开云体育

Hello Frank,

I think the scuttlebutt is that Pearson out-sourced the hull construction
and lost control of consistency. The different vendors provided hulls that
varied widely in fiberglass lay-up. Some boats were heavier than they should
have been and some lighter. The lighter boats are said to go "soft" more
quickly loosing bottom stiffness. When the bottom deforms as it moves
through the water the flow properties across the surface change resulting in
a slower boat at the competitive level.

All Sunfish get "soft" with age, it's just a matter of how quickly. This is
why top competitors transport their boats bottom up. When buying a Fish to
race examine the bottom for spots that "oil can" (flex in and out at the
touch of a finger). Look for a bottom that is depressed in by a 1/4" or more
or has noticeable ripples along the entire length. When sailing across wake
waves listen for "booming", that empty 55 gal drum sound that indicates the
bottom is flexing. Of course most boats older than a few years have this
syndrome. If you are going to seriously compete a brand new or near new boat
is your best bet.


Wayne