Sailing Sasha
New Member
Hi everyone, this is my first post on this forum. So I just got back from sailing a friend's sunfish and have decided I really want one. After checking my local Craigslist, I found one that has certainly seen better days, and I'm not sure if it is worth the $250 asking price. The hull looks incredibly beat up, with what looks like a massive patch job on the underside and I can see several duck-taped cracks on the top deck. It is complete with sail, rudder, etc. so for the price it sounds like a great find if it just needs a bit of love and new paint. However, I worry that the condition of the hull might lead to a lot more repair work than I want, since my goal is to get sailing ASAP this summer and it's already August. I figure maybe I could get the price down, but I have a feeling this might be a lost cause boat. Here are two of the photos from the listing (sail and rest of kit is shown in another pic):
Meanwhile, there is another boat for sale listed for only $95 as a "sunfish-like boat". I have figured out that it is a Lockley Newport Boats Inc. Panther. Looks to be in much better shape than that Sunfish, but there are no photos of the underside of the hull. I am partial to the shape and look of a true sunfish but this one is a lot cheaper and looks like it may even be ready to get out on the water as-is:
I'm looking for any advice on:
a) if attempting to re-hab this sunfish is worth it for the price and time and headache, or if I should just move on
b) If anyone has sailed a Panther and can vouch for how fun it is, and if you think this boat is worth it at that price.
I've never boat a boat before so I'm a bit nervous of buying a water-logged leaky clunker and regretting everything. Also, It needs to be car-topped which means a max weight of around 150 lbs, which doesn't leave much room for a hull full of water.
Thank you in advance!
Meanwhile, there is another boat for sale listed for only $95 as a "sunfish-like boat". I have figured out that it is a Lockley Newport Boats Inc. Panther. Looks to be in much better shape than that Sunfish, but there are no photos of the underside of the hull. I am partial to the shape and look of a true sunfish but this one is a lot cheaper and looks like it may even be ready to get out on the water as-is:
I'm looking for any advice on:
a) if attempting to re-hab this sunfish is worth it for the price and time and headache, or if I should just move on
b) If anyone has sailed a Panther and can vouch for how fun it is, and if you think this boat is worth it at that price.
I've never boat a boat before so I'm a bit nervous of buying a water-logged leaky clunker and regretting everything. Also, It needs to be car-topped which means a max weight of around 150 lbs, which doesn't leave much room for a hull full of water.
Thank you in advance!