I just launched a new Catalina 16.5 and am wondering if that mast floats or if anyone has experience attaching streamlined flotation? I often sail alone (with a tiller tender) in gusty changing winds and want to avoid going turtle.
Catalina 16.5 Mast Flotation
- Thread starter weh5748
- Start date
Absolutely a great idea.
We played around with all sorts of ideas but the only one that truly worked was a Hobie Bob.
Parts & Accessories Search | Hobie
We played around with all sorts of ideas but the only one that truly worked was a Hobie Bob.
Parts & Accessories Search | Hobie
as a prior dealer, I sold many Hobie bobs at cost for the specific reason @Rick Webb stated. This included the Catalina 16-5. I would also have a line around the base of the mast used as a righting line
I also have a capri and I’m going to try the “yellow” set up first. I like the idea of the apparatus but don’t like the blow up air thing that a pin hole would ruin. I was going to take a larger pool noodle (@ 30” long) ( there around 4” in diameter or so, and fill the inside with a spray foam and seal ends with a good coating of silicone. Then sew a piece for Dacron up to hold them, and wrap it around the edge of the mail sail and slide it up the track in the mast. If I get a chance before it gets too cold I’ll have to test and take the boat to it at the beach and see if 2 pool noodles will float the mast end.
The second image product I like also. Price is way more reasonable than the Hobie bobs.
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We tried all sorts of different schemes but ultimately ended up with the Hobie Bobs. It is the least obtrusive and ultimately most effective. We have had a dozen Bobs on boats for going on fifteen years in the end they are likely more economical than anything that will wear out and require replacement.