I learned to sail in these 35 years ago. I have never owned one, but that changed a few days ago.
I found a complete but derelict Sunfish with hull issues that’s been sitting outside soaking up moisture but otherwise not being used. It’s been sitting for 5-10 years by my measure and it’s going to get a full restoration.
I clocked her at 205 lbs somewhat unscientifically on a bathroom scale which would mean she has 9 gallons of water saturation! She will be on a diet in my heated shop for a few months before I start any glass and hull work.
I just ordered 2 Beckson DP40-W Screw-Out Deck Plates - 4", White.
My question for for those that have used deck plates to access / dry out their hulls is where did you place them?
If you could do it again would you set them differently?
I was going to place one on centerline forward of the daggerboard and aft of the splash guard. The other, also on centerline, aft of the cockpit on the transom deck.
I would like to “miss” all of the internal structure, ribs, foam blocks etc and I think after tapping it out my plan would do so.
I saw a video of an owner who placed them on the forward vertical wall of the cockpit. I suppose that’s an option, but I remember sailing these around as a kid with the cockpit full of water. I expect my girls to do the same. Therefore cockpit placement seems hazardous to me.
Any thoughts before I start making holes?
Take care,
Bill Evans
I found a complete but derelict Sunfish with hull issues that’s been sitting outside soaking up moisture but otherwise not being used. It’s been sitting for 5-10 years by my measure and it’s going to get a full restoration.
I clocked her at 205 lbs somewhat unscientifically on a bathroom scale which would mean she has 9 gallons of water saturation! She will be on a diet in my heated shop for a few months before I start any glass and hull work.
I just ordered 2 Beckson DP40-W Screw-Out Deck Plates - 4", White.
My question for for those that have used deck plates to access / dry out their hulls is where did you place them?
If you could do it again would you set them differently?
I was going to place one on centerline forward of the daggerboard and aft of the splash guard. The other, also on centerline, aft of the cockpit on the transom deck.
I would like to “miss” all of the internal structure, ribs, foam blocks etc and I think after tapping it out my plan would do so.
I saw a video of an owner who placed them on the forward vertical wall of the cockpit. I suppose that’s an option, but I remember sailing these around as a kid with the cockpit full of water. I expect my girls to do the same. Therefore cockpit placement seems hazardous to me.
Any thoughts before I start making holes?
Take care,
Bill Evans