Båtleksikon
Harness and tether
Harness and tether for sailors: clipping on in rough water, survey of kit age, and FairHelm limits on treating unused gear in a locker as crew-ready.
Vad det är
A harness and tether is the body harness (often built into a lifejacket) plus the short webbing line with hooks that clips a person to jackstays, padeyes, or cockpit strong points so they stay with the boat if they slip.
Anchor
Cold Baltic water and night watches make clipping on a habit, not a slogan. FairHelm notes worn stitching, mixed hook standards, and whether spare tethers fit the crew size.
FairHelm judgment
FairHelm judgment: unused shiny kit in a locker is not a safety culture. Practice clipping at the companionway and mast. Two-hook tethers reduce the unclipped moment when moving past fittings.
Limits
Standards and hook types evolve. We do not invent a single mandatory tether length for every boat. Match kit to jackstay layout and crew training.
Vanliga frågor
Q: Lifejacket with harness or separate harness?
A: Integrated jackets are common. Separate harnesses still exist. Fit and crotch straps matter more than branding.
Q: How long should a tether be?
A: Short enough to keep you on deck if you fall. Many use a short hook plus a longer one. Test on your boat.
Q: Do children need the same kit?
A: Sized properly, yes when clipped on is the plan. Adult gear on a child is not a fix.