Hobie Cat Forums

I'm planning on buying a couple of new Harnesses, or if someone is selling some and can ship them internationally, I'm all ears.

Question is: Which type is better?

So far I know of the spreader and non-spreader.

Also, how much support do I need if planning on racing with it?

I'd recommend a spreader type... it used to crush my hips if I were trapped out long, with a spreader bar it's much more comfy

Definetly us a spreader. Full harness is much more comfortable.

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1979 Hobie (sold)
1983 Hobie 16 Hawiian Sunset (sold)
1981 Hobie 16 Tequilla Sunrise - still own
2008 Hobie 16 (currently sailing the crap out of this boat)
1977 Super Sunfish
John

Full harness is more comfy... unless you are sitting on the tramp waiting for wind.

Definitely the spreader, the "butt buckets" work, buuuuut, know they can be uncomfortable and I once heard a woman refer to them as "coochie cutters."

Consider the keyhole system, too. I converted mine after the first capsize with my 9 y.o. daughters having remembered an article of a racer who got trapped under after a capsize b/c the hook was twisted around a shroud. He got out but it was "memorable."

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

Which ever one you think is the most comfortable. I see a lot of people going back to a diaper style with out the spreader bar, but with shoulder straps like the Zhik, and Goodall harnesses.

I use a Magic Marine harness typically. I still have a full Hobie harness that I use when I wear a drysuit just because its bigger.

The Magic Marine Pro Racing Harness is actually pretty comfortable, if you can believe that a harness can actually be comfortable. It has great back support and plenty of padding on the leg straps.

Just make sure they're gender friendly. Being trapped out while sitting on your jewels isn't fun at all !!! I could even withstand some back discomfort but NOT that !!!

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Happy Sailing,

David

Here are few examples of harness', oh btw, they are for sale on Hobie classifieds.

I have a Gul Stokes, I'm happy with it. It's not a high end model at 115$, but for a recreational sailor, it does the job.

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Marc...
1978 Hobie 16 Keoke, sail# 36 84

For the skipper position I prefer just a seat harness. I especially like the Magic Marine seat harness, or 1/2 harness (can't remember exactly what they call it). If they were still running the Worrell, and I had time to do it, I'd go with a full harness. For anything less, I'm stick with the seat.

I personally love my Zhik T1, which has now been superseded by the T2. The only negative after three years of use is that it was (and still is) terribly expensive.



I also bought a Gill Trapeze Harness this summer, which is almost as good as the Zhik, and quite a bit more affordable.



Both are very simple, with a minimal amount of straps and buckles, good back support, and a spreader bar (which I wouldn't want to live without).

Check out the Annapolis Performance Sailing website for a broader selection:

http://www.apsltd.com/c-3825-trapeze-harnesses.aspx

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-Roland
Sailing vintage Hobie Cats in West Africa.

Instead of having to wear a harness that looks like an adult diaper (Depends), I would prefer a harness that is easy to put on/off and less restrictive. More like a sling (remember the old rubber strap swingsets). Are there such simple harnesses?

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Tim
82' H16
Sail # 88863
Panama City Beach, FL

IturbeR - Spreader bars are definitely more comfortable and so are the crotchless, or gender friendly trap suits.
Seat harness or full harness???? It really depends on how long you'll be trapped out before tacking or jibing. A full harness is usually more comfortable for very long tacks, but the shorter harness is more comfortable for sitting on the tramp and for shorter, more frequent tacks.
You mentioned that you're planning on buying a couple of new harnesses. Why not buy one of each - short and full harness?
I wouldn't be too concerned with which manufacturer makes the best, most comfortable harness. You'll get used to whichever harness you purchase. I would go with availability and cost - with a spreader bar and crotchless.