1950s Alcort Super Sailfish

[signalcharlie]

We came across our 1950s Alcort Super Sailfish ZSA ZSA in 2013 near Greer, SC while we were picking up a 1963 wooden Sunfish hull. We had to cut the grass and dig her out of a barn.





Skipper sailed ZSA ZSA with a borrowed sail and the boat leaked a lot. We set the boat aside for a few years while we worked on other projects.



A few years later we are ready to repair the bottom and remove excess weight. Had to pull out foam that the builder added and some extra framing. The boat appears to be built from a factory kit, lots of parts, fasteners and hardware that look Alcorty and then the added framing with non marine grade wood, screws and nails.





ZSA ZSA's blog

[signalcharlie]

[signalcharlie]

Taking out the extra bits. Deconstruction complete.

[skuthorp]

I thought you might like to look at this, They are Australian Sailfish, the blue and white sail is mine, built in the early 1960's by my cousin and myself.
Similar in many ways with your Alcort, but with a big fully battened sail. Over the last 2 years the class has seen a big resurgence as older boats and skippers, and new boats are added to the active list.
https://australiansailfish.wordpress.com/2018-icwdr-2/

[signalcharlie]

Thanks skuthorp, glad to know there are still small wooden boat sailors out there....

[Soundbounder]

Nice video.
When did they switch to glass? Early 1960s?

[signalcharlie]

Alcort switched to glass late 50s or early 60s, not sure if they did the Sunfish and Super Sailfish MKII at the same time.

Kent

[wsgilliam]

Thats cool. Very working man type finish. I like it.

[nedL]

They are fun little boats. I’m enjoying seeing your progress.

[Daniel Noyes]

oh cool, Plank sides and ply bottom and deck?


more please! what fun.

[signalcharlie]

oh cool, Plank sides and ply bottom and deck?

Hi Dan, yes the sides are oak and they plywood is DF. Several lightweight plywood frames, a daggerboard trunk and mast step box.

Might be fun to build just the hull and rig it as a fishing SUP/kayak.

Cheers
Kent

[Daniel Noyes]

interesting, oak sides, do you suppose the curve of sides at the bow was steam bent? oak should hold the nails well.

[signalcharlie]

interesting, oak sides, do you suppose the curve of sides at the bow was steam bent? oak should hold the nails well.

I'm not sure, I know the set of plans for the homebuilt version called for kerfs. I'll look closer but I didn't notice kerfs while the bottom was coming off.

kb

[Arlc]

I learned to sail on a glass sailfish when I was 6. Went on to a Hobie18, other go fast sailboats, then a trip to the dark side, then back. Brings back memories.

[donald branscom]

I like the foam inside. If there is a leak they will keep the water out. They weigh nothing.