Harness - over or under PFD? :: Catamaran Sailboats at TheBeachcats.com

Harness - over or under PFD?

martin_langhoff

Rank: Mate

Registered: Oct 26, 2016

Last visit: Feb 14, 2025

Posts: 235
Posted: Sep 05, 2022 - 12:29 PM

I've worn it both ways, but historically preferred the harness under the PDF, mainly because then the shoulder straps are tight on my shoulders.

Now I have a fancy pants Zhik T3 with the safety emergency detach/eject velcro. Fits nice, in particular since my wallet is now considerably thinner –

Anyway, if I ever need it, the eject velcro won't do me much help if the harness is under the PDF, because I can't easily detach the shoulder straps nor get out of them. So _over_ is the safe option. But now the shoulder straps "fall off" my shoulders anytime they're not under tension.

Thoughts?
dirtybanana

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Nov 27, 2021

Last visit: Jan 10, 2024

Posts: 24
Posted: Oct 12, 2022 - 03:09 PM

I have a Magic Marine harness and I think on my quick release, it lets go of the spreader bar in an emergency and wouldn't require removing the shoulder straps. I could be wrong though... My harness fits best UNDER my PFD and the emergency release is still below the bottom of my PFD.

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Tim Gibson
1982 Hobie 16 Carumba Sails
1980 Hobie 14 Cat Fever Sails (SOLD)
Memphis, TN
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cholley12

Rank: Mate

Registered: Feb 28, 2018

Last visit: Dec 12, 2024

Posts: 148
Posted: Oct 15, 2022 - 03:18 AM

I wear mine under

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Captain Chris Holley
Fulshear, TX
'87 Prindle 19 "¡Hijole!"
'74 sunfish "1fish"
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