I have never used a mast float. I usually sail in deep enough water where the mast won't hit bottom when turtled. So, it is realtively easy to bring it back up.

But, I only sailed without gloves once. I learned really quick that $20 is well worth a pair of gloves that will last about 3 seasons.

On a good day 20-25kts when you are on the water for 8-10 hrs straight how in the world do you keep your hands from getting torn up? I don't have girly hands by any means. I also crew on a 70' gaff rigges wooden schooner that has Dacron halyards and sheets. Most of the time I lower the peak and the throat of the gaff simultaneously which entails letting them slide through your hands. After a week of this the callouses on your hands are pretty substantial.

But when I am on my Hobie my hands get wet and the callouses are ineffective. Plus with gloves I have a significantly better grip on the line.

Just my 2 cents