Back to Search
Isca Sunfish
Designer: Alexander Bryan/Cortland Heyniger/Carl Meinart  ·  Builder: Zim Sailing  ·  First built: 1952
+ Add to Compare
About the Isca Sunfish

With limited specifications readily available, the Isca Sunfish represents an intriguing entry in the small sailboat market that warrants further investigation by prospective buyers. This diminutive craft appears designed primarily for recreational day sailing and learning applications, making it an appealing choice for beginners or those seeking uncomplicated sailing experiences in protected waters. Based on its Sunfish designation, this boat likely follows the established formula of simple, stable single-handed sailing that has made similar designs so enduringly popular. The straightforward rigging and manageable size suggest it's well-suited for coastal sailing in moderate conditions, teaching young sailors, or providing relaxing afternoon excursions for experienced sailors wanting a break from more complex boats. While comprehensive technical details remain elusive, the Sunfish name implies a focus on accessibility and ease of use rather than performance sailing. Potential owners should expect a boat that prioritizes stability and simplicity over speed, making it ideal for casual recreation, sailing instruction, or as a tender for larger vessels. Those considering this model would benefit from hands-on inspection and sea trials to fully evaluate its capabilities and condition.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 13.90 ft / 4.24 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 13.00 ft / 3.96 m
Beam 4.10 ft / 1.25 m
Max Draft 2.11 ft / 0.64 m
Min Draft 0.58 ft / 0.18 m
Displacement 129.00 lb / 59 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 75.00 ft² / 6.97 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Daggerboard
Rigging Type Lateen
Construction FG
Designer Alexander Bryan/Cortland Heyniger/Carl Meinart
Builder Zim Sailing
First Built 1952
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Known Issues & What to Watch For

No known issues documented for this model yet.

Own or have surveyed a Isca Sunfish? Submit a known issue

Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
47.02
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
2.29
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
3.25
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 4.83
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 190.45
How It Compares

vs. Force 5, Ilca 6 Laser Radial, Ilca 7 Laser International

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Isca Sunfish ★
13.9 ft
Force 5
13.9 ft
Ilca 6 Laser Radial
13.9 ft
Ilca 7 Laser International
13.9 ft
LWL
Isca Sunfish ★
13.0 ft
Force 5
13.2 ft
Ilca 6 Laser Radial
12.5 ft
Ilca 7 Laser International
12.5 ft
Beam
Isca Sunfish ★
4.1 ft
Force 5
4.8 ft
Ilca 6 Laser Radial
4.5 ft
Ilca 7 Laser International
4.5 ft
Displacement
Isca Sunfish ★
129 lbs
Force 5
140 lbs
Ilca 6 Laser Radial
128 lbs
Ilca 7 Laser International
128 lbs
Sail Area
Isca Sunfish ★
75 sq ft
Force 5
91 sq ft
Ilca 6 Laser Radial
62 sq ft
Ilca 7 Laser International
76 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Isca Sunfish ★
47.0
Force 5
54.0
Ilca 6 Laser Radial
39.1
Ilca 7 Laser International
47.9
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Isca Sunfish ★
2.3
Force 5
2.0
Ilca 6 Laser Radial
2.1
Ilca 7 Laser International
2.1
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Isca Sunfish ★
3.25
Force 5
3.72
Ilca 6 Laser Radial
3.56
Ilca 7 Laser International
3.56
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Isca Sunfish ★
Force 5
27
Ilca 6 Laser Radial
Ilca 7 Laser International
29
Hull Speed
Isca Sunfish ★
4.8 kts
Force 5
4.9 kts
Ilca 6 Laser Radial
4.7 kts
Ilca 7 Laser International
4.7 kts
Find a Isca Sunfish For Sale