HADRON H2 Owner’s Manual 2018
9
Righting after a capsize.
Much thought has been given to the buoyancy configuration of the H2. The central
buoyancy tank combined with zero buoyancy under the side decks ensures that the
boat floats low when on its side, with the centreboard not much more than 100mm
above the water, thus allowing even a tired helm to mount the centreboard. The risk of
total inversion is reduced by the use of an external halyard, which means that the mast
is semi-watertight.
When righted, most of the water in the cockpit drains out through the stern, with only
the foot wells retaining water. Entry into the boat is easily done via the stern – the aft
toestraps are convenient to pull oneself aboard. However, in windy conditions and/or
rough seas it is preferable to enter over the weather gunwhale. To facilitate this, boats
from #123 onwards (January 2018) have righting lines fitted as standard*. The righting
line is visible just under the gunwhale for about 600mm each side in the region of the
thwart position.It is held in its retracted position under tension by shock cord and it can
be deployed by pulling on the forward part – not the aft part, as that end is fixed. When
fully extended, the righting line forms a loop approximately 1 metre in depth (the length
can be adjusted if required).
Recommended righting procedure:
If the boat is inverted (this happens infrequently), get the boat into a horizontal position
by standing on the weather gunwhale while holding the centreboard. Once this is
achieved, the boat will be floating with the centreboard horizontal and about 120mm
above the water. Now clamber onto the board and reach up to grab the retrieval line.
Pull it out from the forward end: it will be under tension so do not let it go. Stand up on
the board (caution – it is slippery) and lean backwards. The boat should slowly right
itself and as it does so put a foot on the loop of the righting line so that you can propel
yourself over the gunwhale and into the cockpit once the boat is upright. It will be
helpful to release the kicker tension before entering the boat.
If the mainsheet is still cleated the boat may well capsize again. In that case, swim
round the stern and release the mainsheet from the jammer before attempting to right
the boat for a second time.
* For H2s numbered 101 to 122 a retro-fit kit for the retrieval lines is available from
Hadron Dinghies Ltd.
