Paul D. wrote:I second the counsel to start with new stuff if this material has any sort of long term mold and mildew or any fraying signs. The real killer for this material is UV too. Stored properly, nylon or polyester webbing will last for years. I still have climbing items from the '90's that I would trust. But if you don't know the history of it, then it is suspect.
I set up jack lines and testers from climbing materials, carribiners, webbing etc. so a little different than the true sailing stuff but the same purpose: Keeping me attached to the boat. I use them whenever sailing any sort of passage or night time/solo work. The West Marine stuff is pretty expensive. You can set up a similar system from a climbing perspective for much less money - but it would not have some features you might consider pretty key. I would like to improve my system with a snap shackle for the tether to harness link for example. However, I believe having a strong, lightweight aluminum carribiner works well for a simple tether to jackline link. But I am an old climber so it works for me. I also use some of this gear to go up the mast safely.
A system for staying attached to the boat is something you really want if doing any sort of passage or you are in a big seaway. I would consider your sailing plans and think how best to piece one together. To us CD'ers, I think this sort of planning is actually fun.
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Hello all. Good suggestions.
I would like to throw out a couple of pertinent tidbits.
Our safty harness and tether systems are a variation of standard professional serious fall protection which in the construction industry has raised its ugly head, particularly in the nuclear power business, because so many have died trying to cut corners in the requirements. We would hate to see that happen here. Several things they drilled into us users during yearly requalifications in the nuk business, aside from actually wearing it are:
Plan for a fall, but design to prevent it.
The chest harness design is a key component.
In our case, utilize all hardware rated 5000 pounds or greater, or as per latest coast guard recommendations.
Always have a short and long lanyard, attached at the chest area, not at the waist, so if you do fall, you are caught with your head up, and not snapping your back.
A parallel short lanyard should be used when ever possible at a working station such as at the mast.
Set up your straps and lanyard so you can not fall 6 ft from a safe location. In our case that means when you set up your tether, plan for that 6 ft to keep you in or on the boat.
If you get your system wet, make sure it gets washed in mild soapy water and dried, out of the sun. UV and mildew is destructive and reduce your ratings.
Never allow your life saving harness to mold or mildew in a dark damp locker, which will degrade the materials.
Discard and replace any old style self mousing or slide-closed latching systems which may self release, or hard to release.
Assume you will go into over the side, and plan to prevent it.
I personally also recommend carrying a mirror signaling device, a knife, and some sealed miniature signal flares with my self inflating life vest.
When wearing it under normal conditions the "harness" portion of the PFD is across my waist. If a tether were attached and pulled (i.e. falling down/over) the harness portion would (should) ride up to near chest level.
Much appreciated and very educational