Make-shift harness

Has anyone tried using a climbing harness or even tying a Swiss seat instead of Hobie's full fabric seat. I'm a sailor on a budget.

What sort of results did you have? How was it flying the hull and sailing at the same time compared to a Hobie harness?

Don't know about the climbing harness. However, Hobie used to make an economy harness. Just a basic diaper type harness made from sail cloth. If they still make it, it's probably pretty cheap.

Otherwise, you should be able to find a used one pretty easily, most long time sailors have old ones laying around. Also, windsurfing "seat" harnesses work fine.

I wouldn't use anything that has a latching carabiner-style hook. You want to be able to unhook easily if necessary for safety.

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If you are interested I'm pretty sure that I have two of the old style harnesses that srm is talking about. I'd have to go look up the sizes but I don't think they fit me, I've just kept them around as a just in case I need them kind of thing but if they'll help you get on the wire I could probably get rid of them pretty cheaply.

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

If he can't help you get ahold of me, I have an extra laying around.

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Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

Correction, it looks like I actually have about 4 of them. The sizes aren't marked but I would guess they are somewhere between small and large.

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

Hey I cant get your email from the site so hopfully you will see this reply. I am interested in buying a couple harnesses if you think they are like a large. I wear like a 36 waist, if you think I could fit I will make an offer. thanks man

Check out eBay. I have seen quite a few of them there for around $30, including the speader bar (a $30 value in itself)

You can use a climbing harness and one carabiner. Simply put the carabiner in your belay loop and then tape it open so it is attached to the harness, and it will act like a hook. I just used one yesterday in 25mph winds, full extension trapezing, no problems. Full harness is probably a bit more comfortable, but also expensive. Plus what happens if you come across a great little cliff that you want to climb, and you have your climbing rope and gear, what good is a sailing harness going to do?

I can see that, although I would be apprehensive about using it for climbing after all the water exposure.

Tried it out with a swiss seat and a hook I barrowed from an old engine lift. It worked great. Could be a bit more comfertable but hey, it was free. And I have a righting strap right there on me at all times.