The owner of this site sells a righting system

http://www.catsailor.com/power_righter.html

Righting bags are also an option. I've seen large garbage bags filled with water used also.

As fellow 200 pounder your biggest concern won't be righting the boat but getting back on before it decides it has waited long enough and decides it's time to leave.

My biggest advice to you is practice righting the boat and getting back on. You'll need to find what works for you.

There are a few primary ways to get on the boat

The tough guy way: The big dolphin kick up at the forward crossbar and hull. You really need to hit this the first time. If you fail on the second attempt it might be time for plan B.

The bail out: Swim under the boat and get to the outside of a hull, grab the hiking ring and haul yourself onto the boat.

The one you don't tell your friends about (it's a bit girly): move to the back of the boat and haul yourself up between the hull and back crossbar. The boat is a lot lower to the water here especially an I18.

All of them require you to move your a$$, once the boat is righted you don't have time to waste.

Seriously though, practice righting your boat in soft and controlled conditions. There is nothing that can ruin your day faster than finding out you can't right your boat and you are alone.


David Ingram
F18 USA 242
http://www.solarwind.solar

"Do or do not. There is no try." - Yoda
"Excuses are the tools of the weak and incompetent" - Two sista's I overheard in the hall
"You don't have to be a brain surgeon to be a complete idiot, but it helps"