Is the 170 unsafe?

[George H260]

I race Moths and Windmills, and like most dinghy sailors assume that capsizing is part of the game. I have twice in the last few months observed a Hunter 170 capsized and unable to be righted by the crew. The first time the board stayed down, but because the boat is so wide and floats so high, the crew cound not get up one the board again after failing to get her up the first couple of trys. By then, then mast had sunk, and the boat turned 130 degrees. A motorboat was required to right her, and even that took a lot of effort. Today was worse. The mast sunk and bent, the boat turned turtle, the board fell into the trunk, and the two crew sat on top unable to do anything. Since the mast was stuck in the mud the boat was not moving. Nothing I could do from my Freedom 21 with the crews help would right the boat, even after removing the rig. Yes, I could have gone into the 50 degree water, pushed the board up (down) from under the boat while someone on top grabed it - yeah right. I had already seen how hard it was for these guys to get up to the board from the water with the boat at 130 degrees last time and was not going in myself. I wound up towing the boat in upside down. A dinghy that is too wide to right easily is not a seaworthy dinghy.

 

[Jack]

Check the Archives

I think there was some significant discussion about the 170 and stability over the last two years. In all honesty I would have to say the posts were for the most part negative. I raced Windmills and Lightings for several years and I never experienced anything the posters were experiencing. BY the way, my Windmill and Lightning were both wood which meant that a capsize was more difficult to recover from than a fiberglass version.

 

[Edward Smith]

Yes, It is a Problem.

Most everyone I know is using some means to prevent turtling. One method is partially filling the mast with some flotation material; another is using a floatation device on the mast. Once the boat turtles, you need a motor to right it. The center board drops when the boat turtles and you are going to get it up as it is currently outfitted. The newer centerboards are 300 lbs. My manual shows a system using bunji cords, but the dealer said that was not supposed to be used anymore. I voiced my opinion and weather the storm of adjectives rediculing my ability to sail. I love this boat but I hate it too. I have turtled twice (mast free in deep water once and mast stuck in mud once)and fortunate to have a motor come by and offer assistance. Make sure you loose sails and bring the bow into the wind, cause she'll sail off into the sunset or worse beat hell out of the Help. Of course you have to caution the operator of the motor about the mast and make sure (s)he stops as soon as the 170 rights or damages can ensue. I can however also tell you about the adrenaline flow I get when the wind gets right and this boat comes up on a plane. WOW! As I say, it is a love hate relationship.Would I reccomend it? I would tell you the truth and let you decide. I went by the ads about a family Daysailer that was very stable. They said nothing about righting the boat after it went over.PS: Make sure you have several good lines aboard at all times. I keep at least two 25 ft 3/8 inch lines.

 

[George H260]

Board

The board needs a positive way to pin it down. A strong pin, at that. Even then, an older guy may only have strength left for a couple of trys to reach the board (this assumes something is keeping the mast from sinking!). Such a boat should not be touted as a safe daysailer for average sailors.