PFD's good for Hobie-ing

Guys,

What should I be looking for in a PFD for sailing the H18? Is there a specific type best suited for this type of sailing? I am thinking a PFD that is incorporated into a harness or something.

-Scott

...We will be sailing on WI inland lakes.

-S

you will want them to be comfortable enough to wear full time. not just laying on the deck.. stay away from black as these can be hot in the sun. i like mine "cut" a little higher at waist to allow movement. "kayak' style is a good place to start, rather than "hunter or water ski" types. try on as many as you can. a pocket or 2 is good for gloves.good neck clearance is a plus. try on a bunch. you won't need a high impact rating that a ski vest needs. you will want them adjustable, for a variety of crew. don't forget the throw able.

Thanks Raisehull,

Is a harness a completely different unit. ie, A harness will work with any type PFD I buy?

i have used the harness so little. i mean its fun. but 7 out of 10 times. the crew wont. it's mostly for the skipper who has no real way to hang on. if you putting 3 on the boat, prob won't need it much. bring it with though.
on Pewaukee Lake the runs cans be quite short depending on the wind.

follow the articles on here about the rudders kicking up..... a lot of older boats, they don't like to. watch which way you put the furler on.

A harness will work with most life jackets, though with my ski-vest style life jackets, the vest is too long and gets in the way. Still usable, just a hassle. The harnesses are $100 each for the bucket type, but there are cheap "cloth" type on ebay and the like for $50 if you just wanted to give it a shot. The more expensive harnesses are more comfortable.

I disagree with raisehull about harness usage. I like to use mine whenever the wind is heavy enough for it, and in moderate to strong and/or gusty winds, skipper and crew are almost always on the wire. Harnesses are tricky to figure out for a beginner, as it adds another step in tacking, but with a little practice you'll get the hang of it. I didn't start using them in earnest until my second or third year sailing the boat (It took me that long to get comfortable enough sailing the boat on it's own to really make the effort to learn how to trapeze).

Personally, I think the Hobie 18 was meant to be sailed from the trapeze. Being out on the wire is MUCH more comfortable than sitting on the fiberglass deck or trampoline, gives you far superior control, a much better feel for the boat, and gives you better leverage to keep the boat down and therefore allows you to reach higher speeds. Granted, it's all about the type of sailing you want to do. If you're just looking for a leisurely sail and don't want to use them, then you probably won't. They can be a hassle, and make things a bit more of a work out. You can sail in the same winds with or without a harness, but without, you'll have to de-power the boat more, travel out more, pinch up more, and/or spill more air from your sails, sooner than you'd have to if you were double-trapped on the wire.

_________________
Mike

'79 H18 standard 'Rocketman II' sail #14921 RIP
'78 H18 (unnamed) sail #14921
'08 H16 sail #114312
'97 H21SC sail #238

i like the kayaking style PFD, it is more comfortable when sitting down and better when you are wearing a harness too. Keeps the lifejacket from covering the hook, or getting pushed up into your neck. I have Extrasport brand PFD's and like them. A pocket or two in the front in helpful. All my PFD's have a whistle tethered in the front pocket, I also have a radio tethered in my vest. But I am sailing on Lake Michigan which can be similar to ocean sailing.

Check out the Extrasport Chica PFD, it is a kayaking PFD with a front pocket. It is also designed with women in mind but is fine for men also, just has a little extra space up top. My spare is a Chica, and am told it is more comfortable for women. And a PFD does you little good when not being worn properly.

I had an 18 for the last 10 years and absolutely loved being on the trapeze as the skipper, even a better rush when hiking off of the wings. It takes getting used to it, but in steady wind the wire is the place to be.

_________________
Scott
Hobie 18 w/wings
Hobie/Holder 12 Funseeker
2 Hobie Waves
Tandem Oasis Kayak
Hobie 16
Southern California