Well, I have gotten out a number of times since my first sail now, in a variety of conditions. Two times we were out for about 3 hours each - we had a wonderful time! As I mentioned when I first put the boat in early June, I was trying to get the feel for it. I now feel much more comfortable and really enjoy the space. One time out, my wife was stretched out on the leeward bench and I comfortably seated at the back of the windward bench. The wind was stable and about 6-10 knots. We were able to sail on one tack this way for a half hour - very relaxing. I've also had other outings with a stiff breeze, and able to play with pushing the limits on heeling to get a good feel for the boat, hiking out, easing the main, and heading up. Seemed to handle well. I am still having trouble sometimes with the jib not unfurling completely - looking twisted at the foot of the luff. We have also had the boat out on glass smooth water, with just a hint of a breeze and still made forward progress - not bad!
- Status
Probably a very expensive version of...
...a used Chlorox bottle. Keeps small dinks from going bottom-up after a capsize (it's a float). alan
...a used Chlorox bottle. Keeps small dinks from going bottom-up after a capsize (it's a float). alan
You knocking my boat?
Correct, the "expensive chlorox bottle" is a bit of insurance - Hunter got the idea from Hobie - who makes the float. Several 170 owners have reported that if they capsize - as centerboard boats may do from time to time - they quickly turtle (go completely upside down) and are very difficult to right again without assistance from a power boat. The float keeps it from turtling. It's not beautiful, but could prevent a real headache. I do like the balloon idea though, perhaps filled with helium...
Correct, the "expensive chlorox bottle" is a bit of insurance - Hunter got the idea from Hobie - who makes the float. Several 170 owners have reported that if they capsize - as centerboard boats may do from time to time - they quickly turtle (go completely upside down) and are very difficult to right again without assistance from a power boat. The float keeps it from turtling. It's not beautiful, but could prevent a real headache. I do like the balloon idea though, perhaps filled with helium...
David
Great boat, great picture, sounds like you are having alot of fun. To HELL with the synnics!!! The floatation device on the top of your mast is the future, don't let them get to you. Where I sail, the Flying Scot is king. Gordon Douglas, the mfg., has come up with similiar device. It has enabled alot of sailors to do alot more sailing, both young and old. Its a great idea and I'll bet we'll see alot more of it. Good luck to you, keep us posted!
Great boat, great picture, sounds like you are having alot of fun. To HELL with the synnics!!! The floatation device on the top of your mast is the future, don't let them get to you. Where I sail, the Flying Scot is king. Gordon Douglas, the mfg., has come up with similiar device. It has enabled alot of sailors to do alot more sailing, both young and old. Its a great idea and I'll bet we'll see alot more of it. Good luck to you, keep us posted!
Mast float on 170
I agree with Alan, gents, but I respect David's decision to use the Hobie float. I'll eventually foam and seal my mast because I like having space for my Windex 10 windvane on top of my 170's mast and the float would take up that space. My cousin in Minnesota just bought his 170 last spring and has the Hobie "football" on his masthead, and I must say, it is "interesting" in appearance atop a sleak, comtemporary monohull dinghy's mast-- but as David said, it's insurance. I've sailed my 170 (albeit reefing the main and dousing jib when necessary) in lots of stuff and have never felt close enough to capsize to warrant immediately foaming the mast or using the football. But the moment guys like me say it, they pay it (hoping I don't eat my words and turn turtle now for having said this)! By the way George, why on earth would designer Douglas avail similar float for the Flying Scot. I've sailed those boats on Deep Creek Lake, MD, near the FS company headquarters and these boats are ROCK solid-- way less prone to capsize than the 170. Even a novice would have to be completely out in weather far above their means to capsize a Scot! Mike G. Alachua, FL
I agree with Alan, gents, but I respect David's decision to use the Hobie float. I'll eventually foam and seal my mast because I like having space for my Windex 10 windvane on top of my 170's mast and the float would take up that space. My cousin in Minnesota just bought his 170 last spring and has the Hobie "football" on his masthead, and I must say, it is "interesting" in appearance atop a sleak, comtemporary monohull dinghy's mast-- but as David said, it's insurance. I've sailed my 170 (albeit reefing the main and dousing jib when necessary) in lots of stuff and have never felt close enough to capsize to warrant immediately foaming the mast or using the football. But the moment guys like me say it, they pay it (hoping I don't eat my words and turn turtle now for having said this)! By the way George, why on earth would designer Douglas avail similar float for the Flying Scot. I've sailed those boats on Deep Creek Lake, MD, near the FS company headquarters and these boats are ROCK solid-- way less prone to capsize than the 170. Even a novice would have to be completely out in weather far above their means to capsize a Scot! Mike G. Alachua, FL
mast float
I am used to sailing JY15's and Lasers, both of which are probably more likely to capsize than the 170. However, both of them are also extremely easy to right, even if they turtle. The 170's wide beam is an asset in terms of stability and room, but reportedly becomes a liabilty once it is upside down. I thought I would err on the side of caution. Besides, while I did not like the float's appearance when I first got the boat, I don't even notice it anymore - I'm having too much fun! Alan, I don't know that windage is much of an issue for the casual daysailing that I do (there is no one to race with on my lake). However, from an aesthetic standpoint, an in-mast approach would be nice. Several 170 owners have written that they "foamed" their masts, but I haven't read if any have tried to capsize to see if it works yet.
I am used to sailing JY15's and Lasers, both of which are probably more likely to capsize than the 170. However, both of them are also extremely easy to right, even if they turtle. The 170's wide beam is an asset in terms of stability and room, but reportedly becomes a liabilty once it is upside down. I thought I would err on the side of caution. Besides, while I did not like the float's appearance when I first got the boat, I don't even notice it anymore - I'm having too much fun! Alan, I don't know that windage is much of an issue for the casual daysailing that I do (there is no one to race with on my lake). However, from an aesthetic standpoint, an in-mast approach would be nice. Several 170 owners have written that they "foamed" their masts, but I haven't read if any have tried to capsize to see if it works yet.
Mike G,
Your right, the FS is a rock solid boat, and does take alot to put it on its side. But it does happen, I know! The boat is easily righted also. They've designed something different, not football shaped, but flat. From a distance you wouldn't know it was there. Up close, you can see it. It kind of overlaps the top foot to foot and a half of the main. I have not sailed with one, but they tell me that it does not interfere with any sail controll.
Your right, the FS is a rock solid boat, and does take alot to put it on its side. But it does happen, I know! The boat is easily righted also. They've designed something different, not football shaped, but flat. From a distance you wouldn't know it was there. Up close, you can see it. It kind of overlaps the top foot to foot and a half of the main. I have not sailed with one, but they tell me that it does not interfere with any sail controll.
George- Interesting device on the FS
George, This Flying Scot device sounds very interesting. And you say it effectively prevents the FS from turning turtle? I'll need to look around online, see what this thing looks like. From your description it sounds very unobtrusive. Mike G.
George, This Flying Scot device sounds very interesting. And you say it effectively prevents the FS from turning turtle? I'll need to look around online, see what this thing looks like. From your description it sounds very unobtrusive. Mike G.
- Status