Remember that the harness is a mandatory safety equipment on all boats sailing in mid-shore and offshore areas (more than 6 miles from a shelter). One harness and one lanyard per person on board the sailboats and one harness and one lanyard per motorboat are required. This harness can be integrated into a lifejacket or be a stand-alone element like the models presented here.
As on the Plastimo SL180 inflatable vest that we had the opportunity to present to you in situation on Bateaux.com the new harnesses incorporate a textile buckle to secure the lanyard. This avoids the traditional heavy stainless steel loop, which often hits the boat when travelling on board. In addition, this textile attachment point can be identified at night thanks to the retro-reflective thread sewn into the loop.
Two models of harnesses
These new harnesses are available in 2 models, both built from the same 45 mm strap. The first and simplest model is an adjustable belt harness. The length of the straps is fixed. This basic model is available for 29 €. The second model has an X-shaped back construction with two adjustment buckles on the belt. These two adjustment points allow the belt and shoulder straps to be adjusted simultaneously. Once the harness is adjusted, the excess strap is attached to the belt, held in place by one by one by a velcro. Thanks to its adjustable straps, this harness (price 45 €) adapts to all body types, even for small children (from 20 kg).
Stainless steel or aluminium snap hooks
To always be connected to the boat, you need a lanyard. This one ends with a carabiner. The latter must be solid (it is the base!), but also offer enough security not to open unintentionally. Plastimo innovates by launching a range of 3 snap hooks, each offering its own advantages.
The stainless steel carabiner with its safety finger is the most classic, the cheapest, but also the heaviest (145 g). In terms of weight, the Twist Lock aluminium carabiner is the lightest (100 g). It remains closed with a ferrule that is screwed on the finger. With the ferrule, its handling (open-closed) will be a little longer. Finally, the double lever aluminium carabiner offers both the safety of the locking and the lightness of aluminium (130 g). It is the most convenient to use and the safest.
Lanyards for all uses
These snap hooks are available on 3 types of lanyards: single snap hook (terminated at one end by a sewn loop), double snap hook with elastic to reduce the size automatically and triple snap hook, two strands with and without elastic.
3 lanyards, 3 types of snap hooks: which offers no less than 12 possible combinations for the user. From 19,90 € to 99,90 € depending on the configuration.
The lifeline
Finally, the lifeline, the sailor's point of attachment to his boat, has also been revisited. This 2450 kg strong strap is woven with retro-reflective yarn for easy identification at night. In addition, a label is provided to mark the date of installation of the strap on the boat. Smart! Smart! With it, the yachtsman remains vigilant about the wear and tear of his product. Plastimo recommends changing its lifeline after a cumulative outdoor exposure time of 2 years. To extend this life span, do not forget to dismantle your lifeline at the end of the season. Even if you do not sail, the lifeline ages while remaining exposed to the sun. Price from 59,90 to 84,90 € depending on the length (from 6 to 14 m).
