Hello, I'm very new to cat sailing. I recently bought a 1985 Hobie 16 (for a song) which is in excellent condition. It's pretty much ready to sail but I need a trapeze harness. I've checked on Murrays.com and looked at the various harnesses but there are several different models and styles. My sailing is going to be on a 2500 acre lake so I probably won't be out on trap for long periods of time before I have to change direction. Anyway, I need a recommendation for a harness for the wife and I. I appreciate all responses and help. Oh, here's a pic of my boat.

http://www.jackieandalan.com/images/hobie16.jpg

Alan

Alan,

I am almost sorry to hear that you got an '85 H-16 for a low price since I own one and don't want the price to go down . I use the standard Hobie harness that has the full shoulder straps. I find it is much more comfortable than the so called "butt bucket". You may plan to just sail on the small lake but my guess is that you will trailer the boat to other bodies of water once you get used to it. You will enjoy it. I bought my boat new in '85 and have been sailing it for 21 years.

Howard

Hi - and welcome to the exciting world of Hobie Cat sailing. For what it's worth, I really like the magic Marine Pro Mesh harness:

http://www.magicmarinegear.com/m/_general/p_harn.asp



my $.02

Howard,

Thanks for the info. I paid $850 with trailer and extra sails. It has been parked in an enclosed barn for 7 years. I think the guy just wanted to get rid of it. I obliged him.

AE

Mmmmm....looks good. What does something like that cost? Also, I'm using a Stohlquist Drift pfd. Can you use that harness with a pfd? Do you guys use pfds? Thanks.

AE

1st off - always wear a PDF. Yes I wear an Extrasport PDF over that harness, My wife has a Hobie Harness and she wears the Harness over her PDF. It's all a matter of preference.

The Pro-mesh is around $130.00 I guess. I can't remember.

They have a Dealer Locator that may help you out.

Magic Marine is not hard to find. The Hobie Harness is a good one too. I like full for back support - but in light or flukie air I will wear a butt bucket / Half harness, if there is a lot of in and out.

You scored on the price!

The Hobie Full Auto harnesses are great. Very adjustable and quite confortable. Don't get a butt bucket. They have no back support.

since you're not going to be trapped out for long periods at a time, back support is not that big of an issue

That's what I'm thinking. But I plan to ask around a bit. We have a big cat community here in OKC, so I'll check and see what everyone else is doing.

Try a butt bucket first and then a full harness. That should help you decide.

That's what I'm thinking. But I plan to ask around a bit. We have a big cat community here in OKC, so I'll check and see what everyone else is doing. [/quote]

Hi Alan,

Get out there to Lake Hefner, get that thing wet, find out what harness works for you guys and join in on the festivities the 29th and 30th of this month!

It's parked at Hefner now! It is supposed to be almost 90 this weekend so you better believe that I will be out there. I plan on being at the Hobie festivities on the 29th. See you there. Oh...bring some Fat Tire beer. We can't get it in Oklahoma.

I have the Hobie Skipper's harness. I can't remember how much it cost but I know cost was a factor when I bought it. I have spent at least 15 to 20 minutes in it on a tack and can't complain about discomfort. I have spent a bit of time in climbing harnesses so it could be relative.

Personnal preference plays a big part in harness selection. Try to borrow and sail using several other peoples' harnesses to get an idea what you may like.

I have a full Murrays and a half Hobie. I prefer the half but I'm in the minority. The padding in the Hobie tends to soak up a lot of water. The Murrays is almost shot and I need to replace it so, if anyone has recent gear reviews, I'd like to hear them.

Alan,
About 1/2 year ago a similar subject was actual on the forum, "Looking for harness recommendation". Might give some additional information. I tried some before buying one. And sailing quite often alone I use the trapeze any moment I can. Surely big part of all the fun - also also on short tacking courses!!!
Good luck

Eddie
Hobie # 99173

As a male, a bigger consideration than full or half harness might be crotched (diaper) or crotchless design. I prefer crotchless, though a bit more hassle to get on/off. Women don't seem to care as much, one way or the other, lol.

OTOH, some hardcore offshore type guys wear a jock+cup (plus shin guards, helmets, etc.), in case they end up straddling a spar, so the diaper kind works fine and even adds more padding, "just in case".

Something to consider...

Personally, I like the security of a full harness, and DEFINETLY go crotchless . When out on the wire you can cinch in the shoulder straps to redistribute the "hang" of the harness, and if you find it too restricting just loosen the straps. I have three harnesses, and the Hobie full harness gets the nod from me.

Just my 2 cents....Have fun!

two cents? Maybe we should up the antie.

Nappy or crotchless? We have two full Nappy (Musto) and one full crotchless (old school Murray's). All are one size too large, in order to get the spreader bar in the proper position (i.e. so it doesn't grind into your pelvic bone while in use or on tramp). Neither of us like the crotchless at all, it fatigues the legs sooner, and is not as comfortable. We usually sail for four to six hours at a go and are trapped out when possible (most of the time is windy enough).

We have worn one layer of fabric off the seat of the Mustos. Probably mostly due to dinghie sailing on boat with non skid gunwhales. But, like having good knees and seats in foul weather attire it's something I'll check closer before the next purchase.

Interesting! I have a newer Jeff Alter full harness, crotchless design. The leg straps have lots of adjustment and are padded heavily. My nappy style harnesses are old, and that may be why they are so uncomfortable on longer hauls. The spreader bar is so much more comfortable (for me!) than the buckles on my nappy harness.

Agreed, buckles are out of the question. I/we haven't tried any newer crotchless, but are happy with the new nappy (sorry) and the price was right. Got ours on close-out (probably do to preconcieved notion they are uncomfortable).

It's been said already but, try as many as possible before you buy. We're all human an therefore shaped differently.