Hugh Greenwald of the old Sailing Systems, Inc. (SSI) marketed a product called SailSafe in the 1970s and 1980s, which is the ball and socket you describe. I use it on both my 20 and 14 Turbo for the reasons mentioned in prior posts. The only two drawbacks are that you have to have crew that agrees with the concept. Most of the more youthful folks like their own harness which came with a hook. So sometimes we restring the trap wires to accommodate their preference. The second is that they are getting harder to find when you want a replacement. (I've only had to replace two since 1984.) I've attached a photo to this reply showing the buckle. I really hope somebody brings this item back, because Hugh doesn't have any or the molds either last time I contacted him at Hobie Cat.
Sounds like a Beta vs. VHS issue to me. If there is enough call for it, it will return. Capitalism works that way. Count me in as a customer if they do return.
Paul Scott Bartelt
2001 NACRA 6.0 NA #546
Re: Speaking of Harness Dangers,..what about the B
[Re: Miracle804]
#6601 04/30/0208:39 PM04/30/0208:39 PM
Here is a poor photo of the handle with the ball. The buckle handle and ball are all black plastic (ABS?). There is a 2.5" twisted wire stainless cable that connects the handle and ball. The replacements I've made were the result of damage while storing them -- never from use. The only common problem is that you must keep the trap line under tension as you hike out. If the trap wire goes slack ( if you stand up rather than lean out), the ball drops out of the V-groove in the buckle. Exactly the action you want --- free release --- in any capsize.
I sail a Inter 17,....in the Caribbean,....If I get in trouble,.....it is only me that will be there,.........so you can see how I want to get rid of the 'hook'.
Where can I get this?,.....I need only 2 'ball' set up,.....and 1 harness set up
Bruce
St. Croix
Re: Speaking of Harness Dangers,..what about the B
[Re: brobru]
#6606 05/03/0212:10 PM05/03/0212:10 PM
I'd like this too. I often sail solo in the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. While there are plenty of boats around to lend a hand, I wouldn't count on them actually getting there in time to help me if I were caught underneath the boat.
Perhaps if we got enough people together to sign a petition or some similar document, and sent it in to Murrays, we could get this put back into production.
G-Cat 5.7M #583 (sail # currently 100) in Bradenton, FL
Hobie 14T