Lirakis Safety Harness - How to use the tether?

[Brian D]

I purchases Lirakis Safety Harness and it arrived today. Whoot! But...

The harness is a no brainer on how to use it. It is the tether that I am a little confused. It has a clip on one end and is attached to one of the D-rings on the other end. I guess it is up to the user on how they want to tether-in.

I am willing to accept some suggestions on how to use the tether. One way I can think of would be to wrap the tether around a mast or stanchion and then clip to both D-rings. That would shorten the tether length. Another way would be to loop the tether in both D-rings. That would make the harness loose but then tighten if pressure is placed, such as falling.

Any suggestions?

 

[Jackdaw]

The loop thru both D-rings and then luggage-tagged to itself. The shackle is secured to the boat. You cut it off to get free. Many off-shore sailers agree with this; that you cannot pull a quick-release when its under any real load. #KnifeHandy.

 

[dlochner]

Brian, the person you want to talk to is @thinwater he has studied this extensively.

The big concern is not the harness, but the tether. The consensus seems to be that being able to release yourself from the tether is critical. There are 2 ways to do this, as @Jackdaw suggests use a knife to cut the tether. The other solution is to have a quick release shackle with a lanyard, that will release the tether. There have been well publicized cases where the person drowned because the person was not able to release the tether and was towed by the boat.

The other big issue is the shackle attached to the boat end of the tether. Under some circumstances the shackle will get caught and release, allowing the person at the other end to go overboard.

As I understand the problem the current best solution is produced by Kong. Here's a link: https://amzn.to/2XWN7dl

 

[Brian D]

@dlochner that link is not passing the smell test with my antivirus software. Got another link or the product name?

 

[Davidasailor26]

@dlochner that link is not passing the smell test with my antivirus software. Got another link or the product name?

Weird, just seems to be a link to an Amazon page. Here's a direct link to where it redirects - https://www.amazon.com/Kong-Tether-single-ISAF-compliant/dp/B00LZPHAD4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?crid=1RVYTZ6GTRDX2&keywords=kong+tether&qid=1552520292&s=gateway&sprefix=Kong+Teth,aps,129&sr=8-2&linkCode=sl1&tag=nautread-20&linkId=8c8f2d8fa442feffe433b5cfd016d588

 

[Brian D]

Thanks @Davidasailor26.

 

[dlochner]

@dlochner that link is not passing the smell test with my antivirus software. Got another link or the product name?

What @Davidasailor26 said, it was a compressed Amazon Link.

 

[907Juice]

I don’t remember who posted it, or even which forum it was on, but someone was chatting about a harness that clips to your back. It had a break free system that attached to your chest. It was still awaiting USCG approval though.

 

[907Juice]

As far as the OP, I would undo the larks foot and connect it to a high quality stainless steel caribeener. You want to connect to both D rings to pull evenly. Then get 50” or so of tubular webbing to run forward/aft. Don’t just connect to the mast. In big seas, it is a long way there before you can fall off.

 

[Jackdaw]

It's been tested, many people when hung by their body weight cannot pull the pin to open that snap shackle. Have a way to cut it!

If I go over, I'm not reaching for the pin. I'm going for one of these. The spinlock one is standard equipment on deckvests.

 

[907Juice]

It's been tested, many people when hung by their body weight cannot pull the pin to open that snap shackle. Have a way to cut it!

If I go over, I'm not reaching for the pin. I'm going for one of these. The spinlock one is standard equipment on deckvests.

View attachment 162434

I mean if you went over it would pull you backwards. That way you keep your head above water instead of drag you under.

And @Jackdaw I’ve been in the rescue field for over 20 years and I’d never trust my life to one of those webbing cutters. A sharp knife is infinitely better. I totally respect you dude, but have you ever tested one in real life? Granted I’ve never used one under tension, like being dragged, but they almost never work like advertised.

 

[Jackdaw]

And @Jackdaw I’ve been in the rescue field for over 20 years and I’d never trust my life to one of those webbing cutters. A sharp knife is infinitely better.

I agree if my Spyderco Rescue Salt is handy its the way to go. But I've seen a demo of that Spinlock cutter. It goes through nylon webbing like butter.

 

[907Juice]

I agree if my Spyderco Rescue Salt is handy its the way to go. But I've seen a demo of that Spinlock cutter. It goes through nylon webbing like butter.

Oh I haven’t seen that. Maybe they are better now. But a sharp knife solves a lot of problems... sailing, work, robbers, exes... ok maybe the last one went too far.