Looking at safety issues ,-planning distance races for next season and accessing equipement through the list .--
Dave- found this great looking loop type trap handle ----
http://www.mak-design.com/ Engineering wise always try to look at things in reverse in an attempt to understand practical function ,
Many catsailors have experienced the trap hook on the harness --[generally mounted on a ridgid spreader bar } -punching a hole through the hull of the capsized cat while trying to slide up to right ,-and much worse getting snagged on a line or wire while capsized ,--some very experienced catsailors have tradgecally drowned in this way .
I've been there myself with my trap hook snagged on a stern safety line tangled around the rudder pulled taught unable to get enough slack on it to get loose . If you panic your done . you either get your knife out or slip out of your harness or life jacket . --not good either way .
The very simple concept I,m currently thinking of is to reverse the set up -
Mount the trap handle on the harness spreader bar with a snap shackle ,---then have the hook mounted--{ eitheradjustable or fixed -per preference } ---on the end of the trap wire .
simple reversal but potentially much safer and no more holes through the hull sides if you slip .
The hook would be up higher in front more easily undone in a capsize situation , key is it is no longer directly attached to the sailor in a ridig position where a downward force is the only means of getting free , the buoyant life jacket often prevents this downward movement .
Seen the ball and socket type trap system but this simple reverse system may be better .
A snap schackle attachment would be the backup if the loop were to get caught up ,-but the loop could be tucked in behind the harness spreader bar when not in use .
Has anyone already tryed this set up ?
thanks
Carl Roberts
Also -I,ve snapped 3 streader bars --m m type which they replaced ,-but at 220 maybe the constant cycles fatigue them in long ocean racing in seas more rapidly than ever antisipated ,---do any have a great spreader bar recommendation .along with a lighter weight type harness -
If any current mfg. made this set up believe it would become very popular . -be happy to help .
Carl