Should I get a mast float, and if so where?

I'm a new owner of a (used) Hobie 18 and sail on a Lake Bomoseen in Vermont. I have a fair amount of expereince sailing but am no expert and admittedly have a lot to learn.

Last weekend we capsized our Hobie 18 and turned turtle. Boy do I know not to let that happen again! I had two teenagers on board with no sailing experieince. We tried standing on one of the hulls and pulling but she wouldn't get up. We were only able to right her with the help of a passing motor boat.

I previously thought there wasn't enough air at our Vermont lake to even flip our Hobie. I was wrong! It all happened so quickly. I know now to let the main sheet out in a hurry when that starts to happen. but at the time i screwed up (and didn't have any expereinced crew to help).

So should I get a mast float? And where? Or, for you expereinced sailers, do you learn from one mistake like this and you have never let it happen again?

Thanks for your advice.

Glad you are all safe and sound. Yes, we all learn how to sheet out FAST, both main and traveler, and when to turn downwind.

A couple of weeks ago, a group of us were caught when a micro-burst swept through, generating winds of up to 39 knots. The only reason my SX18 did not capsize was that we saw it coming and raced to shore, and we physically held the boat head to wind in 3' of water. Cost me a jib though....The others were safe as they floated sideways down the river...wet but safe.

You can try your local Hobie dealer for old stock of a Hobie Bob, or the WANTED section of this Forum or eBay or Craigslist whatever. Caleb, Jim, anyone? We have them on all our Club boats as parts of the Ottawa River where we sail are really shallow, and we lost the mast of a H16 many years ago after the boat went turtle.

For a cheap and quick solution, buy two (or more) pool noodles. Put the boat on it's side so you can work on this. Slit the noodles so you can slide them onto the shrouds. Slide the noodles as high as they can go. Use good quality cable ties, and tie a double tie near the top of the noodle, then from that double, tie more to the shackles at the mast tang. Use more ties to 'wrap' and secure the noodles around the shrouds. Works for us on our H16's.

At the very least, (does not look good), take a Javex or windshield washer fluid bottle, and secure that to the head of the sail as you raise the main. Good luck, and sail safe.

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2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

Just seal your mast!!! Those bobs are so silly looking, silly and stupid! Once you flip a few times more you will learn how to stop it from turtleing. The boat will not go turtle all by itself, you or your crew sunk the mast by holding on too long after the capsize.

You know I have to agree with ncmbm. I sealed my 18 Mast (no comp tip) everywhere from the tang up. My son was sailing by himself in the ocean about 100 yds out and the boat went over. He only weighs 180 lbs and I had to go out and help him right it. The boat was on its side for 30 mins in medium swells and never turtled, not even close. He was on the water side hull about 70% of the time.

Made me think I was either lucky or just plain physics were on my side. I dont think I will get one of those "Goofy Bobs" for the top of my mast.

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1984 Hobie 18

Agree totally with ncmbm and Sailinagin!

Tom
H18M

I agree too. Mast bob, or is it a mast bib for tourists.

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ALLEY CAT 1984 RED LINE HOBIE 18 MAGNUM
Sail # 10505 or 277

Definitely seal your mast and then go out and flip your boat and practice righting it. We are
too light, so we use a righting bag. Works great. How is the sailing on lake bomoseen? I will
be there Aug. 19th-Aug 24th. Maybe i will see you on the lake.

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Castleton,NY