Abstract: Systems and methods for righting a capsized watercraft are described. The system may include a selectively inflatable bladder inside a canvas gunwale float that can be releasably attached to one side of a boat. When the other side of the boat is lifted, the float keeps at least a portion of the lowermost gunwale above the surface of the water, thereby impeding the unwanted entry of water into the boat during righting. The inflatable bladder is sized in volume according to the size and shape of the boat. The system may include one or more floats spaced apart along the side. In another aspect, one of the floats may be attached to a paddle to create a temporary outrigger for use in climbing out of the water and into the boat.