flat, boardlike hull carrying an Oceanic lateen sail mounted to an un-stayed mast.. Sunfish was developed by Alcort, Inc. and first appeared around 1952 as the "next generation" improvement on their original boat, the Sailfish.In contrast, the Sunfish has a wider beam for more stability, increased freeboard and ...
Although the earliest models were built of wood and offered as kits, the fiberglass version, first introduced in 1960, became the most popular recreational sailboat in history. As a result, there were many imitators. Sunfish Builder Chronology 1952 - 1969 Alcort, Inc. (founded 1945) 1969 - 1986 AMF 1986 - 1988 Loveless & DeGarmo, dba, […]
A brief overview of the 1977 Sunfish Sailboat at Peters Marine Service. Visit www.petersmarine.com for more information. Thank you!
Sunfish Age and Hull Identification. 1.1. If the serial number is on a metal deck plate near the splash rail; there is no storage compartment at the aft end of cockpit; and the boat has (or had) the "old style" rudder hardware (where the rudder attaches via 2 bronze fittings): the boat is pre-1971. The cockpit was redesigned for the 1971 models ...
The SUPER SAILFISH was produced in fiberglass in 1959 and the SUNFISH manufacturing process was changed over to fiberglass in 1960. The SAILFISH was phased out in 1962, and the SUPER SAILFISH a few years later. Alcort stopped selling kits in the mid-60s. By 1982 over 200,000 SUNFISH had been sold. Despite the numbers, producing a single Sunfish ...
In 1977, Fortune magazine named the boat one of America's 25 best-designed products. The Sunfish designers were inducted into the Sailing Hall of Fame in 2021.
I purchased an old (1977 manufacture date) AMF Alcort Sunfish 14 foot sailing dinghy. It was mostly complete and almost "ready-to-sail", except for the broken auto-bailer, and cracked rudder, but the price was right. Since I had to repair the crack in the rudder, I decided to go overboard and completely restore the entire rudder and tiller ...
1977. 13' ' ' Florida. $3,000. Description: This sunfish (sailboat) is the real deal. It comes with a brand new trailer, customized cleats, and a beautiful sail. This sunfish is easy, safe, and fun. And it is perfect for your grandkids! Leave me an offer, we can discuss the price.
condition: excellent. length overall (LOA): 14. make / manufacturer: AMF. model name / number: Sunfish. year manufactured: 1977. Ready to sail! 1977 Sunfish sailboat with Seitech dolly. Harken block and swivel cleat, brand new Intensity sail with window, dagger board, rudder with extension, mast up cover. post id: 7781572180.
Fresh restore 1977 Sunfish sailboat. Boat is ready to sail and is beautiful. Mahogany center board, rudder and tiller have been refinished… beautiful condition. The sail has the original sunfish...
Nice 1977 Sunfish complete with all gear including brand new sail w/window & SS grommets(!), refinished rudder & tiller w/extension, mahogany daggerboard, new padded hiking strap, new Harken swivel...
This 1977 Sunfish sailboat is ready for the summer water. It is all original and for a 46 year old boat it is in terrific condition. Stored inside! The mahogany rudder tiller and center board is...
Lilly Pulitzer Ophelia Dress NWT Onyx Black w/ Gold XXL MSRP $198 (#185556007442) See all feedback. Back to home page Return to top. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for AMF Sunfish Sailboat (1977, Used, Good Condition) With Dolly Trailer at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
1977 13.75' AMF Sunfish sailboat for sale in Keyport New Jersey. Home. Register & Post. View All Sailboats ... 13.75' AMF Sunfish. Year. Length. Beam. Draft. Location. Price. 1977. 13.75' 4' ' New Jersey. $600. Description: Hull, center board, rudder and sail are in good condition, ready for a launching. ... This AMF Sunfish : Added 05-Aug-2017 ...
Go to Sailing Texas classifieds for current sailboats for sale . Sunfish, 1977 Located in Saint Augustine, Florida. Good condition. Ready for the water. Custom Cover. Please remember this is a 40 yr old fiberglass boat.
The Sunfish Bow Handle elegantly styles the Sunfish deck and allows for the boat to be easily maneuvered and lifted. Original, builder supplied hardware Fits old and new boats LaserPerformance Part #91122 Vanguard Part #79020 Currently supplied with a...
1977 sunfish ready to sail today. Small repair to the bow years ago,not a beach queen but sails dry and solid. Extra sail,daggerboards,cover and tiedowns. Trailer tags are current and in my name. If...
First sailboat. 1977.
1977 Sunfish for sale hull in great condition . Needs new rigging . Has sail but it's old .. with trailer .. .. there is no paperwork . Bought at estate sale . Tittle is clean a clear . In big bear. Ca.pat 3104647785 text!
Sunfish for sale, sailboats for sale, used sailboats. 9/6/02, 1977 Sunfish, $500, sold 9/11/02: Home: Lessons: Rentals: How To: Forums: ... Sails: Scam Warnings: Texas Lakes: Advertise with us: Contact: Free Sailboat Ad: Go to Sailing Texas classifieds for current sailboats for sale . 1977 Sunfish, great boat, good sail, ready to sail ...
A Sunfish missing parts of the rig should be very cheap as you may have to spend up to $500 for all the parts you need. You can clean up the dull deck with 3M Fiberglass Restorer, a rubbing compound with wax. It comes in "lightly oxidized" or "heavily oxidized" - get the "heavily oxidized."