Safety Tether

[Migolito]

Hello all,
I have a 22 Catalina and am looking for a safety tether. Seeing how this boat has a 7.5' beam and a 7' cockpit, i'm thinking a 6' tether is too long. My Jackline will be running straight up the middle of the boat effectively splitting it in half, so I'm thinking a 4' long tether is more appropriate. Thoughts? Also, I can't seem to find a tether that short. Does anyone know of a custom tether maker?

 

[thinwater]

I can quote chapter and verse from the "conservative" book. I've break-tested a lot of gear. , but I'm going to offer some alternatives.

Obviously, you can buy a 6'/3' tether and just use the 3' end when needed. 6' will be handy in the cockpit. This is the best answer.

• Double the 6' tether around the jackline. In fact, I often double the 3' leg around something when working at the mast or near a railing.
• Buy a pair of Kong Tangos and some 1" climbing webbing, and make your own with knots (overhand loop at each end, with the tails sewn down). It will not meet the ISO strength requirement, but it will be plenty strong for anything you need. Back in the day climbers did this all the time.
• I'm not going to come right out and say sew your own. This requires experience and probably testing some of your wok. But Sailrite and others have instructions on-line.

But the 3'/6' tether option is the best choice.

I'm not suggesting any of this this for sailors crossing oceans that expect deck sweeping green water. But for a Catalina 22 sailor wanting something for bumpy days and when he is out alone, these are strong methods, certainly better than a too-long tether.

Pro tip. Take the unused leg and wrap it behind your back, like a belt. This keeps it out of the way.