Sunfish Conversion?

Hey all this is a great looking forum. I got a few questions about a project i am about to take on..

I am a waterfowler and i just aquired an older alcort sunfish sailboat hull only. my plan is to convert it into a barnegat bay sneakbox. i know this conversion has been done before but i can not find any info on the subject. also for power i was thinking of gutting and transplanting the innards of this old jet ski that i have (thats right jet powered sunfish) i wasnt sure if this should have been posted in the sailboat forum or this one. but if anyone has any ideas for a sailboat conversion i am open to all suggestions.. thanks in advance.

 

Rowdy (by name as well as by nature?),
I would advise against the jet-ski conversion unless you want to scare the ducks to death. Not sporting.
Instead, why not a nice short-shaft trolling motor, with a big battery? That should push you along nicely, and be cheaper to run as well.
The thing is, the Sunfish hull is just plain the wrong shape to take a powerful jet well. Too much rocker means that the only way to keep the intake "planted" will be to run at an angle of 10-15 degrees or so. A good recipe for flying lessons at speed in that thing
You might also consider the traditional solution - a large sculling oar over the stern. Lie back in the boat (well, as much as you can in a sunfish) and have the sculling oar over your shoulder.
That said, if you are sold on the jet drive, have fun but don't say you weren't warned...

Steve

 

Rowdy; Do yourself a favor by forgetting the jetski/Sunfish idea. I know the Sunfish well , having sailed them extensively. Sometimes over rigged with a Hobie 14 sail and other absurdities. It would make a decent waterfoul boat but it will accept,maybe, two horsepower and you wont use both of them. Take the other guys advice and use a small electric motor with a big battery. Good luck = low power. Regards
Sandspur

 

Trolling Motor

I agree with the idia of puting in a trolling moter. You may be able to mount it on the existing rudder brackets. Also, on the deck consider puting flexable solor panals to charge the baterys. Maybe even keep a smaller sail to asist the motor for longer trips. Just don't put a 100hp jet drive in. Hope it comes out well.