Trapvests vs. PFD and Butt Bucket combo

I am renewing my Hobie Cat life (Hobie 16) after having raced significantly from 1976 thru 1986. I am fortunate enough to have found a mint condition 16 with barely a scratch or bump mark on it as it was a well cared for race tuned machine.

In any event, back then, we wore what was known as a trapvest which doubled as an approved PFD and trapeze harness. This eliminated the need to wear both a PFD and a butt bucket. I have not been able to find any trapvests either brand new or used anywhere on the market. Does anyone have any information on them? Did they stop making them etc.


Thanks!

Never heard of a "trapvest" but I can pretty much guarantee you that a modern life jacket and harness will blow away anything from 30+ years ago with regard to comfort and performance. This equipment has really been refined over the years, making it hard to believe we actually tolerated the harnesses from the past (can you say wedgie, or reverse wedgie??).

When buying a life jacket, look for one that is either sailing specific or kayaking specific. These types of vests tend to have the most clearance around the trapeze hook as well as large, comfortable openings for your arms.

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Thanks for reply. I hear you...but it sure was nice to only have to deal with ONE item that took care of both the PFD and trapeze harness...and they were very comfortable.

I've been looking at using this one.

_________________
Marty
1984 H16 Yellow Nationals Redline, "Yellow Fever"
Lake Martin, 'Bama.

I have a Cabela's Comfort Mesh PFD that looks very similar but has two zippered pockets. It's very comfortable and I can get everything I want in the pockets. I probably would not want to use it if I had a trapeze because it seems bulky at the front, with lots of stuff to get caught.

You are lokking for something like this



https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/58 ... ze-harness

_________________
F18 Hobie Wildcat sail nr NED 066 & NED 1111
F18 Hobie Tiger sail nr 973 sold
Hobie 16 sail nr 104195 sold
470 sailnr NED 560 sold

That CE certified 50n is not USCG approved for use in the USA. Too small for the US and in Europe they only allow it for inshore sailing with support at hand.

https://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=52932

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Very close........I have a picture of one circa 1985 if I can figure out how to post it into this response!


Thanks!

I have some pictures of it but can't figure out how to download them on this site!!!

I have two original Hobie "butt buckets" that came with my boat circa 1984, blue with yellow flying H logos on them, barely even used at all. I will try to get a pic if that is what you are wanting a pic of.

Here are they are.


I will try to get some inside shots if needed.
I went ahead and took a few more pics.





These things are like brand new, never used and actually have some padding in them. I think I may just use them or should they just go in a Hobie Museum? Lol.

I like these life vests because they have some back support and a few pockets also.

_________________
Marty
1984 H16 Yellow Nationals Redline, "Yellow Fever"
Lake Martin, 'Bama.