How to Rig a Sunfish Sailboat

Learning to sail is a popular form of recreation, and learning on a Sunfish sailboat has many rewards. Sunfish sailing has been used as a means of relaxation on the water, and also in races. The Sunfish is easy to use, making it a great learning tool for beginning sailors, but it also provides experienced sailors enjoyment as well. However, without proper set up for the boat sailing can be nearly impossible. A proper set up does take practice, but after a few tries becomes relatively easy to accomplish.

Things You'll Need

  • Boat
  • Sail kit (upper boom, halyard, lower boom, sail)
  • Mast
  • Rudder
  • Tiller
  • Dagger board
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Instructions

    • 1

      Run the halyard, which is attached to the upper boom, through the top pulley of your mast. Place your mast through the ring attached to the lower boom, followed by the mast hole on the boat itself.

    • 2

      Attach the mainsheet line to the stern of the boat using the available cable. Run the mainsheet line through the two pulleys, which are located on the lower boom. Leave the remaining line in the boat itself.

    • 3

      Attach your rudder to the stern of the boat using the pin located on the rudder. The tiller needs to be pushed through the cable that's on the mainsheet line. Tie a figure eight knot to secure the cable. After all components are attached properly you can begin to raise the sail on the mast.

    • 4

      Pull the halyard down so that the upper boom raises on the mast. Continue to raise the sail until it reaches the top of the mast and is spread out. The lower boom should remain approximately 2 feet above the deck at all times to avoid injury, and to make sure the sail remains in place. When the sail can go no higher, push the end of the halyard through the deck eye, firmly pull it back, and fasten on the cleat.

    • 5

      Ensure that the dagger board is placed in the boat, but is not inserted into the slot as you're pushing off from the shore. When you move out of shallow water, place the dagger board in place. Begin sailing.