Rough day on the water

I recently purchased a hobie 16, and i decided to capsize it. I have a float, but the three people I had on board and I couldnt get her back up. I have a righting line, but it just didnt help. We were eventually helped out by a nearby power boater, but what should I do?

First verify that you followed the correct process:

1) Uncleat jib and main
2) Get her mast turned ~45 degrees into the wind, THEN pull

My first capsize I couldn't get her mast turned into the wind as the wind and current were fighting me hard. Ended up needing a good sam sailboat to assist.

_________________
'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

Uncleat sheets, Mast 45 degrees to the wind.

Standing on the lower hull, you and crew lean back holding the righting line as close to the water as you can with out being in the water - and start to rock the hull you are standing on up and down. This will coax the mast to slowly rise out of the water.

_________________
1980 18 foot class A Unicorn catamaran
1977 Super Sunfish (sold)
1979 Hobie (sold)
1983 Hobie 16 Hawiian Sunset (sold)
1981 Hobie 16 Tequilla Sunrise (sold)
2008 Hobie 16 (sold)
2023 Hobie 16
Founding member of the "San Dimas Yacht Club"
John

Make sure the mast is water tight (does it make a sloshing sound?). To turn the boat into the wind stand more toward the bows and it should round up. Also the main traveler should be all the way out.

You all forgot to mention that in order to get the mast 45 degrees to the wind that the easiest way to do that is to stand on the nose(bow) of the hull that is in the water, this will make the trampoline use the wind to turn the boat in the right direction. THen do the above what all the others said. Def. check that your mast doesnt have a leak..... I am 6'4" built like a football player 240 pounds ex Navy, and I can right my hobie everytime even WITH a leaky mast:)

Actually I did say that

Just not as clearly.

But, can you still do that if the boat is turtled ?

Check your technique and make sure you are getting low to the water when on the righting line. My daughter and I started sailing this year. Our combined weight is about 310 lbs. We have capsized a few times, and the boat has come right up without turning it into the wind in 15 mph wind. If your combined weight is much less that that, or the wind speed much higher, you might need to turn the boat into the wnd to help you out.

I'm sure there will be a point with higher wind speeds and bigger waves we will need to turn the boat into the wind.

_________________
Russ

Newsreader: First - if turtled the boat is as stable as it ever will be, so take a second to collect yourself/s. Make sure the jib & main sheets are released, the traveler is released and the hiking stick is not tangled. Then unturtle the boat standing on the leeward hull leaning out. It may come slowly, but it will. By standing on the leeward hull the wind will help get the boat on it's side with the wind pressure on the tramp. Then you can right the boat cross wind or move toward the bow and have the boat round up.

Thanks for the advice.
Though I rather not see that happen.