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Why not a mast-head float for an A.I./T.I.?
http://www.hobie.com/au/en/forums/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=59703
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Author:  mingle [ Thu Dec 29, 2016 5:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Why not a mast-head float for an A.I./T.I.?

Hi guys,

I watched the A.I.-righting videos with great interest, but they did get me thinking - why not add a mast head float to prevent the boat inverting in the first place?

I've done a fair bit or research into the pros and cons and can't see any issues using one on an A.I.

I'm thinking of a cheap(ish) inflatable one, or a smallish buoyancy bag, rather than a heavy, moulded version.

https://marinestore.co.uk/Buoyancy_Bags ... loats.html

Has anyone tried it?

Cheers,

Mike.

Author:  TI_Tom [ Thu Dec 29, 2016 8:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Why not a mast-head float for an A.I./T.I.?

Using the Hobie mast head topper as base it might work. Just be wary about putting more weight aloft.

Sent from my SPH-L720T using Tapatalk

Author:  mingle [ Thu Dec 29, 2016 10:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Why not a mast-head float for an A.I./T.I.?

Something like this - an inflatable float.

Negligible weight, although a 40lt bag is probably overkill of an A.I. or even T.I.

Image

I would've though somewhere between 10-20 litres (max) would be better.

Maybe something like a paddle float would do the trick?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/130976530721

Cheers,

Mike.

Author:  paranoid [ Sun Jan 08, 2017 11:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Why not a mast-head float for an A.I./T.I.?

Sounds like a good idea but how do you cope with the furling sail wrapping it up?

Author:  mingle [ Mon Jan 09, 2017 6:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Why not a mast-head float for an A.I./T.I.?

I'm thinking a short length of thin glass or composite (perhaps a left-over top-section of an old fishing rod?)
to hold it horizontal, out of the way of the sail.

paranoid wrote:
Sounds like a good idea but how do you cope with the furling sail wrapping it up?

Author:  walt [ Mon Jan 09, 2017 7:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Why not a mast-head float for an A.I./T.I.?

I messed with this some years ago with my 2010 AI - the thread is still here viewtopic.php?f=71&t=52015&p=238171&hilit=mast+float#p238171

The small TRI requires a lot more flotation at the head than a small dingy does to keep it upright. So putting something up there that actually works gets both ugly and complicated. After looking at this, I decided it was way more practical to focus on avoiding a capsize and also being able to recover from a capsize.

Author:  mingle [ Mon Jan 09, 2017 3:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Why not a mast-head float for an A.I./T.I.?

@walt,

Thanks for that - exactly what I was looking for!

Some very interesting and useful info there.

Cheers,

Mike.

Author:  tonystott [ Mon Jan 09, 2017 8:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Why not a mast-head float for an A.I./T.I.?

Mike, I really don't think a masthead float is worth the complexity. If you look at the video in the FAQ section, at around 5:00 on, you will see a TI being righted from a full inversion with sail out, without a masthead float..
viewtopic.php?f=117&t=59487



Based on that video, I am making a line with loops at appropriate distances which will fit in a pocket of my PFD. In the unlikely event of a capsize, I could attach this to an ama handle, and use it to tip the Island back on its feet.

IMHO, such a line would be far more practical than a masthead float

Author:  mingle [ Mon Jan 09, 2017 9:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Why not a mast-head float for an A.I./T.I.?

I know what you mean by keeping things simple (the A.I. already has far too much "going on"), but I'm thinking
of occasions where the water-depth is less than the height of the mast. I usually sail in water that's between
2-4m deep - might make righting a bit trickier?

Also, in rougher conditions, it's be better to prevent the boat going completely over...

I'll do a few experiments of my own and see how it goes.

Cheers,

Mi,e.

Author:  KayakingBob [ Mon Jan 09, 2017 10:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Why not a mast-head float for an A.I./T.I.?

mingle wrote:
I'm thinking of occasions where the water-depth is less than the height of the mast. I usually sail in water that's between
2-4m deep - might make righting a bit trickier?
The only time I ever flipped an AI was in shallow water and the shallow water stopped it from totally turtleing, making it much easier to flip back quickly.

Author:  tonystott [ Tue Jan 10, 2017 6:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Why not a mast-head float for an A.I./T.I.?

Just to add to the complexity, my local 74km2 lake has places >in the middle< that are only covered with 2 feet of water. Unfortunately, below that is at least another two feet of squishy and sticky mud! It is very unusual to get out of there with both shoes still on your feet! I don't want to think about an Island mast and sail going in there...

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