With my 250lbs and the wings on my H17 there has never been a real need to use the trapeze. Last week however in wind force 5 I removed the wings and gave it a try. To be short, it was not a success, it felt awkward and it made me feel sick (harness probably too tight at certain places).
How do you use your trapeze? Are you hooked in all the time, even when you sit on the hull or trampoline or do you quickly hook in when there is a need? How long is your trapeze line (can you move around on your trampoline when hooked?) and do you all use some type of mechanism to adapt the effective length of the line? How do you get into position, do you move your body out exclusively using the handle/gripper on the trapeze line? How do you deal with the helm and the main sheet while dealing with the trapeze at the same time? So lots of questions, all practical tips are very welcome!
Thanks, Bart
PS Is using the trapeze ever comfortable?
Bart,
It is well worth learning. Trapping gives you a whole new experience when sailing. Instead of repeating what many others have written, I would suggest looking at the Hobie support pages. This is the last place I remember seeing instructions on how to trap.
Yes, most of us use adjustable trap mechanisms to make getting in and out and adjusting your height while on teh wire. If you look though this forum I believe you will see a thread or two about this.
If the harness is adjusted properly trapping can be comfortable for the better part of the day.
Bart,
The trapeze lines on the H17 are probably adjusted for trapezing off the wings. They are probably too long for trapezing off the hulls and will leave you practically swimming.