A RIGGING GUIDE

FOR A BOAT SO EASY TO RIG,

IT BARELY NEEDS ONE.

Sunfish Rigging Guide

Congratulations on the purchase of your new Sunfish! We suggest that you read through this
guide to better familiarize yourself with the parts and rigging of your new boat. If you have any
questions please contact your dealer or call Vanguard’s customer service at 1-800-966-SAIL.

Parts of the Hull:

Automatic Bailer Coaming

Mast Step
Gudgeon Bow Handle

Stern Bow
Cockpit
Bullseye Fairlead
Traveler Daggerboard Well Horn Cleat
Hiking Strap
Drain Plug

Mast
Upper Boom

Halyard

Mainsheet
Daggerboard Lower Boom

Rudder
 Parts of the Sail:
Useful knots to
know:

Mast Cap
Head of the
Sail

Figure 8 Knot or
Stopper Knot
Leech
Luff Gooseneck
Sail
Clew of
the Sail

Mast
Foot of t
he Sail
Corner Ties Square Knot
Boom
Blocks Grommet S Hook
Sail Rings
Mainsheet Tack of
the Sail
Interlocking Eye Bolts

Bowline

Nautical Terminology:
Port: Left side of the boat when looking forward
Cleat
Starboard: Right side of the boat when looking forward
Gunwale: Upper edge of a boat’s side
Leeward: Direction away from the wind
Windward: Direction from which the wind is coming

Clove Hitch
 The Sunfish is available in two models; Standard and Pro. The Pro model comes with equipment
most commonly used for racing.

First: Locate your delivery kit. Depending on which model you have purchased (Pro or Standard) there will be a few differences in some of the
hardware. Using Figure 1 or 2, identify the contents of your kit. To avoid damaging the contents, be sure not to cut into the packaging
inside the box.

Standard Sunfish Delivery Kit: Pro Sunfish Delivery Kit:

3.
3.

4.

8. 8.
7.

7.
6.
1. 2. 4. 1. 2. 5. 6.

5.

Figure 1 Figure 2
1. Daggerboard, plastic 1. Daggerboard, plastic
2. Tiller with extension (33”) 2. Tiller with extension (36”)
3. Colored sail 3. White race sail
4. Rudder, wood 4. Wind indicator
5. Line bag 5. Rudder, FRP
6. Sail rings 6. Line bag
7. Mainsheet ratchet block 7. Harken mainsheet ratchet block and compression spring
8. Bailer parts, Brummel hooks (2), Snap shackle 8. Bailer parts, Brummel hooks (2), Snap shackle

Contents of item # 8
1. S hook
2. 4. 2. Brummel hook (2)
3. Snap shackle
1. 7.
5. 4. Bailer o-ring
6. 5. Bailer cap
3. 6. Bailer plug
7. Bailer housing
Sunfish Mast Kit: Here is a list of tools
that we recommended
Locate the mast, upper and lower boom. The upper and lower boom will be connected at one end with
two interlocking eye bolts (Figure 3). The gooseneck (Figure 4) will come assembled on the lower you have to assist you
boom. Depending on the model that you purchased the gooseneck bolt may differ in appearance. On in assembling your
the Sunfish Pro model the gooseneck comes equipped with a quick adjust lever (Figure 5). This lever
new Sunfish:
can easily be released in order to adjust the positioning of the gooseneck on the lower boom. Also
located on the Sunfish Pro lower boom are two outhaul clam cleats (Figure 6).

Sunfish Mast Kit Standard: Sunfish Mast Kit Pro:

Electrical Tape

Figure: 4

Figure: 5
Screw Drivers

Interlocking eye bolts

Figure: 3 Wrenches

Utility Knife
Cleats

Standard Mast and Boom Set Figure: 6 Pro Mast and Boom Set
Pliers
Be sure to remove any bubble wrap and plastic coating before rigging.
 Bailer Installation:
Plug A 1. Locate the bailer o-ring (a), cap (b), plug
Cap
(c) and housing (d) from the delivery kit
O Ring C (Figure 7).
B D

Bailer Ball
Bailer Housing Figure: 7
2. Fit the bailer cap into the hole of the plug
so that the plug stopper faces upward
Meet Eduardo Cordero, 8 time (Figure 8). Fold the rubber plug over the cap
to close (Figure 9).
Sunfish World Champion.
Spanish born, Eduardo moved to
Venezuela in 1982 and is now a
Figure: 8 Figure: 9
resident of the US. With over
3. Locate the bailer housing and o-ring
15 years of coaching (Figure 10). Place the o-ring over the neck of
experience; working at world the bailer and push it down completely
(Figure 11).
renowned sailing schools,
Eduardo is helping to contribute
his knowledge back to the
sport. Thank you to Eduardo for
4. Locate the bailer opening in the cockpit
graciously contributing Figure: 10 Figure: 11 (Figure 12). Take the bailer housing with
technical knowledge in helping o-ring and place it under the hull, sliding it
up through the cockpit. Make sure that the
with this rigging guide. To find
ball in the housing is facing towards the stern
out more about Eduardo and his of the boat (Figure 13).
Bailer Opening
involvement in the sailing
community visit:
[Link]
5. While holding the housing in place, thread
the bailer cap through the cockpit hole and
Figure: 12 into the bailer housing. Tighten the bailer so
that it is hand tight.
Fact or Fiction: Note: The bailer will not sit flush to the
The Sunfish logo was created by bottom of the hull.
Space
Cortland Heyniger by tracing a
between
nickel and adding fins and a hull and
Ball bailer
tail?
towards
the stern 6. When open, the stopper of the bailer plug
Figure: 13 should lie on the cockpit floor pointing
towards the bow (Figure 14).

Visit Reminder: The bailer lets water out of the

[Link] cockpit while you are sailing. Insert the bailer
plug in the cap before launching and during
to submit your answer to the sailing (Figure 15). If the cockpit begins to
Sunfish “Fact or Fiction” collect water open the bailer to release the
question and register to be water. Note: the boat needs to be moving
quickly in order to allow the water to release
entered into a raffle drawing! and not take on more water at the same time.
Figure: 14 Figure: 15
Ratchet Block Installation:
Daggerboard Well

Depending on which model Sunfish you have purchased the ratchet block will be
different in appearance. Follow the instructions below for your model Sunfish. Find
the mainsheet eyestrap located on the deck forward of the cockpit, aft of the Eyestrap
daggerboard well (Figure 16). This is where you will attach the mainsheet ratchet
block.

Figure: 16

Ratchet Block Installation Standard:

1. In the delivery kit locate the ratchet block (Figure 17), shackle, pin and ring
(Figure 18).

2. Loop the shackle through the eyestrap and align the hole in the shackle with the
hole in the bottom of the mainsheet block. Insert the pin and secure with
the ring (Figure 19).

Figure: 17 Figure: 19
Figure: 18

Ratchet Block Installation Pro:

1. In the delivery kit locate the ratchet block (Figure 20), compression spring
(Figure 21), shackle, pin and ring (Figure 22).

2. Take the shackle and loop it through the eyestrap. Place the compression spring
over the eyestrap (Figure 21).

3. While compressing the spring, place the mainsheet ratchet block at

the top of the spring and align the hole in the bottom of the block with
the holes in the shackle.
Figure: 20 Figure: 21
Figure: 22
4. Secure the Ratchet block to the shackle using the pin and ring
(Figure 23).

Tip: To assist in keeping the spring compressed while attaching the block to the
shackle, try compressing the spring and tie with string (Figure 24). Place the tied
spring over the eyestrap and attach the block. Then untie the string and release the
spring.

Tip: After rigging the mainsheet block some racers prefer to raise the height of the
hiking strap in order to more easily get their feet under after a tack. Using a small
piece of line or shockcord, thread one end through the forward loop of webbing in the
hiking strap. Continue the line through the mainsheet block eyestrap (Figure 21). Be
sure to tie the line tightly in order to keep the strap in the lifted position.
Figure: 23 Figure: 24
Attaching the Sail to the Booms (Standard): 1. From the delivery kit locate the sail, upper and lower
booms, S hook and package of sail rings. Remove the two
outhaul lines from the line bag.

2. Find a flat surface free of sharp objects that you can

Head spread your sail out on.
Upper Boom 3. Align the lower boom along the foot of the sail and
the upper boom along the luff (Figure 25). The Sunfish
Luff Leech logo should face the upper boom; the boom that does not
Clew have any blocks attached.
Tack Foot of the Sail
4. The two booms are attached together by interlocking
Lower Boom eye bolts. This corner of the sail is known as the tack.
Figure: 25 Take the S hook and loop one end through the
interlocking eye bolt that is attached to the lower boom
(Figure 26).

5. Take the free end of the S hook and place it through

the grommet in the tack of the sail. Using a pair of
pliers, crimp the S hook closed (Figure 27).

6. Attaching the outhaul lines: Starting at either the

head of the sail or the clew (one of the ends that is not
yet attached to the booms) take one of the outhaul lines
and tie a stopper knot in the end of it Feed the free end
of the line through the boom cap (Figure 28).

7. Continue the line through the grommet in the sail

(Figure 29) and then back down through the top cap.
Figure: 26 Figure: 27 Double the line through the grommet (Figure 30) and
secure with a couple half hitches (Figure 31). The
outhaul line should be fairly snug.

8. Repeat the same procedures for the second outhaul.

9. Secure the remainder of the sail to the booms using

the sail rings. Locate a grommet, place the sail ring
around the boom, insert the grommet between the
openings of the ring and press firmly to secure
(Figures 32 and 33).

Tip: The tight of the sail rings is to ensure that the sail
is securely connected to the booms. Thus pliers may be
used in snapping the rings closed. However use caution
Figure: 28 Figure: 29 when using pliers, as they can easily scratch the booms.

Grommet

Figure: 32

Figure: 30 Figure: 31 Complete Outhaul Figure: 33

Attaching the Sail to the Booms (Pro):
1. From the delivery kit locate the sail, upper and lower boom, S hook, and sail ties. Remove the cunningham and outhaul line from the line
bag. The white race sail is attached to the booms with sail ties as opposed to sail rings. There should be 4 sail ties that are longer than the
remaining 32 ties. These longer ties are the corner sail ties.
2. Find a flat surface free of sharp objects that you can spread your sail out on.
3. Align the lower boom along the foot of the sail and the upper boom along the luff (Refer to Figure 25). The Sunfish logo should face the
upper boom; the boom that does not have any blocks attached.
4. The two booms are attached together by interlocking eye bolts
Take the S hook and loop one end through the interlocking eye bolt
that is attached to the lower boom (Figure 34).
Tip: Some racers use a piece of line to secure the sail to the
interlocking eye bolt as opposed to the S hook. It is suggested to
use a 10” long, 2mm piece of spectra that gets led through the tack
grommet and interlocking eye bolt. Wrap the line 2 or 3 times
around and secure with a square knot.
5. Take the free end of the S hook and place it through the grommet
in the tack of the sail. Using a pair of pliers, crimp the S hook
closed (Figure 35).
Figure: 34 Figure: 35
6. Starting at the tack of the sail, use two of the corner ties to
attach the sail to the booms (Figure 36). Start by wrapping one tie
around the boom and through the grommet in the sail. The tie
should be wrapped around twice before being secured with a square
knot. Tie off the head and the clew of the sail with the remaining
corner ties.
Tip: Make sure to set the tie at the head of the sail so that the sail’s
luff tension is as loose as you will want it while sailing. You will
then be able to adjust the luff tension with the cunningham line.

7. Complete attaching the sail to the booms with the remaining sail
ties. For each grommet in the sail, tie one sail tie around the boom
Figure: 36 Figure: 37 and through the grommet. Secure with a square knot (Figure 37).

Rigging the Outhaul (Pro): 1. Using the outhaul line, tie a bowline to
the lower boom end cap (Figure 38).

2. Lead the free end of the line through

the grommet in the sail and back through
the boom end cap (Figure 39). Continue
the line forward down the boom to the aft
most boom cleat.

Figure: 38 Figure: 39
4. Tie an overhand knot in the outhaul
two sail ties before the boom cleat. Lead
the outhaul line through the two sail ties
and through the cleat (Figure 40).
1. Tie
Overhand 2. Lead line
under sail ties 3. Through cleat 5. Lead the line back through the
Knot
overhand knot and back forward through
the cleat. Cleat off and tie a large bowline
handle in the end (Figure 40).
4. Through
overhand knot 5. Back through cleat 6. Cleat off and tie
a bowline handle
Figure: 40
Rigging the Cunningham (Pro): 1. Using the cunningham line, tie a bowline to
the interlocking eyebolt of the upper boom
(Figure 41) .
2. Lead the line through the grommet in the tack
of the sail (Figure 42) and continue it down
through the interlocking eye bolt in the lower
Tack
boom (Figure 43).
Grommet
3. Feed the line through the opening in the
gooseneck that retains the lower boom. Just
forward of the mast tie an overhand knot
(Figure 44).
4. Lead the line through the forward most cleat
and back through the overhand knot. Cleat off
Figure: 41 Figure: 42 Figure: 43 and tie a bowline handle with the remainder of
the line (Figure 45).

2. Lead line 1. Tie

through cleat Overhand
Knot

4. Back through cleat 3. Through

overhand knot
Figure: 44 Figure: 45

Stepping the Mast: Standard and Pro

(The directions for stepping the mast are the same for both the standard and pro models. The only differences would be sail and gooseneck
bolt.)

1. Locate the mast, as well as the main halyard from the line bag.
Thread one half of the halyard through the hole in the mast top cap
(Figure 46).

2. Before stepping the mast make sure that their are

NO OVERHEAD WIRES in the area or leading to the launching site!

Figure: 47
3. Make sure that the mast step hole and mast heal are perfectly
clean. Any sand, dirt, etc. in the mast step will grind into the gelcoat
eventually damaging the boat.

4. Lay the booms and sail on the deck of the Sunfish. Align the
gooseneck on the lower boom over the mast step hole (Figure 47).

5. Holding onto both ends of the halyard, lift the mast up setting the
heal of the mast through the gooseneck ring. Slide the mast into the
mast tube (Figure 48). Be careful not to drop the mast into the Figure: 46
tube for damage to the mast step will occur!

Figure: 48
Attaching the Main Halyard: Standard and Pro
The main halyard is secured to the upper boom with a clove hitch. It is suggested that you place three wraps of electrical tape around the
upper booms between the ninth and tenth sail ring (counting from the tack of the sail upward). The tape helps keep the halyard from
slipping up to the next sail ring or sail tie.

Note: Tying the halyard between the 9th and 10th sail ring is only a suggestion for the halyard location. You can play with the location of
the halyard to raise or lower the boom depending on your comfort or wind strength. It is highly suggested not to tie the halyard up much
farther; raising the boom too far off the deck may cause the mast to bend. For further information on tuning your Sunfish visit the class
association at [Link].

Figure
Tail Pull to 8 Knot
Fall tighten

1. Find one end of the 2. Lead the tail of the 3. Where the tail crosses 4. Lead the tail under 5. Tie a figure eight
halyard (tail) and wrap it halyard over the fall over the fall it forms an the line you are pulling knot in the end of the
around the upper boom (The fall is the remain- X. Pull up on the line up on. Pull on the tail tail.
just below the electrical der of the halyard) and that creates the top of and fall in order to
tape; leaving about a around the upper boom the X. tighten around the
foot long tail to again. boom.
complete the clove hitch.

Raising the sail: Standard and Pro

Before raising the sail make sure that the bow of the boat is pointing into the wind and you are clear of obstacles that the boom might be
able to hit. Be sure to have the mainsheet and mainsheet snap shackle on hand as they will be the next parts to assemble.

1. Begin raising the sail by pulling 2. You will need to assist the lower 3. Lead the tail of the halyard
down on the halyard. boom off the deck by raising the boom through the main halyard fairlead on
close to the gooseneck while pulling on the deck. Tie off the halyard to the
the halyard. Continue to pull on the main halyard cleat.
halyard until the upper boom is right
against the top of the mast.
Optional: How to create a vang
with the tail of your halyard
It is suggested to coil up the
After cleating off the halyard lead
remaining tail of the halyard
the free end of the line through the
and place it under the taught
fairlead, around the mast above the
halyard section on the deck.
gooseneck, and back through the
This will keep the halyard
fairlead. Some racers attach the
from dragging in the water.
free end of the line to the
daggerboard.
Attaching the Mainsheet:
Standard and Pro
1. Retrieve the mainsheet from the line
bag. With one end of the mainsheet tie a
bowline to the mainsheet snap shackle
(Figure 49).

2. Snap the mainsheet shackle onto the

bridle (Figure 50). Bridle

3. Continue the free end of the

mainsheet towards the bow along the
boom, making sure to go through both
lower boom blocks (Figure 51).
Figure: 49 Figure: 50 Figure: 51
4. Lead the line down through the
Lever
ratchet block. Making sure that while
pulling in the mainsheet the block makes
a ratcheting noise. If the block does not
make a ratchet sound one of two things Figure: 53
could be the problem. First try running
the mainsheet through the block the
opposite way. If this does not work,
locate the lever on the mainsheet block
and switch it to the ratchet position
(Figure 52).

5. In the free end of the line tie a Figure: 52 Complete Mainsheet

stopper knot (Figure 53).

Rigging the Rudder: Standard and Pro Tiller Extension Rudder/Tiller Bolt
Locate the rudder and tiller from the delivery kit. Remove the tiller Tiller Straps
bolt and the two plastic washers from the end of the black tiller straps.
Universal Tiller Nylon Washers

1. Align the Nylon washers 2. Align the hole in the end 3. Insert the tiller bolt and 4. Using a 7/16” wrench
(one per side) with the hole in of the black tiller strap with secure with the provided tighten the tiller nut until the
the rudder located by the that of the holes in the Nylon locknut. the tiller fits snug to the
rudder cheek. washers and rudder. The con- rudder (the tiller should have
tour of the tiller strap should some resistance yet be allowed
match that of the rudder to pivot smoothly).
cheek. It is advised to insert
the washers as they are placed
between the tiller strap and
rudder to help prevent chafing.
Attaching the Rudder: Standard and Pro

1. Slide the tiller and exten- 2. Press down on the top of 3. Release the pin and the 4. The Sunfish Pro rudder
sion underneath the wire bri- the pintle pin (compressing rudder should securely be attachment is the same as the
dle. The pintle pin will have the pintle spring) in order to attached to the boat. The standard Sunfish. The only
two indentations that align and slide the pins indentations rudder should be able to pivot difference between the two
with the two notches in the into the gudgeon. from side to side easily. Leave models is the rudder blade
gudgeon (located on the stern the rudder in the kicked up materials.
of the boat). Align the pintle position prior to launching.
pin with the gudgeon notches.

Daggerboard Assembly:
Standard and Pro Bungee Line
1. Locate the Daggerboard, bungee line,
retainer line, daggerboard handle line and
brummel hooks (2) from the line bag and
Brummel Hooks
delivery kit (Figure 54).
Figure: 54 Figure: 55

2. With a stopper knot, attach the brummel

hooks to each end of the bungee
(Figure 55).

3. Thread the daggerboard handle line

through the aft hole of the daggerboard
head. There are 2 suggestions for tying the Figure: 56 Figure: 57 Figure: 58 Figure: 59 Figure: 60
handle. Use Figures 56 - 60. Find the center of the daggerboard handle line. Pass one end of Thread one end of the
the line through either hole and place the center of the line at the handle line through the
hole. Twist the two sides of the line around each other aft hole and tie a
4. Thread one of the brummel hooks
(Figure 56). When a sufficient handle is made by the twisting, stopper knot. Continue
through the hole in the daggerboard.
thread one end of the line through the opposite hole (Figure 57). the line back through
Secure with a square knot (Figure 58). Using a hot knife cut the the hole and tie a
5. Lead the ends of the bungee around the ends of the knot to a desired length (Figure 59). stopper knot on the
mast (Figure 61) and through the bow opposite side. Pull
handle. Connect the two brummels tight. Cut excess line.
(Figure 62)

6. When you are ready to launch, slide the

daggerboard into the daggerboard well. The
bungee should be facing the bow while the Retaining
retaining line faces the cockpit (Figure 63). line
Tie a bowline with the daggerboard retainer
line to the aft hole of the handle in the
daggerboard. With the free end of the line
tie a bowline to the mainsheet block
eyestrap. Figure: 61 Figure: 62 Figure: 63
 Before Launching:
De-rigging:
When you approach shallow water, begin to pull up the daggerboard as much as possible without
obstructing the boom and kick up the rudder. After hopping out of the boat, detach the mainsheet
* Check that the drain shackle from the bridle line. Remove the daggerboard and place it in the cockpit. It is suggested to
plug on the deck is rinse your boat and sails with fresh water especially if you are sailing in salt water. It is also suggested
tightly in place and the to allow the sail to dry before rolling. After drying, pull the sail out taught and roll it up against the
automatic bailer cap is booms securing both the sails and booms to the deck with the mainsheet.
closed.
It is highly suggested to purchase covers for both the hull and blades in order to protect your boat from
natural elements. A wide variety of accessories are available for purchase through your local Vanguard
dealer.

* Depending on the Sail Care:

depth of the water, It is important to take proper care of your sail in order for it to last longer and perform to the standard
begin to slide the that they were designed for. Follow these simple tips to help extend the life of your sail.
daggerboard into the
trunk and lower the 1. If you are sailing in salt water, be sure to rinse out your sail with fresh water after every use.
rudder (lower both Dacron sails do not absorb water or salt but the salt will dry on the sail making them stiff. The salt in
down as much as the humid weather can attract moisture that may lead to mildew on your sail.
water permits. Once 2. To wash your sail, NEVER machine wash them. Doing so will damage the material as well as remove
you are in deep enough the finish of the sail. If your sail becomes dirty, clean it with a mild dish detergent and rinse with fresh
water lower water. Do not bleach or use other harsh chemicals on the sail for they can also ruin the finish,
completely). decreasing the life of the sail. It is not recommended to store your sail wet, doing so is an invitation
for mildew to grow.
3. It is not recommended to dry your sail in the sun because other then when in use, over exposure of
UV rays will slowly break down the material of the sail. Be aware of the surface that you are drying your
* Wear your life jacket sail on as asphalt and other parking lot surfaces are very abrasive to the sail material and may contain
chemicals (i. e. oil) that can damage the sail. Avoid unnecessary flogging for it will greatly reduce the
life of the sail.
4. Rolling your sail is highly recommended. Crumpling a sail will crack the finish of the material which
quickly reduces the life of the sail. Purchasing a Sunfish sail and spar bag is highly recommended and
* Make sure that you are available through your local dealer.
are wearing the
appropriate clothing 5. Make sure to regularly inspect your sail for loose or torn stitching or small tears in the cloth. Have
for the conditions that any stitching or tears repaired by a local sailmaker before they become more of a problem.
you are sailing in
SEITECH dollies are the easy-to-use, light-weight, small boat transportation
solution. The Sunfish dolly has been designed specifically to fit and support
the shape of the hull. SEITECH dollies allow you to spend less time getting
your boat to and from the water and more time on the water.
* Be sure to check the [Link]
weather report before
going sailing. Sunfish Class Association
For more information and to link to Sunfish
sailors around the world,
join the Sunfish Class Association.
* Stay hydrated and [Link]
bring plenty of water
Vanguard equips our Sunfish with the highest quality parts available from the top suppliers. We partner
with key suppliers such as English Braids, North Sails and Harken to develop top of the line dinghy
equipment so your boat will perform at the highest level with the factory supplied rope, sails, and
hardware. Shop at an authorized Vanguard Dealer to be sure you are getting genuine Vanguard parts and
* Wear plenty of accessories. Visit [Link] to find your local dealer.
sunscreen
 Owner Information
Hull Identification Number: OQT__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Purchased From: Date of Purchase:

Contact Name: Phone #:

Address:

City: State: Zip Code:

Hull Color: Sail #:

Registration Information (if applicable)

Trailer VIN #:

License Plate Number: Licensing State:

Registration Number: State of Registration:

Insurance Information:

Maintenance