Howdy Pardners !

[Texian]

Just found your site and haven't had much time to look around in it.

Just wondering how many small boat sailors (Sunfish and slightly larger) there are here. I once owned a Dolphin when my kids were small, and now one of them has a couple of daughters I'd like to take sailing.

A couple of questions.

I understand the Dolphin is no longer built, but if I found a good used one or maybe new one that had been stored away and never used, what might it be worth?

Also, any other recommendations of models that I might consider?

Thanks for any information and for having what looks like a great site.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Texian.

You might Contact
Dolphin Association ➥ www.dolphin.org.za/
Andrew Ballard - 073 913 6283
EMail: aballard@telkomsa.net


And check out ➥ http://www.noblemarine.co.uk/dinghyd...ilarto=Dolphin

[Texian]

Thanks to Gord, but when I checked out the Dolphin site I realized I was showing my inexperience in this area.

The type of Dolphin I used to sail was slightly larger than a Sunfish, about 14 feet. I realize there are larger models by the same name.

[Ocean Girl]

The original dolphin was built in Texas, they had a bad factory fire and never recovered. But her molds were recovered or someone made a mold of one and started selling them again under the same name. My old friend was the original owner, his brother glen the original designer. Those boats are fantastic sailors, Murray ( my friend) told many stories of sailing in 25 -35 knots of wind, screaming across the water at some boat show.
If you want to talk to the original owner of the Dolphins, let me know, (his brother Glen passed away).
Cheers,
Mrs. Rain Dog


Ps
My friend never got a cent for the reproductions, but he just shrugs it off

[Khagan1227]

Welcome to the forum Texian. I cut my teeth on a sunfish, I still have my first boat. I love the small boys, but they ain't much to cruise on.

[Unicorn Dreams]

Welcome Aboard Cruisers Forum Texan

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Yes, love those little boats but never sailed a Dolphin. I've done Sunfish, Scorpion, Lasers, Flying Juniors, El Toro, Sabot, Capri, Lido, Wildflower, Rebels, Widgeons and crewed on a 29er.
Great fun and easy to maintain as well as being inexpensive except the 29er.
Good luck in your quest. Sunfish is by far the most popular and easiest and cheapest to come by.
kind regards,

[Kiteboarder]

Hi Texian,

To get kids started in sailing, very few boats beat a sunfish (of course the Optimist and Open Bic come to mind too). I say that because that was my very first sailboat when I was maybe 10. Still have it by the way.

After that, the move was to Hobie Cats and windsurfers (and kites of course, hence my forum name).

I don't have my Sunfish here in the states, but I'd definitely consider one to teach my son how to sail.