footstraps on hullsi was wondering

i was wondering if footstraps on the back of the hulls are a good way to A. prevent trips around the forestay, or B. tear your foot off. Any advice? i guess i'll need an adjustable trapeze rig to get back there. also do the anti pitchpole foils for the front of the bows work?
thanks peter m sooke bc

A few of us called them "suicide straps" Lots of opinions on them but mine is "do it".

I made them up of clear vinyl tubing with a piece of rope through the middle and the ends tied through holes drilled through the overhang on the gunwales. You can also get a really nice kit made of flat strap and neoprene that screws down. Mine were cheap, but worked. Make sure, if you put them on, to mount them with enough of an arch to easily slip your foot in while wearing booties. They are also handy just to use as handles when beaching your boat.

They do increase your ablity to maintain stable footing when you are on a screaming reach where ALL your weight is working to lift that leward bow. They also add a little extra "oomph" to that one-way trip around the forestay when you do, eventually, pitchpole

Have fun!

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The fact that this windy world is largely covered in water obviously means that man was meant to sail.

Some people I sail with use footstraps from a windsurfer mounted aft of the tramp-seems to work well! Can't speak for the bow foils, though-Dave

thanks for the feedback guys, the next question is how far back do you put them? half way between the tramp post and the back of the hull ?, or as far back as possible? i don't want to be drilling half a dozen holes back there! thanks again peter m

You can get away with one on each hull but I put two pair with the first about 6-8 inches aft of the rear pylon and the second one about 4-6 inches past that one I believe.

If you want to keep one foot up on the rear corner casting and one on the hull then just put one strap (on each side of course) at a comfortable distance back from the pylon so that you have a good firm stance but not too wide.

Ohh oohh - I hope to be out this weekend. I have my fleece undies all ready to keep the jewels warm

Have fun Peter.

_________________
The fact that this windy world is largely covered in water obviously means that man was meant to sail.