Suggested hole?

Posted By: Jay Levy - Indianapolis, IN 5.2 #35
Date: 6/18/09 6:07p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: righting 5.2 whaler (allen)

The jib halyard is not meant to go though any hole in the side wall. It sounds to me like the hole you're referring to is the drain hole for the fiberglass "seats" just forward of the wooden seats and shrouds. These holes are not for anything but water! I keep an old halyard tied to the thwart UNDER the seat. There is one on each side. The halyards are coiled loosely, but not knotted, and stored between the thwart and the bottom of the seat on each side. It doesn't then matter which side of the boat is in the air after a capsize. A line is right there for me to grab and throw over the boat. The key to preventing turtling, however, if to avoid grabbing or hanging onto the boom or mast when the boat is on its side. On the contrary, you need to hold them up until you can get the boat righted. You might need to have crew hold the top of the mast above the water or go there yourself with a PFD to support it while you right the boat. It is a good idea to have a "ladder" in the boat to help you get back in once it's upright - but not a step ladder! A simple piece of line (with a large loop big enough for your foot) tied to one of the lifting eyes at the transom will do the job nicely. It won't float away and certainly doesn't take any room or weigh down the boat. Those "Bob" mast head floats are OK if you're a beginner, but you'll want to get rid of it once you become experienced. They are a real drag.