[quote=rattlenhum]EdChris: FWIW..I agree 100% with your latest post in regards to my Hobie 14-T and 16. The 14 will turtle quickly regardless... the 16 not so much, but it will go all the way in high wind (especially after a beam/broad reach crash, but less likely upwind). Both have well sealed masts, but the reservoir I normally sail on is relatively shallow and muddy. If the masthead gets stuck, power assistance is required.....not good!
I also disagree that having openings at the bottom of the mast is not a good idea where it can be prevented. {Note that it may not be preventable on some boats (e.g., w/internal halyards)}. In addition to your point about turtling, if even what would otherwise be a small leak develops at the top of the mast, it will be much worse when air is allowed to escape from the bottom.
I still take my chances on the 16, but earlier this year I started sailing with two sealed gallon orange juice jugs on top of the 14 mast, then recently installed a Baby Bob (haven't had a chance to test it). The 14 is sailed mostly by my teenage daughter, so I'm even less inclined to take chances there!<!-- editby --><em>Edited by rattlenhum on Jan 07, 2011 - 01:32 PM.</em><!-- end editby --> [/quote]
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