super snark sailboat review

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Snark Sailboat Review

The Snark Sailboat is a historic household name among sailboats, being everyone’s first sailboat from the 1970s until the 1990s. Originally manufactured during the 1950s, the Snark Sailboat went through many variations, but retained its identity as a lightweight, two-person sailboat marketed to be “unsinkable.” Read our Snark Sailboat review to learn more about the quintessential boat.

Despite its popularity, the Snark Sailboat was not the greatest sailboat ever made, nor was it a good one in the first place. Thanks to many advertising campaigns, however, the Snark solidly became the first sailboat for many generations, even today.

Snark Sailboat Models

The Snark Sailboat went through several changes, differing in name and hull construction. However, the Snark Sailboats are all two-person sailboats rigged with a lateen, with a length overall (LOA) of 11 feet and a bold “unsinkable” claim. 

The early version of the Snark was called the Sea Snark. The Sea Snarks were made of one-piece injection-molded EPS/styrofoam, weighing around 30 lbs. 

The succeeding version of the Snark, called Super Sea Snark or Super Snark, boasted a new technology called Corelite , now under the trademarked name Armorclad . The technology involved adding a vacuumed layer of ABS over the EPS hull, increasing the weight of the sailboat to 50 lbs.

Later on, its manufacturer released a larger version of the Snark called the Sunflower. A bit wider than the older Snarks, it also came with a bigger sail and a prominently yellow hull.

Super Sea Snark Sailboat

As we move on with our Snark Sailboat review, some people see the Super Sea Snark Sailboat as inadequate. Many sailing enthusiasts often called it a “beer cooler” due to the fact that the boat itself is basically just styrofoam, similar to many basic drink coolers. However, it does sport the basic requirements for a sailboat.

A daggerboard hull made of styrofoam rigged with a 45-square-foot nylon lateen sail, the Super Sea Snark boasts a maximum weight capacity of 310 lbs. The monohull body of the sailboat extends for 11 feet, which is enough room for two people to fit in it. An aluminum mast, spar, and boom support the lateen sail, which supports a variety of designs depending on the brand of the boat. 

Because of its styrofoam construction, the Snark barely weighs over 50 lbs, making it easy to lug around, based on its claim of being “car-toppable.” Assembling the Super Sea Snark also only takes about an hour, so it doesn’t really require too much exertion from the owner. With an “unsinkable” title, the Snark was reliable enough for many people to start sailing with it.

Sailing with the Snark Sailboat

The Snark Sailboat’s reputation made it accessible to those looking to get into sailing. However, for some, their first sailing experience was exhilarating but in a not-so-good way. Some inexperienced sailors would capsize and/or break the styrofoam daggerboard. On the other hand, sailors who knew their way around couldn’t get their way around, as the boat sailed too slow to go far enough away from the beach.

The ABS-covered boats, usually the later versions, can withstand more repairs and modifications compared to the original boats, but both still suffer from the fragility of the hull. The saving grace of the Snark Sailboat is its claim of unsinkability. The boat will capsize, break, sail slow, and sail stubbornly, but it will almost never sink. 

The Snark Sailboat, despite not being in circulation anymore, is also still very serviceable after many years. Most Snarks in possession of secondhand owners are around 30-40 years old, which is a pretty darn good age for a boat that’s worth $100 in its time.

Another factor in Snark’s rise to fame is its advertising campaign with other brands. The most prominent of the said brands, Kool cigarettes, offered the Snark for only $88 and a box end of Kool cigarettes. 

It proved to be phenomenal, with 18,000 orders supposedly cashed out from the campaign alone. Other brands, like Pepsi, followed suit and experienced similar popularity.

Are Snark Sailboats Still Made

As of March 2021, the only known retailers of the Super Snark Sailboat, SailboatsToGo and CastleCraft, both list the boat as unavailable. There seem to be no plans to manufacture new boats, so it’s unlikely to see a brand-new Snark today.

However, if you are insistent on getting one, many old owners are selling their Snarks, often without accessories. You can find some listings on Craigslist and other secondhand shops. You can also ask around sailing forums; chances are someone would be willing to sell off their sailboat to you.

Is Snark Sailboat Worth It

Before we end our Snark Sailboat review, let’s see whether owning one is worth it. 

If you’re serious about sailing, the sailboat is not a good choice. You’ll find its construction, despite being unsinkable, too flimsy for sailing in the middle of a big body of water. Also, navigating the sailboat is too slow to even make for a proper sailing experience. 

However, the Snark Sailboat was a household name for many families, introducing even well-known sailors today to the art of sailing. The history of the Snark Sailboat is enough to make it a collector’s item, and if you are planning to introduce sailing to the general populace, it is serviceable. However, the running joke of Snarks being a beer cooler does prove that they are better off with beverages inside them than humans in the middle of the sea.

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20 Best Small Sailboats for the Weekender

• By Mark Pillsbury
• Updated: May 24, 2024

In order to go cruising, most of us require a sailboat with a head, a galley, and bunks. The boat, likely a 30-footer and more often a 40-footer, will have electronics for navigation and entertainment, refrigeration if the trip is longer than a coastal hop, an engine for light wind, and, depending on our appetites for food and fun, perhaps a genset to power our toys and appliances.

To go sailing , however, all we really need is a hull, mast, rudder, and sail. To experience the pure joy of sheeting in and scooting off across a lake, bay, or even the open ocean, there’s nothing better than a small sailboat – we’re talking sailboats under 25 feet. You can literally reach out and touch the water as it flows past. You instantly feel every puff of breeze and sense every change in trim.

Some of the boats in this list are new designs, others are time-tested models from small sailboat manufacturers, but every one is easy to rig, simple to sail, and looks like a whole lot of fun either for a solo outing on a breezy afternoon or to keep family and friends entertained throughout your entire sailing season. This list is made up of all types of sailboats , and if you’re looking for a list of some of the best small sailboats for beginners, you’ll find exactly that here.

Any one of these popular boats could be labeled as a trailerable sailboat, daysailer, or even a weekender sailboat. And while most would be labeled as a one or two person sailboat, some could comfortably fit three or even four people.

– CHECK THE WEATHER – The weather changes all the time. Always check the forecast and prepare for the worst case. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Marblehead 22 Daysailer

If you have an eye for elegant lines and your heart goes pitter-patter over just the right amount of overhang beneath a counter transom, the Marblehead 22 daysailer, designed by Doug Zurn and built by Samoset Boatworks in Boothbay, Maine, will definitely raise your pulse. Traditional-looking above the waterline and modern beneath, the cold-molded hull sports a deep bulb keel and a Hall Spars carbon-fiber mast with a wishbone rig and square-top main. The 11-foot-9-inch cockpit can seat a crowd, and a small cuddy forward will let you stow your friends’ gear for the day. samosetboatworks.com

Catalina 22 Sport

Many a harbor plays host to an active fleet of Catalina 22s, one of the most popular small sailboats over the years, given its basic amenities and retractable keel, which allows it to be easily trailered. Recently, the company introduced the Catalina 22 Sport, an updated design that can compete with the older 22s. The boat features a retractable lead keel; a cabin that can sleep four, with a forward hatch for ventilation; and a fractional rig with a mainsail and a roller-furling jib. Lifelines, a swim ladder, and an engine are options, as are cloth cushions; vinyl cushions are standard. The large cockpit will seat a crowd or let a mom-and-pop crew stretch out and enjoy their sail. It’s clear why the Catalina 22 is one of the best sailboats under 25 feet. catalinayachts.com

With its large, open-transom cockpit and sloop rig, the Hunter 22 makes a comfortable daysailer for family and friends. But with its cuddy cabin, twin bunks, optional electrical system, opening screened ports, and portable toilet, a parent and child or a couple could comfortably slip away for an overnight or weekend. Add in the optional performance package, which includes an asymmetric spinnaker, a pole, and a mainsheet traveler, and you could be off to the races. The boat features a laminated fiberglass hull and deck, molded-in nonskid, and a hydraulic lifting centerboard. Mount a small outboard on the stern bracket, and you’re set to go. marlow-hunter.com

Not sure whether you want to race, cruise or just go out for an afternoon sail? Since 1958, sailors have been having a ball aboard the Uffa Fox/George O’Day-designed Daysailer. Fox, who in the 1950s was on the cutting edge of planning-dinghy design, collaborated with Fall River, Massachusetts boatbuilder O’Day Corp. to build the 16-foot Daysailer, a boat that features a slippery hull and a small cuddy cabin that covers the boat roughly from the mast forward. Thousands of Daysailers were built by various builders, and they can be found used for quite affordable prices. There are active racing fleets around the US, and new Daysailers are still in production today, built by Cape Cod Ship Building. capecodshipbuilding.com

BayRaider from Swallow Boats

Easy to rig and trailer, the BayRaider from England’s Swallow Yachts is a relative newcomer to the small-boat market in the United States. Nearly all of its 19 feet 9 inches is open cockpit, though a spray hood can be added to keep the forward sections dry. The BayRaider is ketch-rigged with a gunter-style mainmast. The topmast and mizzen are both carbon-fiber, which is an option for the mainmast as well. The BayRaider can be sailed with a dry hull in lighter conditions or with 300 pounds of water ballast to increase its stability. With the centerboard and hinged rudder raised, the boat can maneuver in even the thinnest water.

$28,900, (904) 234-8779, swallowyachts.com

Big fun can come in small packages, especially if your vessel of choice happens to be the 12 ½-foot Beetle Cat. Designed by John Beetle and first built in 1921, the wooden shallow draft sailboat is still in production today in Wareham, Massachusetts at the Beetle Boat Shop. With a draft of just 2 feet, the boat is well-suited for shallow bays, but equally at home in open coastal waters. The single gaff-rigged sail provides plenty of power in light air and can be quickly reefed down to handle a blow. In a word, sailing a Beetle Cat is fun. beetlecat.com

– LEARN THE NAVIGATION RULES – Know the “Rules of the Road” that govern all boat traffic. Be courteous and never assume other boaters can see you. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

West Wight Potter P 19

With berths for four and a workable galley featuring a cooler, a sink, and a stove, West Wight Potter has packed a lot into its 19-foot-long P 19. First launched in 1971, this is a line of boats that’s attracted a true following among trailer-sailors. The P 19′s fully retractable keel means that you can pull up just about anywhere and go exploring. Closed-cell foam fore and aft makes the boat unsinkable, and thanks to its hard chine, the boat is reportedly quite stable under way. westwightpotter.com

NorseBoat 17.5

Designed for rowing and sailing (a motor mount is optional), the Canadian-built NorseBoat 17.5—one of which was spotted by a CW editor making its way through the Northwest Passage with a two-man crew—features an open cockpit, a carbon-fiber mast, and a curved-gaff rig, with an optional furling headsail set on a sprit. The lapstrake hull is fiberglass; the interior is ply and epoxy. The boat comes standard with two rowing stations and one set of 9-foot oars. The boat is designed with positive flotation and offers good load-carrying capacity, which you could put to use if you added the available canvas work and camping tent. NorseBoats offers a smaller sibling, the 12.5, as well; both are available in kit form.

$19,000, (902) 659-2790, norseboat.com

Montgomery 17

Billed as a trailerable pocket cruiser, the Montgomery 17 is a stout-looking sloop designed by Lyle Hess and built out of fiberglass in Ontario, California, by Montgomery Boats. With a keel and centerboard, the boat draws just under 2 feet with the board up and can be easily beached when you’re gunkholing. In the cuddy cabin you’ll find sitting headroom, a pair of bunks, a portable toilet, optional shore and DC power, and an impressive amount of storage space. The deck-stepped mast can be easily raised using a four-part tackle. The builder reports taking his own boat on trips across the Golfo de California and on visits to California’s coastal islands. Montgomery makes 15-foot and 23-foot models, as well. If you’re in search of a small sailboat with a cabin, the Montgomery 17 has to be on your wish list.

With long overhangs and shiny brightwork, the CW Hood 32 is on the larger end of the daysailer spectrum. Designers Chris Hood and Ben Stoddard made a conscious decision to forego a cabin and head in favor of an open cockpit big enough to bring 4 or 5 friends or family out for an afternoon on the water. The CW Hood 32 is sleek and graceful through the water and quick enough to do some racing, but keeps things simple with a self-tacking jib and controls that can be lead back to a single-handed skipper. A top-furling asymmetrical, electric sail drive and Torqeedo outboard are all optional. The CW Hood 32 makes for a great small family sailboat.  cwhoodyachts.com

Sun Cat from Com-Pac

Shallow U.S. East Coast bays and rock-strewn coasts have long been graced by cat boats, whose large, gaff-rigged mainsails proved simple and powerful both on the wind and, better yet, when reaching and running. The 17-foot-4-inch Sun Cat, built by Com-Pac Yachts, updates the classic wooden cat with its fiberglass hull and deck and the easy-to-step Mastender Rigging System, which incorporates a hinged tabernacle to make stepping the mast a one-person job. If you want a personal sailboat ideal for solo sailing, the Sun Can is a great choice. Belowdecks, the twin 6-foot-5-inch berths and many other features and amenities make this cat a willing weekender.

$19,800, (727) 443-4408, com-pacyachts.com

Catalina 16.5

The Catalina 16.5 sits right in the middle of Catalina Yachts’ line of small sailboats, which range from the 12.5 to the 22 Capri and Sport, and it comes in both an easy-to-trailer centerboard model and a shoal-draft fixed-keel configuration. With the fiberglass board up, the 17-foot-2-inch boat draws just 5 inches of water; with the board down, the 4-foot-5-inch draft suggests good windward performance. Hull and deck are hand-laminated fiberglass. The roomy cockpit is self-bailing, and the bow harbors a good-sized storage area with a waterproof hatch. catalinayachts.com

No roundup of best small sailboats (trailerable and fun too) would be complete without a mention of the venerable Hobie 16, which made its debut in Southern California way back in 1969. The company has introduced many other multihulls since, but more than 100,000 of the 16s have been launched, a remarkable figure. The Hobie’s asymmetric fiberglass-and-foam hulls eliminate the need for daggerboards, and with its kick-up rudders, the 16 can be sailed right up to the beach. Its large trampoline offers lots of space to move about or a good place to plant one’s feet when hanging off the double trapezes with a hull flying. The boat comes with a main and a jib; a spinnaker, douse kit, trailer, and beach dolly are optional features. hobiecat.com

Novice sailors or old salts looking for simplicity could both enjoy sailing the Hunter 15. With a fiberglass hull and deck and foam flotation, the boat is sturdily built. The ample freeboard and wide beam provide stability under way, and the heavy-duty rubrail and kick-up rudder mean that you won’t have to worry when the dock looms or the going grows shallow. Both the 15 and its slightly larger 18-foot sibling come standard with roller-furling jibs.

$6,900/$9,500 (boat-show prices for the 15 and 18 includes trailers), (386) 462-3077, marlow-hunter.com

– CHECK THE FIT – Follow these guidelines to make sure your life jacket looks good, stays comfortable and works when you need it. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Super Snark

Under various owners, the Snark brand of sailboats, now built by Meyers Boat Co., has been around since the early 1970s. The Super Snark, at 11 feet, is a simple, easily car-topped daysailer that’s fit out with a lateen rig and sail. Billed as unsinkable, the five boats in the company’s line are built with E.P.S. foam, with the external hull and deck vacuum-formed to the core using an A.B.S. polymer. The Super Snark weighs in at 50 pounds, and with a payload capacity of 310 pounds, the boat can carry two.

$970, (800) 247-6275, meyersboat.com

Norseboat 21.5

Built in Canada, the NorseBoat 21.5 is a rugged looking craft that comes in a couple of configurations: one with an open cockpit and small doghouse, and another with a smaller cockpit and cabin that houses a double berth for two adults and optional quarter berths for the kids. Both carry NorseBoat’s distinctive looking carbon fiber gaff-rigged mast with main and jib (a sprit-set drifter is optional), and come with a ballasted stub keel and centerboard. Because of its lightweight design, the boat can be rowed and is easily trailered.

$36,000 (starting), 902-659-2790, norseboat.com

Flying Scot

Talk about time-tested, the 19-foot Flying Scot has been in production since 1957 and remains a popular design today. Sloop rigged, with a conventional spinnaker for downwind work, the boat is an easily sailed family boat as well as a competitive racer, with over 130 racing fleets across the U.S. Its roomy cockpit can seat six to eight, though the boat is often sailed by a pair or solo. Hull and deck are a fiberglass and balsa core sandwich. With the centerboard up, the boat draws only eight inches. Though intended to be a daysailer, owners have rigged boom tents and berths for overnight trips, and one adventurous Scot sailor cruised his along inland waterways from Philadelphia to New Orleans.

Known primarily for its line of racing dinghys, RS Sailing also builds the 16-foot, 4-inch Venture, which it describes as a cruising and training dinghy. The Venture features a large, self-draining cockpit that will accommodate a family or pack of kids. A furling jib and mainsail with slab reefing come standard with the boat; a gennaker and trapeze kit are options, as is an outboard motor mount and transom swim ladder. The deck and hull are laid up in a fiberglass and Coremat sandwich. The Venture’s designed to be both a good performer under sail, but also stable, making it a good boat for those learning the sport.

$14,900, 203-259-7808, rssailing.com

Topper makes a range of mono- and multihull rotomolded boats, but the model that caught one editor’s eye at Strictly Sail Chicago was the Topaz Taz. At 9 feet, 8 inches LOA and weighing in at 88 pounds, the Taz is not going to take the whole crowd out for the day. But, with the optional mainsail and jib package (main alone is for a single child), the Taz can carry two or three kids or an adult and one child, and would make a fun escape pod when tied behind the big boat and towed to some scenic harbor. The hull features Topper’s Trilam construction, a plastic and foam sandwich that creates a boat that’s stiff, light, and durable, and shouldn’t mind being dragged up on the beach when it’s time for a break.

$2,900 (includes main and jib), 410-286-1960, topazsailboats.com

WindRider WRTango

WRTango, a fast, sturdy, 10-foot trimaran that’s easy to sail, is the newest portable craft from WindRider International. It joins a line that includes the WR16 and WR17 trimarans. The Tango features forward-facing seating, foot-pedal steering, and a low center of gravity that mimics the sensation of sitting in a kayak. It weighs 125 pounds (including the outriggers and carbon-fiber mast), is extremely stable, and has single-sheet sail control. The six-inch draft and kick-up rudder make it great for beaching, while the hull and outriggers are made of rotomolded polyethylene, so it can withstand running into docks and being dragged over rocks.

$3,000, 612-338-2170, windrider.com

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Snark Sailboats (Meyers Boat Co.)

A very abbreviated history of ‘Snark type’ boats in the US: The first boats of this type seem to have come from Siltronics Corp. which was located in Pennsylvania beginning in the late 1950’s. (Sea Devil/Sea Swinger). The ‘Snark’ name came somewhat later as a product line offered by Kransco Manufacturing, a company located in San Francisco, California (later bought out by Matell Corp?). Another line has been offered by Lockley,(Sea Witch). In the early years these boats were produced in a number of different locations in the eastern US. Companies such as Sears and JC Penney sold Snark sailboats (Super Snark/Mach II) in their catalogs. Snark sailboats were used as promotional tools for many companies with specialized colors and personalized sails (most memorably, Kool Cigarettes). In 1984, Lockley? purchased Snark from Kransco, and the new merged company was subsequently purchased by Entwistle of Hudson, MA. The Snark name continued to be used and production took place in New Castle, PA. The line up became the Super Snark, Sunflower 3.3, Sea Skimmer, Sunchaser I, and Sunchaser II. In 1996, Snark was purchased by Meyers Boat Company and production was relocated to Adrian, MI. (A work in progress. Major update is necessary due to new information. srb 3/2013).

• Sears Design Team

6 sailboats built by Snark Sailboats (Meyers Boat Co.)

Sea snark (super snark), whirlwind 11.

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Ian Schaefer

some things

Super Snark Sailboat

I just bought this sailboat, an 11′ Super Snark. I’ve wanted to learn to sail for a few years—this seemed like the perfect sailboat with which to start. It is purportedly unsinkable and very stable. The ABS clad EPS foam hull certainly seems very durable and indeed, could not possibly sink even if completely swamped.

I had it out for the first time this weekend and had a fantastic time. This was my very first time sailing, but I found the boat quite easy to handle – the basic sailing instructions I’ve read were enough to get me underway with this small sailboat. With a little ‘effort’ I was even able to capsize the Super Snark and shortly thereafter learn how easy it is to right this boat. I’ll save the details of that story for another time.

After the first trip out I realized that all the wood parts – rudder, tiller, keel, transom – needed some attention. The marine plywood rudder was delaminating, and though it would be simple to cut a new one, I thought it might be worthwhile to repair it. After gluing and clamping the rudder in several places, I sanded and varnished all of the wood parts.

I also plan on painting the outside of the hull – navy blue. I’ll keep the white gunwhale and medium blue bumper as is. This motif should work nicely with then existing blue-white-blue-white striped sail and equally well with an Egyptian cotton colored sail I’d like to have.

Super Snark Links

• CastleCraft Repair Tips for Snark Sailboats
• CastleCraft Super Snark Sailboat Parts
• Snark Sailboats Group on Yahoo! – Membership required
• How to Sail a Boat – wikiHow [This article is short and to the point. I think it’s worth a read if you are new to sailing.]
• Grog’s Boating Knots Index [Note: start with the figure eight and bowline knots.]

Want a New Snark Sailboat?

I was surprised to learn that Snark sailboats are still being made – not only the Super Snark, but also the Sea Skimmer, Sunflower, and others. If you don’t have the time or inclination to repair an older boat, a shiny new Snark is still a relatively affordable way to start sailing. Here are a few links to the best prices available through Amazon.

Rigging the Super Snark

More Snark Upgrades

Splash Deck – I am planning to sail in the bay at Stone Harbor, New Jersey in late September. It can get choppy there – and while the summer boat traffic will have diminished I have yet to deal with the wake of a decent sized powerboat. The splash deck covers the area of the otherwise open hull from the mast step forward to the bow, shedding water the boat might take on from chop and wake. Coming over the bow. I am nearing completion of a wooden splash deck and I am excited about my design and the results. I will post photos and detail soon. Boom Vang – Provide downward tension on the boom for better sail shape and to minimize ‘bounce’. Use the free end of the halyard through the gooseneck of the boom and back to the cleat.

Traveller – create a bridle using a short length of line between the two screw eyes on the inside of the transom, leaving enough slack in the line to come up and over the tiller with clearance. Thread a small block on the bridle before fastening the line on the eyes. Then the tack end of the main sheet is secured to the dead eye of the block allowing the tack to travel along the bridle.

Tiller Tamer – Loop a short bungee cord around the tiller and connect to the screw eyes on the inside of the transom. This should exert just enoungh tension on the tiller to bring the rudder back to center when the tiller is released.

Daggerboard Retainer – attach on or two screw eyes into a small plywood plate on the stern end of the daggerboard trunk. From these eyes, run a bungee cord around the aft edge of the daggerboard. Pulling on the bungee allows the daggerboard to be raised or lowered – releasing it should hold the board in any vertical position.

Kickup Rudder – Design and make a two-piece rudder to replace the old one-piece rudder, allowing for easy beaching of the sailboat.

82 thoughts on “Super Snark Sailboat”

Hello Ian, Nice Super Snark. I just purchased Super Snark today of $150, needs alot of TLC. did you paint the hull yet? If so, what type of paint? Brushed or sprayed? thanks

Congratulations on your super snark acquisition!

I did paint the boat. Usually I do more research on a project like this, but this time I didn’t. Instead I poked around the paint department at my local hardware store until I found myself in front of the Krylon Fusion display. I have no reasons to believe this paint should work on a boat, but I didn’t feel like waiting to have something mixed and must admit I had seen a few compelling ads for the product. ‘Fuses’ with plastic. Durable for exterior surfaces. They have a navy blue, so I though it might be worth a shot.

At 25 sq ft per can I thought 4 cans might do it. After carefully taping off the gunwhale and transom I went at it with the spray. Two cans into it I thought the blue was much brighter than navy. I let it sit for maybe an hour and hit it with two more cans. After that I had a solid even color, but it was more cobalt than navy. So back to the store I went to buy three more cans.

A few hours and two cans – for a total of six – later I decided to let it go for the night. The boat sat for a day and a half after that before I put it in the water. After two hours of sailing I rubbed my hand below the waterline, fully expecting to come up with flakes, globs of paint resin, or at least blue fingertips. None of those things happened. Later I scraped a submerged stump – albeit at a low speed. I called it quits after four hours in the water, stopped, cartopped the boat and went home.

The sailboat looked virtually the same coming out of the water as it did going in – the paint looked great and seems to have bonded well with the ABS shell. The only scrape I could find probably happen when I took the boat out of the water – and that was very minor. The texture of the Super Snark hull – a reticulated pattern of narrow peaks and smooth valleys – takes paint nicely and when scraped leaves only the slender peaks of hull texture are exposed. This means that only the most serious abrasions are apparent, which is important if you are aiming for a dark color.

Can’t say enough nice things about Fusion paint. Only used 5 cans on the free Sea Snark we got July 5th. Currently working on the slightly delaminating rudder and keel etc. Am currently trying to decide on water-based polyurethane or the solvent type polyurethane – opinions? Would it be possible to post a close-up of the top of the sail? I have patched a large section and just can’t commit to where to place the ‘grommet’..

I enjoyed your post, as we too will be teaching ourselves on a small Illinois lake. I hope to have acquired the eye-patch and single gold hoop earring by Labor Day. Too ambitious?

@Kris Pirates in Illinois! I’ve used ZAR marine varnish on the rudder, tiller, keel, and mast step. A little ‘drippy’, but leaves a very nice finish. Unfortunately, my repair of the rudder didn’t hold up as well as I hoped. Water infiltrated and again delaminated the plywood a bit. The exterior wood glue I used to bond the veneer is not the best choice – an epoxy would be better, I’m sure. It’s also really important to seal the cut edge – the end grain – of the plywood with varnish, as that is where water is most likely to get in.

I’ve now sailed the Snark three times with the new Krylon Fusion hull paint – perhaps 12 hours on the water. I am very impressed with the paint. Even got a few comments from fellow boaters on how beautiful this little boat is. The navy color is classic and stately.

I will try get a picture of the leech and clew grommets next time I unfurl the sail. Stay tuned. Happy sailing!

@Kris you said you have a Sea Snark, which I think lacks an ABS plastic shell offered by the Super Snark. So if I understand correctly, you were able to succesfully paint the Sea Snark’s foam hull with Fusion paint. That’s cool! Most aerosol paints (petroleum based, anyway) would react with EPS foam – ultimately dissolving the foam.

I am also VERY interested in knowing how to paint the interior of my snark. I just bought a VERY old one (model 100 sea snark) that really needs the inside cleaned up. I would love to paint it white but am not sure what to use to avoid a problem. I’ve heard that Krylon H2O™ Latex is good for styrofoam but I’m not sure it will hold up to sitting in the boat. I don’t want it coming off on my clothing. Also, what “snark” forums do people belong to that I might join? Thanks!

@Doug I’ve never used Krylon H2O. As long as it doesn’t have a petroleum solvent – which a water based spray should not have – I think it would work okay on EPS foam. How well the finish holds up to water and wear I can’t say. Please post here if you try it!

I’m not aware of any Snark-specific forums; that’s partly why I started this page. Considering how many of these boats were made, there must be many people out there who have a beat up old Snark in their garage, or who just bought one at a yard sale. There are lots of sites about small sailboats in general – and of course many of the ISAF classes have websites. Not so for the Snark.

Hello, I found this site by doing in image search of snark sailboats on google. I just wanted to reply to admin in the last. Not to chase anyone away from here but there are a couple of sites that may interest you. Yahoo has a forum “snarksailboat” with 500+ members and is a good resource. I think you need a yahoo email to join but what the heck its free and you don’t have to use the email.

Also try http://www.snarksailing.com . This one is new and there is not a lot of traffic but it appears someone has started an official association for the snark and there are even class rules for racing.

I sailed a lot in high school but that was years ago. I bought a Super Snark two years ago. I don’t get to go out as much as I’d like but now my kids are getting old enough to want to go with me so hopefully we will get out more often

It seems like the activity about Snarks is growing pretty well on the web . two years ago there wasn’t that much. Anyways, happy sailing. Enjoy your snarks. It is the best fun I’ve had in such a simple machine.

Thanks for the links. I just joined the Snark Sailboats Yahoo! Group, and added a link to it in the article above.

Saw your link on the yahoo group. I bought a Sunflower for $50.00 off Craigslist a couple of weeks ago. I got the daggerboard and rigging from another person on Craigslist. It is the old wood style rudder like yours. They must predate 1980 because my 80 Sunflower had the plastic gudgeon mounted for the new style rudder. I do prefer the look of the 1/2 inch mahogany plywood. I had some delamination too. The best fix is a West Epoxy repair kit. It’s very easy to use and is not smelly. I have another boat so I went ahead and bought a lot of the stuff. I squirted epoxy between the delaminated layers and clamped them over night. I sanded the wood clean with 80 grit sand paper (using a mouse sander it goes fast) and brushed all sides and edges of the wood with epoxy. You can thin it slightly with paint thinner but I didn’t need to. It dries over night very hard and I had some runs. You then sand it with 100 -150 grit and apply two or more coats of Captains Spar varnish. Poly is not a good choice for boats. The method I described is what is used to refinish the mahogany on old wood boats and results in the mile deep finish. Maybe it’s overkill for a Snark but I’ve had fun doing it. I’m in the varnish process and will set up a photo file on the Yahoo group when I finish. I also used West to fill the minor bruises on the hull and painted with the Fushion in an off white satin finish. It does look very nice and seems to have bonded well.

Eager to see your Snark photos, Arlo. I appreciate the epoxy tip, too. The first time around, I just worked with materials already available in the house; but I think the next rudder repair will be with epoxy.

Incidentally, I have been thinking about making a kick-up rudder out of mahogany plywood – one that would fit my old-style gudgeon. Anyone tried this? (Meanwhile, I’ll go check the Yahoo group.)

I thought I’d follow up with you on my painting experience. I used a latex bin on the inside of my boat to cover only the black epoxy repairs that a prior owner had made. They were really ugly looking. Then I painted the entire inside with one coat of Benjamin Moore extreme satin white paint using a roller. It looks so good! I just hope it holds up and does not come off on me when it gets wet! The outside seems to have some sort of fiberglass cover on it already and had been painted a navy blue. It was very dull and very ugly. I went to Walmart and had them mix a navy blue for me with their own interior/exterior enamel latex brand paint. I rollered it with two coats on the outside and it looks GREAT! It was only $8.50 for a quart can and there is enough to do probably two more coats in the future. It’s shiny and clean looking and looks like a completely different boat! Next I’m going to fill some of the large gouges with epoxy and then paint them as well. Ideally I would have done this before the paint job, but I was too exited to see how it would all come out. Now as long as the paint stays on the boat, and not in the lake, I’m going to be very happy! Thought I’d let you know my experience.

Can you explain exactly what kind of epoxy I can purchase to fill some holes in my snark without damaging the styrofome? And also should i just sand it down and paint? Or put a fiberglass patch over it?

Nice site! we bought our super snark a couple years ago for $100 and love it. it’s the one with the plastic that covers the hull.

the only problem i see right now is that it seems to have water inside the plastic somewhere as it weighs more than 50lbs. i might have to cut it open and then somehow seal it back up again.

great site! looking forward to more pics. it seems there’s not enough pics and youtube videos of super snarks on the web.

Melissa, the castlecraft site has good information on what kind of epoxy can be used that won’t damage the styrofoam.

http://www.castlecraft.com/repair_tips_for_snark_sailboats.htm

it mentions filling hardware holes and voids with epoxy cement so maybe that’s a good starting point. good luck!

Nice to see other people trying to sail 100 dollar boats . In my previous life I owned/sailed larger boats and left it all behind to kitesurf. I just bought a snark 9 ft trimaran called a Triumph. Ancient , beaten up but really excited to sail it , if I like it will also start looking at cleaning it up and restore it. I sent a request to join the snark yahoo group but no reply . How long did you have to wait to get accepted in the group.

thanks in advance for any tips or inspiration to sail

Just bought a Super Snark for $35 sight unseen. Wish me luck. I will be looking for help and hints.

Understand I might need a new sail. Comments? Experiences?

I have a Snark Story, We moved to NC two years ago at that time I sold a Snark and Trailer for 800 bucks. I shouldn’t have done it. I missed the little boat and the ease of use it offered. We have a larger boat with a cabin and all the comforts but it needs a crew. SO it was time to get another Snark. I found one on E-bay for almost free. I bought it and discovered that the bottom was cracked and split away from the foam. I removed all the ABS up to the rub rail and used fiberglass cloth and two part marine epoxy (from a company called Clark Craft, highly recommended) Once the bottom was glassed it was painted with polyurethane paint on the bottom and Fusion paint on the topsides. New sail and rigging and I now have a very sturdy albeit heavier boat. I would love to send you a couple of pics. So yes Snarks can be brought back from the dead. Good luck with yours and fair winds. John

Great help from everyone! I’m glad to have found this site. I would love to know someone who has, used a much sorter mast on a Snark and used a smaller sail? I have some shoulder issues and setting mine up alone is not going to be doable for much longer. I know it would throw off the balance, possibly requiring a lot of retrofitting, etc., but am still wondering if it has been done. Also, I really appreciate the pictures you include when you describe what you have done or are doing to your boats. One look at some of the pictures and I can “get” what you mean, whereas the words seem to confuse me. Thanks for any help.

3 years ago I had a brand new Super Snark, It was a great boat. I sold it because I had a Sunfish, and now there both gone. Im happy to say im about to buy an older Snark for $75…but almost all the material is missing from the bottom, everything else is there. It is nice to know I can fiberglass it and have a sea worthy boat. This was my plan, but until now I didnt know if anyone else had tryed it.

I am not sure if you (or anyone else) checks this site very often…but…I have a question.

I used to sail a sunfish, and recently purchased a super old fix-up super snark off Craigslist.

I am lacking a center board, and went to make one with 1/2 ply wood (found dimensions online, and someone said to use 1/2 inch ply).

But…the centerboard was very “bendy,” and not very stable.

When I sailed by sunfish, when flipped, we stood on the centerboard to “right” the boat (when it was laying down in the water from taking too much wind etc.)

I was told you can’t do this with a snark (because the styrofoam can’t take that much pressure?

You said you were able to right the boat pretty easily. What was your method for doing that??

Ian – I’ve been experiencing significant inconvenience with chop splashing over the bow of my Snark. I’m wondering what kind of success you had with your bow cover. How did you attach it?

The bow splash guard I made for the Super Snark is a worthwhile addition. I had the boat out in some rather rough conditions last fall and it did keep water out of the boat. It’s also adds a handsome ‘finish’ without seeming overdone. The trick – and this is important – is to build a pointed splash rail just ahead of the mast socket. Mine is only ~1.75 inches high, but it’s enough to shed a good bit of chop.

I built mine from mahogany lauan with red oak battens to give it some rigidity. Then I applied some 3/8 weather stripping foam to the bottom edge of the piece and secured it to the hull with brass wood screws which I tipped with a bit of marine epoxy. But first, I drilled small pilot hole through the splash deck, marked the gunwhale through those holes, and drilled small pilot holes in the abs plastic of the gunwhale. I sailed and cartopped the boat many times last summer and fall, and the deck is still secure. I should add that my deck completely covers the mast step and the cleats are bolted through both. This makes it pretty darn secure.

Good luck! Please post here if you go ahead with your splash deck.

My Super Snark is the kind with ABS plastic cladding on the hull. This serves to make the centerboard trunk fairly rigid, so righting the boat with the centerboard is not much trouble. If your Snark has the expose styrofoam hull, I’m really not sure how it would stand up to that abuse, but I do suspect it van handle more than you think.

Last time I capsized, the boat swamped and turned turtle – woohoo! completely upside down! – so the centerboard was really the only option. If the boat is on it’s side you might be able to hoist it up by pulling on the halyard with you feet against the hull, gunwhale, or base of the centerboard.

Happy sailing, Ian

Just bought a Super Snark off of craigslist for $400…it looks almost brand new. I have windsurfed and kayaked, but this is my first sailboat. I could not believe how easy it was to set up and sail. I cannot wait to get this boat out into Bay St. Louis this weekend and see how it handles in more wind and choppier water than the glassy pond I tried today. Thanks for the great story and a place to talk about these awesome and cheap boats. My boat is white and the painting idea sounds intriguing.

See my Snark sailing video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYtkbwvoG0k

I offer several upgrade options for the Snark that I don’t think are available any where else: A rowing rig, stabilizers, taller mast, bigger sail. Also the standard boat, and replacement sails in various colors.

Let’s see if it works to embed it:

Thanks for dropping by, Jim. Watched your video a few days ago; you’ve got some cool toys. I’m particularly interested in the spar extensions and larger sail – 55 sq ft, I think? That’s 22% more air!

After giving away a Snark that may have been a prototype (no serial number) many years ago I was offered one free. It was sitting in a pile of weeds and I asked the owner how much he wanted. He said he wanted me to take it away–free. Well, I never used it but now our son wants to try it. He did use the old one when very young briefly.

Now I’m trying to “fix” it up which is mostly mending a large crack which probably happened when someone stepped into it just real of the center board slot. I used West Marine epoxy and some quite fine fiberglass cloth. That will work nicely so long as it isn’t applied in thick layers. Epoxy is a chemical curing plastic and not an evaporative cure and there is a good deal of heat generated. If you were to mix it in a EPS cup it will almost certainly melt it. So, if you need to find some big gouges as I did, use some filler to add to the epoxy to keep it from slumping and apply a number of thin layers to manage the heat of cure.

Now then, HELP! This is an all EPS Snark. What paint can I use to cover up my ugly repairs? I’m told latex based will dissolve the EPS as will many of the oil based paints.

PS: The Snark may just be the best little boat ever!

Anyone know what a reasonable price to pay for a super snark is right now??? Much older version but comes with sail and all needed equipment in good condition…

Hi Phillip,

I paid $300 for mine last spring. It is a mid-80s model with the ABS covered hull. It was well cared for and came with mast, spars, original sail, and two rudders and tillers, one with a a tiller extension. I think that was a fair price, but I also hear plenty of folks say they got their Super Snark for a song, i.e., between free and $100.

I bought my super snark at the local thrift store for $40.00 I used to sail with my wife when we we’re still courting/dating, had a cooler with lots of food at the middle section. It was a very sweet time to remember. I sold it before we got married and now we have three kid and I am buying a super snark this week end(used) for the whole family to enjoy!

I just bought my super snark to the tune of $80 and have been making repairs for the last week I have had great luck using bondo glass, bondo resen and great foam spray insulation I hit the lake hopfully tomorow wish me luck

ps outdoor calk is good to, I’m going to uruguay for two years so I hope my repairs store well

Good luck, Jake. Bondo is cool stuff. I’ve never used it on my boat, but has come in handy with some other projects.

I inherited a snark from my Dad, and it had a horrible accident involving a 12-year old, a pulley and some broken rope… now it is sitting in two pieces in my garage. The stern has separated from the rest of the hull. Has anyone had any luck putting a hull back together? This is the original snark from the 1960’s without the plastic outer cover. OR, anyone know where I can get a replacement hull cheap? Sail, daggerboard and rudder are all fine.

Oh, wow. That’s too bad.

I’m sure it’s possible to repair, but you may find it less costly and less frustrating to obtain a used hull. Keep your eye on craigslist and eBay. They’re out there!

I’m sure some of you are gonna think I’m nuts but in addition to sailing I fly (and frequently crash) foam radio-controlled model airplanes.

My standard repair material is 5-minute epoxy which bonds well with EPS, EPO and other types of foam. Obviously, you would want a substantially longer cure time, but epoxy glue or resin should do the job without a lot of difficulty.

For filling large gouges, I chop up chunks of foam in a blender to make a foam “powder” and mix it with expoxy. There’s also a product called Microballoons which is used the same way but it’s extremely fine and probably wouldn’t be useful for anything more than small gouges and hollows. It’s also quite expensive. Microballoons instructions say that the more you add to the epoxy, the lighter the weight of the filler but the less strength it has. I use that same concept when filling with the chopped up foam.

One word of caution: chopping up foam is a messy process and the little foam balls that break out of the larger chunks are very light and tend to float on air currents. I’d recommend using a mask and doing the chopping outdoors. Be sure to keep the top on the blender. Also, static electricity tends to make the little balls cling to things…especially plastics. Most blenter containers are made of plastic and the foam will cling to it. Be sure to clean it well if you plan on using it for chopping and blending food products.

Also recognize that this will add weight as someone mentioned above. I have an airplane that weighed about 2 1/2 pounds when new which has been flown, crashed and repaired so many times it now weighs about 5 pounds. I’ve had to add a larger motor but it still flies well.

I just finished completely removing all the ABS plastic off of an old 70’s vintage snark and glassing it with Raka Inc. epoxy. I am wondering if anyone else has done this. I’m not sure if I need to put on another coat of epoxy before painting. The Raka epoxy is much cheaper than West epoxy and is so incredibly strong, hard and tough that I don’t worry about the boat taking minor dings.

Anyway I was wondering if anyone had recommendations for how many coats of epoxy, one seems to be pretty good but can still see the texture of the fiber mat. Also a good marine paint recommend would be nice.

Love my Sunflower/Snark.

Hello, i just bartered someone for a SuperSnark. I’ve been sailing Sunfishes for years. This little boat is in GREAT shape. I can’t wait to sail it.

I noticed thatthe Snark Sailing Association websites are not up. Anyone know if they are returning? Also, I am about to pick up whta I believe is a SNARK spin off boat. The dimensions, rigging, hull, everything look like a SNARK Sunflower. The only difference is the name FIREFLOWER on the aft end of the splashguard (which even looks like the Sunflower with one on). Any ideas?

I bought a sunflower that has about 1 sq foot of the ABS delaminated around the dagger board. The ABS is not cracked or open, just delaminated. It will sail OK, but I’d like to fix it so it won’t delaminate any further. Any suggestions on how to repair this? Thanks.

My Super Snark hull got taken away by a storm … I found someone online selling a hull for an old Model 100 Sea Snark … does anyone know if my mast, rudder, and dagger board will fit ? … Also please email me directly if you have a super snark hull for sale and live within a 200 mile radius of Long Island … [email protected]

How is every one doing! I just drove to Tampa from panama city to buy a snark! Then drove right back. All in all 14 hours out of my day! Was it worth it? Definitely! Got there to see a 98 SS with an EQUAL ( sweetener ) sail and decals on both sides of the hull, but even better this boat had never touched the water. I know because I had to put the new in box rudder together! It even came with a bag of two sets of hardware, rigging, ect, an owners manual, instruct. And warranty/ registration slip! I lucked out big time. Even more unbelievable was the price $195! So ya the 12 hour round trip drive was well worth it! I will be sailing this weekend! I do have a question though what is the turn-around time for being accepted in the snark owners group it seems like it is taking for ever to get that email! I hope they let me in! Happy sailing gene in pcb come on down the waters great!

Gene, that is awesome! Congratulations on the new SS, and what a nice deal. Happy sailing!

I haven’t been active on the owners group, so I’m not sure about the response time. I’m sure some of the other commenters can tell you more.

I recently purchased the hull of a supersnark for 300 on Craigslist. It came with a sail and mast from another boat, but nothing else. Does anyone have a rudder, daggerboard, and the other parts to the hull that I can buy? Or, does anyone know where I could get these parts for cheap?

Learning to sail is one of the most mind expanding exercises one can do. Good to see you have chosen well for your first boat.

You have to graduate through the classes of boats and not take on a high performance class as your first boat. I have known many who have not gone on with sailing due to the frustration of trying to master the complexities of a performance class.

When it comes to competitive sailing, someone said it is akin to a chess game on water.

I am still working on my snark boat w/o ABS that I got for free. It needed a lot of hull repair due to being used as a pellet gun target. The best way to fill holes is to use a 2 part epoxy combined with flaked styrofoam. Mash it in to the gap with a putty knife, let it dry, and then sand smooth. This is a crazy mess. I am still trying to figure out the rigging as I am new to sailing.

Michael-March 14 Look here: http://castlecraft.com/repair_tips_for_snark_sailboats.htm You may have to borrow someone’s parts to copy them.

I live in the tacoma area I have A 11ft.sunflower 4sale nice shape $300.253-448-4628.

I have 2 supersnark sailboats I want to sell. Can anyone tell me a decent price? No major cracks or anything, a few filled in dings. Both have all the equipment, the sails are only in fair condition. Thanks.

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• General Boating/Outdoors Activities

Super Snark Sailboat questions

• Thread starter Al Mottola
• Start date Aug 15, 2005

Seaman Apprentice

• Aug 15, 2005

I just picked up an old Super Snark sailboat in need of repair. The previous owner used it, but I believe that he did not know too much about the boat. Hence I have some questions.<br />1)Should the rudder handle pivot in the aluminum bracket. The handle appears to have slotted holes which allows it to swing from side to side before it moves the rudder.<br />2)Is it possible that a foam boat with ABS outer cover can become water logged? This boat is much heavier than the published 50lbs. <br />3)What type of rope should I use for the rigging of the sail?<br />4) What is the best way to repair cracks and small holes in the ABS outer cover?<br /><br />Thanks in advance, <br />Al  

Master Chief Petty Officer

• Aug 18, 2005

Re: Super Snark Sailboat questions 1. Do you mean tiller? The tiller is meant to lift up to make moving around easier.<br />Or does the the tiller have an extension?<br />The tiller shouldn't have much side to side play w/ the rudder. When the tiller moves, the rudder moves<br />2. I'm sure it could get waterlogged if the shell has cracks in it & it sat a lot in the rain. <br />3. Braided dacron usually. A boat that size probably doesn't much matter as long as you can handle it & it runs through blocks. It's been a long time & I don't remember how they are rigged.<br />4. I've never know anything to stick well to ABS  

• Aug 19, 2005

Re: Super Snark Sailboat questions 1. I was referring to the tiller handle. I don't think any side to side play w/o the rudder moving is any good.<br />2.I have had it sitting on it's stern and water keeps dribbling out. <br />3.Thanks. <br />4. I agree, I am hesitant to use expoy as it might just pop off.  

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Snark Sunflower Sailboat

• Thread starter sunflowersail
• Start date Jul 10, 2019
• Forums for All Owners
• Ask All Sailors

sunflowersail

I have a Snark Sunflower Sailboat, and I am not sure how much it is worth. If someone could give me some insight on it that would be great. It is in good working condition with all original parts except the mast. The sail works and is in good condition, but should be replaced soon.  

A sailboat without a mast is (as they say) like a fish without a bicycle. Not worth very much.  

Sorry - it does has a mast just not the original mast.  

Its not worth worth much. Maybe nothing. You can make a DIY mast and buy a sail for around $100. I Have one that was given to me missing the mast and a very tired mains sail and lines. It cost me $200 all up to make it good enough so my 6 year could use it with his friends on the lake at the campground. I think I spent $50 on gorilla glue, LOL. It sails like a dog, but it’s a fun toy. It’s so light weight that it’s perfect for little kids. I gave it to my son at age 5 or 6. It kept him amused for hours a day for two or three summers! I’m looking for the somebody with kids who would like to own it . I’ll give it away for free.  

sunflowersail said: The sail works and is in good condition, but should be replaced soon. Click to expand

Dave Groshong

They really aren't worth more than $100 in working condition  

Crazy Dave Condon

Donate it to a local water fire department so they can play with it for practice by setting it on fire  

I am a new member of the forum and can't figure out how to post this separately, but for those who are familiar with the Snark Sunflower, can you tell me the appropriate line size for the halyard line? I'm guessing 5/16? Is the control line the same size? Thanks in advance!!! Dadof9  

I learned to sail in a Super Snark, and IIRC the halyard went over the top of the mast, held in place by a groove in the plastic mast cover. You would want to size the line so it fit in that groove. Too tight, and you cant raise the main easily. A little too loose wouldn't necessarily be a problem if tension was maintained.  

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Snark Sailboats

Snark Boats

• Canoe Sailing
• Kayak Sailing
• Dinghy Sailing
• Snark Car-Topping Sailboats
• Canoe Stabilizers (Outriggers)
• Rowboat & Porta-Bote Sailing
• Parts and Accessories
• Boats (without sail rigs)
• Motor Mounts
• Portage Carts
• Small Outboards
• Specialty Boats
• Shopping Guide
• Testimonials

SHOP NOW:    SUPER/SEA SNARK SAILS         SUNFLOWER SAILS       NEIL PRYDE DACRON       WHITE DACRON

Sea skimmer sails      sunchaser & mayflower sails    66 sq ft sail        batwing sail       snark parts,   about our sails.

SailboatsToGo offers our own nylon sails, original Snark nylon sails, Sailmaker Neil Pryde dacron sails, white dacron sails, and sails for the Snark Sea Skimmer and Sea Devil. 

Satisfaction guaranteed! Our nylon  sails are very well made durable nylon sails that will fit Super Snark, Sea Snark, Sears Whirlwind, Spring Creek, SailboatsToGo (that's us!),  Paddle ski,  Sea Eagle, and  SOAR .  Our  Snark Sailboat sail is 45 square feet, nylon.  It will fit your Sea Snark or Super Snark just like the original.   A great many Snark owners have bought these from us, we receive many messages from satisfied customers ( see Messages from Customers section below ) and we have never had a single one ask for a refund, but if you're not happy with it, you can be the first!  We also carry original equipment Snark brand nylon sails.  Usually arrives in less than a week.  Very low shipping cost.

Our white dacron and Sailmaker Neil Pryde International dacron sails are more durable and hold their shape better (stretches much less) than nylon in strong winds, which will give you better upwind performance.

These are all true, aerodynamic, shaped sails, which means they are cut and sewn to have the necessary camber (3-dimensional curvature) for creating aerodynamic lift.  They have sleeves for the boom and gaff and cutouts in the right places for tieing on the sheet and halyard and for the mast ring.   

These sails are used on canoes, ice boats, inflatable boats, kayaks and dinghies, in addition to Snark styrofoam boats

All major credit cards and paypal accepted. Address paypal payments & emails to [email protected] .  

Colors and Sizes and Types

Colors:  14 different sail color schemes!    Custom Graphics:   Add your logo to your sail.  $18 per square foot of logo $25 . Email us.  

Sizes :  The 45 square foot ("SF") sails fit Sea Snarks and Super Snarks and some older Sunflowers.  Also the Sears Whirlwind. All Sunflowers built after 1983 (and some older Sunflowers) take the 55 SF sail (scroll farther down this page for 55 SF sail offerings).   Some pre-1983 Sunflowers take the 45 and some take the 55, so that's where we have to take size identification to the next level.   Click Here

We have nylon sails below and we have dacron sails, farther down the page. Dacron is a premium-grade material that is stiffer and less stretchy, so the sail holds its intended shape better, even in strong winds and after years of service.   Within the Dacron category, we have a generic white sail, and we have name-brand Neil Pryde sails in various color schemes.  The Neil Pryde sails have premium-quality workmanship, such as heavier stitching and heavier reinforcement at stress points.

SUPER SNARK and SEA SNARK SAILS (45 square foot)  (also fit Sailboats To Go and Whirlwind)

SUNFLOWER 3.3 SAILS (55 square foot)  (Also Fits SailboatsToGo)

Do not assume all sunflowers take a 55 sf sail   explanation  .

NEIL PRYDE INTERNATIONAL DACRON SAILS (45 SQ FT and 55 SQ FT) 

Dacron (polyester) is a stiffer, less stretchy material than nylon.  A Dacron sail will hold its shape and not stretch out in strong winds.  It's also a heavier material and therefore stronger, as compared to nylon.   Neil Pryde is a widely-respected sail maker, known for quality workmanship.  You will be impressed with the extra heavy stitching on these sails, done with the greatest attention to detail.  Shipping cost will show up in your cart.  It's not much (around $10).   For an additional choice in a 45 SF colored Dacron sail see the Blue/White/Yellow OEM Snark Sail above.

WHITE DACRON SAILS (45 and 55 square foot)

This is a house brand sail (not Neil Pryde) but still very good quality.  As compared to nylon, dacron (polyester) is a stiffer, less stretchy material so the sail will hold its shape and not belly out in strong winds.  More Pictures and info click here .

66 SQUARE FOOT NYLON SAIL.

The 66 square foot sail is both longer and taller on the spars. Spar extensions are needed for both the boom and top spar.  If you already have spars for our 55 square foot sail, you will only need one spar extension:  $20 each.  If you have OEM Sunflower spars, you'll have to devise an extension for the boom.   This link if for extending the boom on SailboatsToGo spars:     Add Spar Extension to Cart  .   

BATWING SAIL

NOT AVAILABLE (AS OF jULY 2024)

High tech modern design Batwing Sail. Great upwind performance in strong winds.  Reefable by means of zippers.  This is the modern Batwing sail from Balogh Sail Designs and includes a Free mast step that will adapt it to any of our rigs (not Snarks). Includes mast, boom, mast step, sail and rigging.  Available as an upgrade with our Canoe, Kayak, and Dinghy sailkits. (Click the "Upgrades and Options" link within any of those departments)

SEA SKIMMER SAILS

SNARK MAYFLOWER, SUNCHASER I AND SUNCHASER II SAILS

WE CAN ALSO GET SNARK WILDFLOWER SAILS AND PARTS.   EMAIL OR CALL!

Other items of interest to Snark owners

Spar Set and Mast :  Our unique folding design makes these low shipping costs possible for mast and spar set.  If you go elsewhere, ask about their shipping cost before you order!   (You'll be shocked.)  

Spar Set  The two poles that go in the sail sleeves and the ring that accepts the mast. More Info

Mast: More Info

Stabilizer Pontoons prevent capsizing:   More Info

Alternatives to Styrofoam Sailing:  When the rest of your Snark wears out, or even before that, if you want a sailboat that is dryer, more comfortable (back support!) and more portable, check out our inflatable sailboats and canoe sail rigs.  You can use your Snark sail and spars and save!   Click Here For More Information.

Messages from Customers

"Thanks so much for sending the sail out so promptly.  It arrived yesterday.  It's all set up in the backyard right now for my son to see for his birthday present!  It was a pleasure doing business with you."   --   Robyn M.

"Love doing business with your company.  I'm telling all my friends to buy sails from SailboatsToGo!" -- Joe L. 

"...went out yesterday with my daughter. We had a wonderful time and everyone commented on the beauty of the sail. Thanks for your prompt response.  I am very pleased with your sail and service and will recommend you." -- Mark Y.

"The new sail seems to be superior to the old Snark original in both material choice and construction."    Martin M.

"We received the sail for the Snark Sunflower on Wednesday.   Thank you for your prompt replies and shipment of the sail. We installed the sail and took it out last night.  It fit well, and worked well also. My son and I are very pleased with the sail and again thank you for the great response to my inquiries.  This has enabled my son to enjoy the sailboat a few days before he leaves home for 2 months.  I will happily recommend your business to anyone who needs sails and related items. Thank you very much!"  Tom and Seth B.   June 2011

"Hi, Jim - Just a note to let you know I just spent a very enjoyable weekend sailing our Super Snark with the new spar set we ordered earlier this month. Set up went very smoothly, thanks to the excellent set of instructions you supplied. The pictures were especially helpful. I found your spar set to be far superior to the original tubing and fittings that were on our Snark. That mast slide sure instills confidence compared to the flimsly fitting on the original. I hope to enjoy sailing on our pond here on Cape Cod as long as the weather holds up. Thanks again for your prompt service and excellent product." -  Chris

Want more? Read our Ebay Feedback and see how pleased people are with our products and service.  (Our prices here are generally lower than on Ebay, so come back here to make your purchase.)

Use Our Sails in Do-It-Yourself Sailboat Projects

This Snark sail is also a good choice for do-it-yourself sailboat projects, such as ice boats, converting a dinghly you already own, or putting a sail on your canoe or inflatable.   Click on the "Products" link at the top of this page and then on "Plans" to buy plans for canoe sail rig or inflatable sailboat rig that would utilize this sail (although the plans also tell you how to make your own sail if you prefer).  

Interesting Facts About The Snark Sail Design

The Snark Sail is referred to as a "Lateen" style sail, which means the mast is short and the sail has another spar, called a gaff, which carries the peak of the sail up much higher than the top of the mast, with the gaff slightly angled so that the lower front corner of the sail is in front of the mast.   The Lateen style sail originated in ancient times and is still used all over the world on small boats, especially in India and the Arab world.  Those fishing and trading vessels often use rags and old grain sacks stitched together for sail cloth.  A Lateen sail can hold its own against a sloop rig of equal total sail area (sloop rigs have a jib and mainsail) in a race of otherwise equal boats and crews.  Don't believe what some say about jibs increasing the efficiency of the main.  Snark and SailboatsToGo and other users of the Lateen sail plan are continuing a long and proud tradition in sailing.