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.

 

[jssailem]

@thinwater ’s ideas are spot on the mark.

 

[JBP-PA]

Kong tether

https://www.amazon.com/Kong-Tether-double-ISAF-compliant/dp/B00LZPEF1Y

 

[JBP-PA]

@thinwater has the usual way, and you are wise to have jack line(s) tight and as close to center as you can.

The alternative approach is to have fixed tethers around your boat so that you can go from tether to tether without ever being disconnected. This has the downside that you must leave several tethers around, but has the upside that each tether can be the exact correct length for that location.

 

[jssailem]

Whatever you find or construct, test the item out before you venture to the big water of Dana Point.

Attach your jacklines, don your harness, and tether up, then attempt to fall off the boat at various places. Your rig should keep you on the deck, not hanging over the side.

Your jacklines will stretch. Consider tightening them and/or shortening the distance between strong points. As @JBP-PA encourages, add strong points to the deck or mast to hook on. Also, you are allowed to have multiple tethers. I have one in the cockpit, one that slides from the cockpit to the mast, and a third that slides from the mast to the pad eye by the windlass. I use the Kong hooks to slide along the jacklines.

 

[Migolito]

Great replys folks thank you. I'll be setting up my Jackline AND adding some strong points along the way. Toward the bow I'm thinking of adding a travel limiter to the JL so my tether limits at the anchor roller. I like the idea of adding a stand alone strong point in the cockpit. Thanks folks!

 

[Joe]

My reaction to going forward on a smaller boat like my 27 footer or even your 22........ is to CRAWL if you feel any discomfort or trepidation.

 

[WayneH]

My reaction to going forward on a smaller boat like my 27 footer or even your 22........ is to CRAWL if you feel any discomfort or trepidation.

Even on my 37 footer, I sometimes crawl forward even wearing a harness attached to a jackline. The lower you are, the easier to STAY ON THE BOAT!!!

 

[jssailem]

If the weather is on, going forward to fix an issue, often times the best is to crawl.
Moving along the side decks, I grab the life line and pull up, pulling my feet firmly onto the deck.