Hello, since this my fist post, let me first start by thanking "The Beachcats.com" for a great place to hang out. Second, I have learned much from sitting back and taking in what ya'll offer each other in our shared passion. Hopefully one day I will contain the knowledge to pass on to help keep the know-how cyclical. Till then thank you all that gather here.

After owning my H14Turbo for many years I made the quantum leap to a Nacra 6.0na. I love that I can now share my passion with others because the boat is huge. I would like to ask however what personal gear people use on these technical boats? I have noticed that after hanging on a wire for short time that my back and neck gets sore. I never feel adjusted. My life jacket is always riding up. Also I tend to slip and slide when I'm on the rail. I feel less confident there. I'm doing good to keep the boat on course from the rail. To put it humorously - I feel like the Michelin Man in an obstacle course.

Thanks for the help

Let me see if I can help kick off some feed back. What I really want to know is what brands are favored (jackets,harness, garments, etc). What gear works? I know good and proper gear isn't cheap. I just want some opinions from the guys/gals that know what they like.

Thanks for the replys.

I wear a hobie spreader bar full harness w/legs. It is six years old still comfy. stohlquist kayak style pdf. Spray suit in spring. always carry radio com device, flares, knife, water, paddle.

I think it's largely a personal preference thing. Too bad we can't test these things out before we buy! That said, I've used a few kayaking PFDs, and like my Lotus very much. I am unhappy with my Murray's Pro harness, with aluminum spreader. I thought the extra support would be ideal, but perhaps I don't have enough meat on my bones. It tends to put the squeeze on during long sails. I've pretty well worn out my Gul booties. They've started to leave some of their sole on the boat, but I can't complain, they're at least 13 years old! Hope to replace them this year, probably with ones from Northwest River Supply that have more support. There was a thread on the Catsailor forum about a new harness from Zhik(?) that uses velcro. I think the few reviews they had were good. Hope this is some help. Do you sail that boat solo? Great boat, but it seems they can be a lot to handle. Brian Mc

Best harness I've found is a windsurfing rig. Comes with a spreader (10 inch) and rigid padding in the rear for back support--I'm 58 and 210 lbs and I solo three Hobies (H16, H17, & H18) so I'm on the wire a bit with all three. Also, I like the lightweight padded seat & knees pants, I have several makes. Lastly, I'm almost never out without my fullbrim Tilly--tied on, of course. I know it sounds like a lot of protection (sun & skin wise), but hey, the cold weather is for younger guys. I like my cats on the beach & in the sun.

Parks Schaefer

i have heard great things about the Zhik harness too.. but its expensive.

I also get squeezed by my murray's.

My PFD rides up me too.. so i unzip it on the wire. i have a string that ties the top together.

I got tired of digging my chin into my neoprene PFD that I use for water skiing so started the life jacket search. I noticed that Stohlquist made two models that they market through Hobie for sailing; the Wedge-E and the Drifter. The Drifter is also carried by Murrays.

I went with the Wedge-E first because of the low profile. I used it over my rash guard and had it ride up on my chest like the others. I talked with the salesperson who stated that the belly belt on these PFD's must be cinched down in order to hold it in place. This is a major issue when the bottom of the jacket has to be worn on top on my harness (Murrays Race half harness). Talk about a pinch! Not a very comfortable combination and then go crawling across a trampoline.

I going to try the Drifter next but think that the harness/PFD interface will continue to be a problem. I am anxious to see what the veterans have to offer on this topic.