Trapeze harness types
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Multihulls
Forum Name: Dinghy multihulls
Forum Discription: For those who prefer two (or more) hulls to one!
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9313
Printed Date: 27 Jun 25 at 8:56pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Trapeze harness types
Posted By: Owenfackrell
Subject: Trapeze harness types
Date Posted: 08 May 12 at 3:30pm
| I have a trapeze harness of an older type as it was cheap and i didn't want to spend a lot for something i may not like. Now i will be looking to replace it with one that fits me better as its a bit small in some areas. Looking around i see that you can either get dinghy type ones or windsurfing ones. The difference seems to be that the dinghy ones have a back support as well wheer as the surfing ones don't. As i sail a Dart 18 mainly on my own i will be helming as well as trapezing so wonder which one would work best for me or if there isn't a lot of difference other than the windsurfing ones are lot cheaper. |
Replies:
Posted By: ellistine
Date Posted: 08 May 12 at 3:43pm
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I think the thing with trapezing on cats is you can get very low on the wire, almost level with the tramp. At those sort of levels I would want all the back/shoulder support I could get. I use a Shock nappy type on my Hurricane. Quite expensive but fits really well. ------------- |
Posted By: dogslife
Date Posted: 08 May 12 at 5:24pm
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Definitely go for a trapeze harness and not a windsurfer harness as the latter will not offer anything like the same sort of support to your back. I'd also go for a Skiff type harness as there is either no hip adjustment buckles (nappy type), or the hip adjusters are hidden away so reducing the chance that you'll get hook up on things that can lead to some very awkward moments
 . It's also well worth getting one with a quick release hook...... |
Posted By: Stuart O
Date Posted: 08 May 12 at 5:38pm
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Bruce Banks, Zhik or Magic Marine do disagree with some of the comments above...many cat sailors wear the windsurfer type, but personally I like the shoulder straps
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Posted By: tb
Date Posted: 08 May 12 at 5:46pm
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Just get one made to measure by p&b, it will fit you perfectly (i must stress that I am in no way affiliated with them and I am pretty sure that other people make custom harnesses I just don't know which ones) Only downside is that they are not exactly cheap at £135 |
Posted By: simonrh
Date Posted: 09 May 12 at 8:47am
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I have a banks skiff pro harness for my D18 and it's great. I like the fact that there is never any faffing about with it. The only time I ever adjust its one strap is spring and autumn when swapping from dry to wetsuit and back again. Occasionally loosening it off if I am wearing it but not needing to use it. ------------- Vortex Asymmetric 1064 Dart 18 7118 Smartkat stunt sailor extraordinaire |
Posted By: dogslife
Date Posted: 09 May 12 at 9:42am
I'm sorry, but just because some people choose to wear the wrong sort of harness doesn't mean it's the best option. The mechanics of windsurfing and trapezing are totally different and the respective harnesses have been developed accordingly over many years. If you lie flat when trapezing I can't see any way that a windsurfer harness, that has no shoulder straps and only supports the wearer's backside, can adequately support their upper body. Especially if you are trapezing for a prolonged period. At best there is every chance this will lead to a sore back and premature fatigue. At worst you could damage your back.............. ------------- |
Posted By: Stuart O
Date Posted: 09 May 12 at 12:10pm
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I didnt try and justify I just said that many cat sailors wear the windsurfer type, and many at the top end of the fleet. It does depend on personal preference and many windsurfer harness do offer limited lumbar support. If we want to get technical there is an argument that the core muscles are stronger than the muscles used with shoulder straps and that without them the body can maintain a better posture. I personally dont subscribe to it and as i said I wear a harness with shoulder straps with a rash vest over the top.
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Posted By: Contender 541
Date Posted: 09 May 12 at 12:16pm
As one who is currently suffering from a bad back - not sailing related (I was reading a book while in bed and rolled over - embarrassing is not the word!!) and has been for over two years now, dont muck about and dont risk it. Get the correct kit and do it properly.
I have been out of action with either this or torn knee ligaments (sailing related) for nearly two years now. The choice is yours, but I can promise one thing - bad backs are not fun.
Doing something that will cause one (Windsurfing harness) is just plain stupid ------------- When you find a big kettle of crazy it's probably best not to stir it - Pointy Haired Boss Crew on 505 8780 |
Posted By: catmandoo
Date Posted: 09 May 12 at 12:39pm
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been trapezing for over 30 years and current harness a rooster one is a peach , was having difficulty finding an off the shelf big enough for me . Rooster very comfy , kinda of a hybrid zhik /trad spreader style . thank god the days of the old alpha pro are over , with introduction of spreader bars never looked back . Zhik by the way didnt have one big enough for me (long back ) and suggested taking to a sailmaker and modding one , at their prices !!!! had latterly used magic marine - 3 harness all very good , pro , equip and mesh , and a variety before that including custom . Rooster has added advantage is that you dont have to buy a spreader bar and you can put your old one in . ------------- |
Posted By: a_dowley
Date Posted: 09 May 12 at 1:13pm
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Go for the shoulder straps and back support. I have the Zhik one, it is expensive but it is fully adjustable with velcro and you don't get any straps coming undone or flapping around. ------------- https://www.sailingchandlery.com/rope-for-sale.html" rel="nofollow - Rope for sale https://www.sailingchandlery.com" rel="nofollow - Sailing Chandlery - Online Chandlery - Number 1 Rated |
Posted By: SkiffGuy
Date Posted: 20 Sep 12 at 5:12pm
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currently using the old Gill 5000 Harness, although after trying on a Banks Skiff Pro Harness (nappy style), will definately go for that. http://shop.banks.co.uk/searchresults.asp?cat=1835 . Or the Banks "Nappy" which also looks good : http://shop.banks.co.uk/searchresults.asp?cat=1838 ------------- Laser Vago XD 1369 |