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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Harness

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tbosch
Navigator

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163 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/10/2009 : 09:24:46

The jackline discussion has been a good one and I intend to set one up on my C25. Harnesses and tethers are easy to find from on-line vedors of sailing-related products but man they are expensive! Are there alternatives that are adequate that would not significantly reduce effectiveness? I feel like we are paying a premium because they are sailing-related.

What about a climbing harness? They don't go over your shoulders but they fit snugly and are meant to keey you upright (and my wife and I already one some).

What about harnesses and tethers you can buy that are meant for window washers and roofers? They seem very similar but are about half the cost. Any problems using these?

I suspect some of the materials are meant for marine (salt water) environments but I sail exclusively in fresh water.

Any other options that have worked for you? I'm not anxious to spend $500 for a 2 harnesses and a pair of tethers.

Todd
1980 C25 SR/FK "Dora"

Edited by - on

windsong
Captain

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USA
318 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2009 : 10:26:51

You don't have to get a harness that is built into the PFD. It's a nice convenience, but not necessary and will save you a bundle. As a caveat, I would say that this is one aspect of boat safety I wouldn't mess with. If I'm ever in a situation where I'm depending on that harness, I want to be 100% certain that it can do the job.

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2009 : 10:33:46

While Michael is spot on with the safety concern, I really think that the cost of tethers and harnesses is more about the cost of liability insurance rather than insuring highest quality with a little bit left for the "sailboat" factor. I would imagine that if I was hanging from a mountain, I'd expect it to hold as well as it would from a jackline.

Edited by - on

Peregrine
Admiral

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830 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2009 : 10:39:41

I would not use a climbing harness as a safety device. I used one when I worked point but I always went up on a halyard that was above me.
You might use a chest harness. But I am not recommending it.

Remember if you go over you will be dragged and I think a waist climbing harness will turn you over.
As for non-boating harnesses construction harnesses are as expensive if not more so.
I use an inflatable PFD harness and clip in when I have to reef.

I have used my climbing slings and "beaners" to make the tethers.
You don't get "do overs" if you go over.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5909 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2009 : 10:48:02

Defender.com has safety harnesses starting at $41.99 each, and double tethers starting at $65.00 each.

Edited by - on

Peregrine
Admiral

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830 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2009 : 10:52:08

Speaking of inflatable PFD's

Are we supposed to test them after a certain time?

I've have mine for a few years.
Is there some way to assure myself I have a "safety" device and not an anchor?

Edited by - on

Ed Cassidy
Captain

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USA
365 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2009 : 10:55:47

One note, I was wearing my inflatable SOSPENDERS from WM with a built in harness when the Coasties boarded us this past week. The wanted to look at the life vest and found that the harness does not meet USCG standards and disallowed the floatation device.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5909 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2009 : 11:01:06

Probably the best (practical) way to test an inflatable pfd is to manually inflate it. At least you'll know it can hold air. I had an inflatable belt pfd, and it got wet and inflated, and blew out a seam. It's a very good idea to test them.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2009 : 11:01:23

We have seperate harnesses from the PFDs. If I had it to do over again I would get the PFD with integral harness. Much easier to deal with than wearing two seperate items. Not a big deal but I would recommend the integrated approach.

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2009 : 11:01:44

Todd,
I used to climb as well, and I don't think I'd want to use a climbing harness for a sailing harness. Not because I don't think it's less safe, at least from a construction standpoint, but you don't want to be dragged in the water from your hips, you'd end up folded backwards into a U, and almost certainly drown in the process. If however you have a chest harness that goes along with your seat harness that redirects the force of the pull up to your chest then I think you'd be OK. I never used a chest harness while climbing so I don't have one, but Rita & I both have auto-inflating PFDs with integral harnesses, with dual tethers with quick releases, extra locking carabiners, plus all the other stuff like whistles, strobes, etc. Admittedly, these are expensive, but I'm not willing to take the chance, especially in Puget Sound with it's very cold water.

As far as window washer's / roofer's harnesses, I'd say they're as well made or more so than the dedicated marine harnesses most of us use, just bulkier and maybe a bit of overkill, but I think they'd work well as long as your attachment point is still about the center of your chest. Most of them I've seen are 2" webbing and made as full body harnesses.

Edited by - on

Peregrine
Admiral

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830 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2009 : 11:51:39

Just got off the phone with WM where I bought the inflatable PFD. He said there is no standard for replacing cartridges or the "bobbins". If the "pill" (his word) gets wet it will dissolve and inflate the vest, if it is an automatic so you will know it needs replacement (duh!).
He said a visual inspection of the cartridges and the entire vest is a good idea, rust where the cartridge attaches and worn seams are an indication the vest has not been stored well.
He liked the idea of blowing up the vest to see if it holds air.
Other than that the PFD should be good to go but I plan to stay IN the boat.

Edited by - Peregrine on 07/10/2009 19:15:46

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2009 : 12:20:55

I am not an inflateable guy. I still hav ethe old standby and yes they are less comfortable than an inflateable, but blown seams and cartridges not going off scare me. In my mind less moving parts is better.

We have a Victory Sailing harness and tether which we put on under the PFD before leaving dock. The harness doesn't get in the way of the PFD or vice versa.

Folks have said there is no need to wear both. They may be right, but I see it as a belt and suspenders thing. As long as I'm happy, who cares. As long as I'm sailing I'm happy...

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2009 : 17:46:40

Most (maybe all?) newere harneses have a stitched in warning tab. If the harness is subjected to enough load, the stitches break and reveal a warning strip indicating time to replace.

Edited by - on

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