I spent 40 minutes on a capsize drill last night. My friends won't let me go out till I can prove I can get in the boat if I fall out. So far I can only launch myself halfway in before I stall (probably my belly hanging up) and then the boat (with my weight on the side) tips over. I'm working on some options. Had a Sunfish before and sold it because of same problem. Thought after rehabbing my shoulders this year it would be easier but not? Suggestions other than to sell the boat because I'm determined to get in at some point.
Crawl in from the transom, not the side.
The back of the boat will come down as you pull yourself in, making it easier to get in.
There should be a good series of handholds as you get in.
And the boat is less likely to capsize again while you aren't quite in it yet.
And.. consider making or buying a rope ladder, tied to the hiking strap and with a grab line run to the transom.
Pull the rope ladder out over the back of the boat and you can have your feet help to get you in the boat.
For me the issue is getting up on the daggerboard of the Vagabond 14. The board tends to be about 2.5 ft above the water when the boat is on its side. This thing has a 20 ft mast which means it takes quite a bit of leverage to pop it back up.
No successful solo capsize drill yet...
I'm making a rope ladder with grab lines to be run to each side for pulling the ladder down right behind the daggerboard. Once I can get on top of the board I should be able to get the boat upright.