THere was a demonstration of a Farrier tri doing an ama fold up while capsized to achieve self-righting. THe mast on the farrier has temporary "baby" stays that connect to the middle hull to hold the mast while the wings are folded. I guess you need to set these in place prior to self-righting. Should be tricky while inverted.

The Exploder doesn't seem to have a cantilever fold mechanism like the farrier...so it requires hydralic assistance. From the photos on the site , I can't tell how this works.

Mike.

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I didn't say it couldn't be done.

Infact I said it was something to think about, and now that I have thought about it some more I have more to add...

The basic concept is to reduce the stability of the boat when capsized. This makes it easier to right. To reduce the stability significantly, the outer hulls need to be brought close to the centreline of the vessel. There are a couple of ways this can be achieved; by sliding them sideways (along the beams for example), by folding the beams about vertical hinges (outer hulls go fore or aft), by folding the beams about longitudinal hinges (outer hulls go up or down).

Once you've reduced the stability you have another problem to solve of applying a righting lever to get the boat upright. The easiest option is a weight of some description. The main hull may be best for this purpose.

I haven't figured out the problem of keeping the rig up without stays yet; except for having a freestanding rig, which I don't like.

Mike Dobbs
Tornado CAN 99 "Full Tilt"