Standing on hulls

In general, I do not let anyone step on the top of my 82H16 hulls, since I do not want to cause any soft spots or cracks.

I am concerned about how well the sides of the hulls can handle the weight when trying to upright the boat after a capsize or pitchpole. I have read of others using a water bag or someone else on their shoulders or back providing more weight to upright, but this would be a lot of concentrated force on the side surface of a hull. Should I be concerned about damaging a hull this way or are they designed for this.

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Tim
84 H16
82 H16
87 H14T
Tortola Sails: 115222
Blue Prism Sails: 88863
Clearwater, FL

When I'm righting, I usually try to stand on the lip of the hull where the sides and deck come together. That area is much stronger, but it definately helps if you are wearing some type of shoes/booties. That lip is painful when barefoot.

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

Tim, You may find that different shaped feet will affect the boat differently. If you happen to have a thin foot with a narrow, or pointed shaped heel the chance of creating depressions / delaminations is greater. I tend to agree with abbman that wearing some sort of footwear will help.

Now I have to worry about my foot shape? Come on guys. If the boats were that delicate, how have they lasted so long and been so popular and if you are that worried, how do you ever have any fun on the boats. Only people less than 200 lbs with really wide feet can get on my boat . Only sail on days with winds less than 15 knots. We don't want to stress the gear. Don't be offended 'cause I only spent $1000 dollars for my '83 six years ago and I guess that I have been abusing it ever since. I even run it up on sandy beaches, whenever I can find one. With some reasonable maintenance and care it's going to last me at least another 6 years. Let's go sailing.