Mast Float for the 140

[Richard Armstrong]

Where can I get a simple mast float for my 140? I turtled it last fall and I'd rather not get that cold again!

[Stuart Cohen]

I put a mast float on my 170. I order it from my Hunter dealer and Hunter sent them the Hobie mast float. It cost me about $120 installed, but installation looks easy. I would check Hobie's website and see it you can get it cheaper.

[Dick in MI]

I ordered it at time of purchase upon the recommendation of my dealer. Nice peace of mind.

[J Mashburn]

In past discussions, regarding turtling, I was advised of another option for keeping the mast afloat when turned over. There is a Sealant Foam that can be used by filling the top portion of the mast cavity. (It is normally used in filling the walls of ice chests, refrigarators, sound proofing, etc.) Also, it provides flotation that could assist in the prevention of turtling once capsized. It should be available from West Marine, Home Depot, Lowes etc. I have not tried it yet! However, I have heard claims where others have used it. Does anyone have any experience or know of anyone who has tried this option with success? If so, please share in more detail.Fair-winds, J MashburnHunter 146TIKI

[Dick in MI]

I do know that a few have used it, largely because they think the Hobie float is ugly.My philosophy is that I know the Hobie float works, it's not that unattractive to me.

[Bobby McCullough]

I had the same thing happen to me about 2 years ago and I mounted 2 small boat fenders to the top of my mast. It doesn't take much buoyancy to counteract the boats "desire" to turtle. The biggest thing I do now is NOT furl the jib in high winds. That was what made the boat unstable and turn over in the first place. When I am caught out now and the wind kicks up, I loosen EVERYTHING up and head for the dock.

[Paul Chauvin]

I ordered mine from the dealer. My boat is a 146. The masts are probably close to the same.You can try NBOA Boating and Safety Catalog. They have many replacement parts and accessories.

[J Mashburn]

Which Hobie float do you have on your Hunter 146? I notice they come in three sizes & unique names, too e.g., "Baby Bob, Mama Bob & Hobie Bob. It would appear the smaller the better with regards to wind drag. Any suggestions?Hunter 146TIKI

[J Mashburn]

If capsized & the mast begins to sink & the boat begins to turn turtle, place a life jacket or a throw cushion under the tip of the mast to help keep it floating. (NOTE: To right the capsized boat be sure the boat is headed to the wind & be sure the sheets are uncleated at all times; stand on the middle of the centerboard & use as a lever. The hardest part will be getting back in the boat as you will be tired from all the excitement & effort.) Fair Winds,JimHunter 146TIKI

[Bobby McCullough]

Just make sure that you do something about the mast tip BEFORE uncleating the sheets. I learned this by experience over a year ago. I went over in February here in TN. I had not learned to right the boat during warm weather (mistake #2) but KNEW that I had to turn into the wind and uncleat the sheets. When I did this, she immediately turtled. Oh, and you shouldn't use the rudder to scramble ontop the capsized boat. The bushings won't hold 200+ pounds (mistake #3).I can't tell you the feeling of having a pregnant wife at home and I'm in 46 degree water (with a wet suit) watching my boat turtle. Since then, I have not had the opportunity to test my boat fenders and ability to right her. I do know that the fenders keep the mast alone afloat. I also learned not to furl the jib in high wind (mistake #1) as it acts as a stablizer. For what its worth...

[Jeremiah D. Canty]

I'm going to get a float but there are three kinds available on murrays.com--Baby bob/mama bob and a hobie bob. I have a 170 also--which one did you use and was it difficult to put on?JD

[Dick in MI]

I'm not sure which one it is, as I just ordered what my dealer recommended. So it came pre-installed, but I doubt that it would be too much trouble to install it yourself. You might try contacting Hunter or your dealer for the correct model.To me, it's definitely worth the peace of mind and I had any number of 170 owners tell me to order it with my boat. At first I thought it looked dumb, but now I'm used to it and it gets the second highest number of questions from observers (the most often-asked question about my boat is, of course, "but doesn't water come in through the open transom?").

[Jeremiah D. Canty]

Funny that about the open transom--the only thing more amazing about being asked about the open transom and the 170's almost uncanny ability to stay afloat is my lack of understanding as to why people just don't get why it isn't a factor. I get asked that question everywhere I go!!!! regarding the float--I wished my dealer had suggested it. I got a great price on the boat and I truely love it but I don't think he was very interested in after sales service.