This is a re-post since my first attempt did not seem to work.

I'm looking for a comfortable harness on and off the wire. Also, any tips on a good place to buy the harness.

I'm a big guy (6'4" and 230 lbs). I sail a H21 Sport Cruiser on small to moderate size MN lakes so I'm generally on the wire for short amounts of time (1 minute or less); however, I plan to do a few day sails a year on much bigger waters (Superior or Michigan) and may be on the wire longer.

Also, are most people still just using the classic hook or would you recommend any of the ball systems?

Thanks, Doug

Make sure that you go for one with a quick release system in case of trouble.

I'd not reccommend the Magic Marine harnesses as I have one and find that the webbing constantly slips under my weight 210lb) and if you're 230lb then I reckon that there's a good chance that they will slip for you. Don't know if lighter sailors fare any better with these harnesses but I can only go by my experience.

I've been very impressed with the Neil Pryde Harnesses which have a ratchet system rather than webbing. They have also been designed and tested by catamaran sailors in our club. I don't know whether you can get them where you are, but for me in Hong Kong, I can order online at www.asap-direct.com (if you go to the site, the link is in the "new to store" on the left side of the webpage)

Just a thought, but it may be worth considering buying a harness fitted with a quick release mechanism; this is now a requirement in the racing rules of sailing 2005-2008, but it's been deferred until 1/1/06...



CJ

The wording here leads me to believe that our standard hook and ring with fixed straps still qualify within this rule. Removing the cable/steel hoop from the hook is a device that allows quick removal of the competitor from the boat. Perhaps this rule is to prevent people from tying themselves to the trap line?

Hi Jake,

I would guess that the spirit of the rule is to reduce the chance of a hook getting caught on something other than the ring in such a way that it's difficult to release; "entrapment"...

Some ISAF Minutes

From ISAF News...



CJ

I have the Murrys Pro harness and it's the most comfy on the wire harness I've ever used.

A legal quick release harness is, as of now,undefinable.
Don't sweat it because the release system is upgradable on any harness. We have to wait for the powers that be to
amend that ruling.

"I'd not reccommend the Magic Marine harnesses as I have one and find that the webbing constantly slips under my weight 210lb) "


I do have a Magic Marine harness that is very comfy. I even wear it over my PFD. However, I weigh 160 so that may make a difference.

As to the attachment system; I swapped out the hook setup for a ball type (Bethwaite: http://www.ps2000.ca/estore/trapeze.htm)

It has worked fine for me. The pluses are that there is little to catch on a line or shroud during a capsize or sailing session, no rings flying through the air to whack me in the face and since there is no hook on the harness, I can lay mostly flat on the boat without scratching stuff.

On the minus side, you need to purchase the trapeze gear initally and set it up.

Sheldon

I have that same problem with my magicMarine aquata. I even thought mine was defective because everybody gives high praises to that harness. The only way I found to minimize the webbing problem is to really tighten the straps, but then again, that makes a very uncomfortable harness to be in when you’re not on the wire. BTW I weight 190lb.

Jaime

The Neil Pryde Ratch system is incorporated in the Hobie Automatic Harness:



Hobie Automatic Harness

The most comfortable harness I've ever worn is the Worrell XT. It's probably overkill for recreational sailing, but if you're going for comfort and don't mind the $250 price tag, there is none better.

where did you find the Worrell XT?

I have the Magic MArine Aquata Pro, I have had good luck with it at 200 lbs, but I find it a bit bulky. This harness is ok for the crew, not as good for skipper.

Your thoughts if you would - I just had that harness given to me. I will be single handing a Nacra 5.2 and weigh in the 160 or so range. I'm curious as to why it is better for the crew than skipper, and what would you think if single handing using it?

Dick

It is bulky and reduces my flexability. Skipper usually has both hands occupied there fore placing more of a premium on being able to move about with out using hands as leverage or supports. The pro aguata is ok but I prefer a lighter full harness or half harness when on the helm.

The Worrell XT is available through Key Sailing in Pensacola, Fl. You can check their Web site for contact informaiton www.keysailing.com. I used this harness during the OBX500 and it saved my groin. The harness has wide straps and a hiking-pant arrangement that wraps your thighs rather than the thin straps that go across your crotch area. I wore a Gull Pro on the first day and had large bruises and cuts on my butt and groin after about eight hours on the wire, and that's while wearing the harness over a dry suit and fleece. The Worrell was so comfortable I didn't even notice it. I'll never wear anything else for distance racing.

I would recomend a Murray's Marrine full harness, they are axtremely comfortable and supportive, hte pricing is decent, and you can get them with eigther a hook, or the ball and socket version. They also are very durrable. My freind has had his for several years, and except for some fading it still looks new.

I got a magic marine harnes and I will never buy anything from them again. The material started to rot away in less than a full season. I was extremely disapointed. Also I have heard that some guys have been having trouble with the hooks on the magic marine harnesses breaking. I've only heard this from one place though.

www.murrays.com

Doug,
I am your size and I single hand.

I switched to the 'ball and socket'. After 1 season, all is well. I re-rigged the set up to eliminate the pulley. Now I have Kevlar direct( from the trap wire) to a pre-set height on the 'ball' part. Works great and one less thing to break.
The 'ball' hangs in the socket and after you 'feed' it to postion, it stays there, does not 'fall out' at an unopportune time, like the' hook and ring' can. So, it works well in the tradewinds of the Caribbean.

By the by, skippers our size gotta check out those welds, I have broken welds on the dogbone ring, hooks on harnesses. It is no fun to be in competition and have this stuff go.

Have you considered a half harness? I have a Murray Race half harness and a 8 year old Magic Full HArness, all fabric with a leather butt. If it is over 20 mph and 4 footers, I go full harness. Otherwise, the half harness is almost as good and the freedom of upper body movement is 100%.

Whatever you choose, make sure you like it!

regards

Bruce
St. Croix
I 17 Euro