Anti-turtle Advise Wanted

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Brent Wilde

Last weekend I joined the turtled sailboat club in my H170. I was surprised after we tipped over how quickly it turtled, (within a minute). I've heard of attaching a fender or some other floatation device to the top of the mast to remedy turtling, but I'm not exactly sure how to accomplish it. How much bouyancy is needed to keep the mast from sinking? What's the best method? (do I just tie a fender to the top and let it flop around?) Any advice or instructions would be appreciated. If anyone is wondering, a power boat came to our assistance and within 20 min. of dumping the boat over we were back up sailing again, albeit with a little less sail.
 
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Bill

Capsize advice

Couple ways to solve the problem. You can have the masthead filled with flotation and sealed. Easier is to order the Hobie Cat mast head float that Hunter sells as an option on the 170. Don't get down on your 170--I owned a Capri 14.2 several years ago that didn't even slow down during a capsize...went right over. Good luck Bill
 
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John Radcliff

What year?

What year is your 170? The first time I had mine out, I put her over on purpose. Took my time, about 30 sec, getting to the centerboard. My friend was near the top of the mast, and he did not see the mast sink at all. Don't know if it is true, but I was told that *maybe* for 2002, foam was added to the mast.
 
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Brent Wilde

Model Year of Mast

My mast is a 2000 model year. I know it's not foam filled, but find it an interesting idea. Thanks to everyone who has responded. I feel I have a better idea of how to persue a solution. Brent
 
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Crazy Dave Condon

The msts are all the same since inception

no changes in the mast.
 
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Dick in MI

I got the Hobie float

I got the Hobie float when I ordered my new 2002 170. We had it out yesterday with some pretty gusty winds and it gave us a little peace of mind. Thought about reefing but didn't and ended up sailing with just the mainsail. I had expected less stability that we experienced under these conditions, but was very pleasantly surprised. Maybe the new heavier centerboard makes a difference. We didn't come close to going over, but it was nice to know that the float was up on top.
 
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Paul

Been there done that!

I've done that. First time a power boat helped and we got it back up in a little while. Last time was worse. Turtled and broke the mast and the water was about 50 degrees. Ended up being towed in upside down. Since then I have put on the Hobie float. I haven't turtled since but I have a lot more piece of mind (My crew says I now have training wheels!)
 
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