Barren wrote:
Is there a way I can test righting capabilities along with mast waterproofing in shallow waters? Lake Winnebago is 15' deep tops... usually 5-10.
Yep. You and a friend push the boat into water 3 feet deep, then one grabs a trap handle and pulls while the other lifts the opposite hull. When it reaches the tipping point he who holds the trap handle moves aft out of the way of the main sail as it splashes down. That's it. Now right it according to the Hobie rigging manual. On the water in a real capsize it won't be quite the same as near the beach as waves and wind affect righting, but it's better than learning to shoot in a foxhole.
One tip - point the mast at least 45 degrees into the wind so that the wind pressure on the tramp assists in righting. To point the mast into the wind there are two places I go, the mast head or the bow, and in both cases I try to create as much drag in the water as I can so that the wind weathervanes the rest of the boat around me.
Two tip - when reaching the righting moment and the boat begins to come down on both hulls, hold onto the dolphin striker or the windward hull to keep the boat from capsizing again without you on it. Of course you remembered to uncleat the main, the traveler, and the jib before attempting to right the boat.
Three tip - there's no reliable answer to the necessary weight needed to right a 16, but 230 lbs. and good technique should do it.
Testing the mast is easy, just remove it from the boat and dunk it in the lake, then watch for bubbles. No bubbles is good. If there are bubbles at a rivet, replace the rivet. If there are bubbles near the base or head, reseal them.
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. Haven't yet had the 'opportunity' to pitchpole - only been out once on my new Bravo, but in a pretty good breeze. Several times I had to slide my butt astern as far as possible to keep the leeward hull from burying. Next time out I plan to dump her (hopefully NOT pitchpole) just to learn how to right her (in light air) so I'm prepared when it happens in heavy air. Love the fact that I can easily roll in the main if it's picking up too much water - that should also allow me to bring her back on her feet in pretty much any direction.