what kind of harness should i get

Beginning my 2nd summer on a Hobie Cat and now that I think I have the hang of it I'm definately looking forward to learning the trapeze. I have a double trap system and usually sail with my wife or a buddy of mine who's equally enthusiastic -- but I still need to buy some harnesses. So any recommendations? I'm inclined to get the Full 'Auto' Harness from Hobie. Can I use a regular life vest with this or should I spring for a short-profile vest as well???

I am impressed that you sailed your 16 for two years without the use of a harness. I would make my choice of harness dependent on the location you are sailing at.
If I sail at my lake close to my house I wear my windsurfing harness (seat style) - here it is gusty, there is a lot of in and out on the wire action and the distances between the tacks are never very long. If I sail on the coast or at one of the bigger lakes I wear a full harness (I have a DaKine model that I like).
It is kind of a trade of - support vs. mobility

Patrick

I like the convertible Hobie harness. with a short profile vest. your regular vest will most likely get in the way.

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Brad Stephens
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Cat's I have both the convertible and skippers harness and find myself using the skippers harness the most. Acutally I have almost worn the butt out of it and have a couple of seams giving out. The skippers harness is a tad bit shorter in the back as compared to the convertible which gives me less hang ups while crawling under the boom during tacks. I use the convertible with shoulder straps when I crew with a friend on his F18 and it works very well. Both are very good but I would have to give the skippers the slight edge.

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07 H16
Sail No. 110387

ok-- thanks for the advice. I think I'll get 2 different ones so if I don't like one I can just use the other. One other thing though -- I live at least 90 miles from the nearest dealer and you can't buy from hobie online.... Any one recommend a good reliable online supply?

Cat's Paw
(Jason)

your dealer might mail you one though a phone order. There is one other place I think is good but I am kinda bias on that opinion!

_________________
Brad Stephens
[email protected]
(866) 786-5266 <--- Advice HOTline
http://www.sunjammers.com
www.facebook.com/sunjammers

consider the magic marine ones. They are well made and have an emergency release on the hook. I used their skipper harness for a couple of months last year and am very happy with it. I solo mostly and don't really want to get out too flat in the trap, so back support hasn't been a problem. I don't know where you are located, but in the Northeast, Fay's is a great place. http://www.faysboatyard.com/store.html They are a Hobie dealer and Dave is very knowledgeable and he ships for free. They also have a store on ebay.
A short PDF is definitly a plus with the skipper style harness.

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Alfred
'87 H16 Sail 89907
If you aren't sailing on the edge, you're taking up too much room.

I used an uncomfortable "butt bucket diaper" for a couple years and then later picked up a full harness. It was obviously a major improvement over the diaper but I find keeping the shoulder straps in place somewhat annoying and cumbersome. It is hard to find a strap adjustment that works standing up, sitting down, and hiking out. My next harness will probably be something like a high back seat harness, the kind used for kite surfing. Maybe a DaKine Fusion or similar.