Tell me about trapeze harness and wire performance.
There is a sea (pun intended) of information and styles out there. Half, full, wire spreader, something that looks like I need a rocket science degree just to get into it, and one that could possibly castrate me. Here is what I have on my mind, input on this would be appreciated.

I need a double harness rig with wires.
1.) Safety - Can't kill the son wife would be mad.
2.) Comfort - No explanation needed.
3.) Class Legal - Will this be an issue?
4.) Performance- What do people who race where? and why?

Do they adjust? say if I want to trap higher or lower on the hull? Am I not understanding the concept?

Thanks in advance.

Ron

I wear a full Gul harness purchased from murrays, very comfortable, simple to adjust and get into. It has a spreader bar, which helps to spread the load out and ease pressure on your hips. As far as I know, anything you buy from Murrays, Cat Sailor's web store, or Hobie will be class legal.

The wires attach about 3/4 up the mast. At the buisness end (where you hook in) there is an adjustable line that controls your height while trapezing. An aftermarket addition makes it possible to adjust your height while out on the wire. I would also recommend J&H "can't miss" style trap rings. Much easier to hook into, and don't hurt as bad as factory "dog bones" when you catch one in the jaw.

You might not need a double wire set up right from the start. Your early 80's Hobie should have a single trap wire set up. If you are new to hobie cat sailing you probably will be quiet busy even without a second trap setup. (that was at least true for me)

Hmmm women seem to have some trouble seeing the honor connected to an ealey death at sea...
There is a connection (wire to harness) called the "keyhole" system. The dog bone is replaced by a ball on a short stretch of wire - the ball is placed into a keyhole shaped opening on the spreader bar. This system is considered to be more removable in an emergency situation. Not sure if it is class legal.
Harness... I do not think there are a lot of restrictions with the class... I use a hip harness that is intended for windsurfing. I like it for its ease of use - especially when the distances between the tacks are short. On long stretches it is not really comfortable. Stay away from the old style bucket seats...

Performance... Double trap is the way to go... adjustability for heights is a good thing - especially for the crew who has more time to mess with that kind of stuff.

Patrick