We get it—our SOL sailboat, built by SERO Innovation, does bear a striking resemblance to the classic Sunfish. In fact, we’ve heard it all: “Is this a Sunfish?” “Is this the new Sunfish?” “Did you copy the Sunfish?” So, let’s dive into the details and clear up the confusion.
The Short Answer: No, the SOL is Not a Sunfish.
But we totally understand why you might think so! The SOL was born from a deep love for small, fun sailboats like the Sunfish, but also from our frustration with the market gap and the inconsistent quality we were seeing in recent years. How do we know this? Because our sister company, Sunfish Direct, has been the largest importer of Sunfish for the past decade. We’ve seen firsthand the changes in the market, and at SERO Innovation, we thought, “What if we could take what we love about the Sunfish and make it even better?”
Why We Built the SOL
The Sunfish has been a beloved part of the sailing world for decades. It’s a boat that’s easy to sail, easy to love, and offers a ton of fun on the water. But over time, we noticed that the Sunfish wasn’t quite what it used to be. We saw an opportunity to improve on this classic design while keeping the spirit of simplicity and fun alive. So, SERO Innovation designed the SOL—a sailboat that keeps the joy of sailing intact while addressing the quality and availability issues that have been frustrating sailors.
What Makes the SOL Different?
While the SOL might look similar to a Sunfish at first glance, there are key differences that set it apart:
- Quality Construction: At SERO Innovation, we’ve taken extra care to ensure that every SOL is built to last. Each boat is proudly made in Michigan, USA, using the latest boat-building technology. The hull and deck are both cored and built using a closed molding process. We’ve thoughtfully designed the SOL with materials that will not absorb water, including composite backing plates, so there’s no wood to rot or aluminum to corrode. We also manufacture composite blades in-house to maintain the highest standards.
- Spacious Open Cockpit: The SOL’s open cockpit design offers more space and versatility, making it an excellent choice for instructors or for taking a couple kids out on the water. It’s perfect for teaching or simply enjoying a day of sailing with family and friends.
- Customizable Features: The SOL is all about showcasing your style. Choose the sail, blades, handles, padding, splash guard, and accessories that match your unique style. From non-skid padding and extended splash guards to a variety of sails, you can customize your SOL to fit your preferences and needs, making your sailboat truly one-of-a-kind.
- Compatibility with Sunfish Components: The SOL was intentionally designed to be compatible with all Sunfish components. The sail, blades, and spars are identical, so you can easily interchange parts, making the SOL a practical choice for individuals, along with camps, clubs, and sailing schools, who already own Sunfish gear.
There’s Room for Both Boats in the Market
We’re not here to replace the Sunfish—we’re here to offer an alternative. If you’re looking to race in the official Sunfish Class, then the Sunfish might be the right boat for you. However, if you want a recreational boat for your cottage or a fun, durable fleet of boats to teach kids (or adults!) how to sail, the SOL is a great option.
So, the next time you see our SOL sailboat out on the water, remember: It’s not a Sunfish, but it’s got the same spirit of fun and adventure that has made the Sunfish a sailing icon. We think there’s plenty of room for both in the sailing world.
Happy Sailing!
