Righting

Can someone please offer some help. I have a H16, sail in the Gulf off Ft. Myers/Naples. I have yet to be able to right the boat by myself and have tried many things. If I can't right it, I can't singlehand safely, which cuts down on the sailing time significantly. Two people get the boat up in a snap. I weigh 170 lbs. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Search the forum Steve, have a really good look at a righting pole it works perfectly and stores itself out of the way it rights my 18ft Stingray no problem singlehanded. Also look at the threads on technique you need the bow into the wind, all your sheets eased, no water inside the mast etc <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Rick sells the power pole kit.

what about a righting bucket and block?

Both seem to work pretty good based on all the recommendations posted on these forums. I like the pole for ease of use. Undo a bungee to deploy, right the boat and bungee the pole back into place. The bucket/block system takes a bit of time to set up and stow.

One trick that can help involves the jib. Assuming you have a pretty good breeze, (if not you wouldn't have gone over) angle the mast off the wind a few degrees instead of directly into the wind. Move the jib traveller on the down side all the way down. Grab the jib sheet ahead of the jam cleat and pull it tight. This should trap air in the jib and help lift the mast as you try to right the boat. Once up, let the jib sheet go so the jib is loose. This could be done in conjunction with the "bucket". I read this tip in the Hobie Hotline quite a few years ago and only used it once. It worked.

Howard

Ive found that if you double the bungee under the tramp around a block you dont have to undo it, you just pull it out right the boat and let it go. For some reason shock cord doesnt like springing around pulleys so there isnt enough force on the bungee to make it hit the boat it gently reals in the last 6 inches then you only have to let the stopper knot go once your on the boat. The pole is very quick, simple and self stores. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />