I'm brand spanking new to cat sailing. Too old for windsurfing now, and bored with lasers. Any advise on harness equipment and what life vest to purchase? Where to go for reviews?

At the top of this page there is a link (ad) to the On line marine store, they have plenty of both. I like Extrasport life vests due to large arm holes for easy movement, and any good ($100+) Majic Marine or other harness will work for you. But there are so many different makes, models, styles, etc. of each, you will hear many different opinions.

https://store.catsailor.com/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=273

Astral life vests are good. I use the Newton though it is not USCG approved as a PFD- "bouyancy aid" because it doesn't have the requisite bouyancy to be a PFD.

as far as harnesses... hopefully you have a dealer near that carries them and can try some on. My wife did this at Key Sailing in pensacola. Tried on about 6 before she settled on the one she wore only once 2 years ago.

Best I have used so far, the trap harness is very comfy.
http://www.zhik.com/Home.aspx?element=1&category=1

Darryn

I got me a Magic marine harness (with quick-release!). I can use it for hours on end in rough seas and not feel uncomfortable (well, not due to the harness anyway ;-)

I was able to test "hang" some harnesses at the store I bought it. This one was the most comfortable one I could afford (to tell the wife about)...

Dennis

I have a full size Murrays harness with a large spreader bar. (I can't find the sprear bar I use on line but it looks like this one).

As for bouyancy aid I have a Crewsaver max, el cheapo model, does the job, not too bulky (but this is *not* a life vest, only a bouyancy aid).

With a life jacket. More expensive = more comfortable (almost no exceptions). Undersized life jackets are ok if you are very close in-shore (eg, no risk the weather turns quickly on you-- otherwise you would be supprised how fast waves can defeat a lifejacket) AND you wear positive buyancy clothes (eg, neoprene and well maintained dry suits-- no spray spray clothes or foul weather gear). I have both a comftable buyancy device (inshore) and an oversize inflatable (distance sailing) in my trailer box.

Harnesses are very personal. What it comfortable for one, is not for another. Full leg vs but bucket types, etc do not always correlate to comfort. For sure price and comfort are not always related. The advice above is correct. Go to a store (several stores) and hang from a rope for 10 minutes. Also bend down and make sure you can comfortably get under the boom. If you have no stores nearby, order many sizes and styles and hang a rope in your house. It typically takes 5-10 models before you find a great one-- and then you will never want to replace it ever.

Mayhem is right, I should have specified: I do all my sailing these days inshore with a safety coxwain nearby keeping an eye on the water at all time. A buoyancy aid is largely sufficient in this environment.

Sailing out of Santa Cruz on my HC16 some 9 years ago I had the same harness (this thing is durable!) but a bulkier full size life vest: Less comfortable, but more adequate for the location.

I personally did not need a harness for the first 20-30 sails as i had pleanty of other skills to work on before i could climb out on a hull, balance the main, jib and tiller.