Raise Easy Uphaul Hook heighth

DelCarpenter · Joined: 06 Nov 2008 Posts: 499 Location: Cedar Falls, IA

I believe raising the hook height on me will increase the mechanical advantage I receive from using an "Easy Uphaul." Raising the harness hook height would somewhat increase the angle which I believe must somewhat increase the advantage in using the Easy Uphaul. Am I right?

I wear a seat harness which I do not intend to change. I'm going to figure out a way to wear a hooking device at the level of my chest and use that to make uphauling an 8.2 sail a little easier when I am racing.

Has anyone else tried this? What did you use support the hook at chest level? What were the results? I think I'll try to use an old back pack.

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

Shouldn't be too difficult to find or fabricate a simple webbing harness to slip over your shoulders to support a hook at or above your sternum. One loop around your torso just under the armpits, plus a couple of shoulder straps to hold it up. Maybe Maidenform makes one; it seems right up their alley.

Maybe a hook on your helmet? Smile

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

Most Formula guys I see use an Easy UP and also use their arms to raise the COE while uphaulling.

justall · Joined: 30 Jul 2007 Posts: 442

Iso's witty response had me laughing. I think your idea should work, DelC. If you already wear a life jacket of some sort, you can probably leverage those straps already ... if not too flimsy.

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

One of our local legend sailors wears a chest harness in addition to a Speed Seat, making uphauling and slogging just as comfy as planing.

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

I did that back when I frequently sailed a 13-mile-long lake in New Mexico. Got razzed about it, but a) by altering my stance significantly, it relieved muscles all over and b) I've had hooks snap.

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

I"ve snapped 5 aluminum spreader bars, 3 Reactors at the bend, and 2 stainless steel bars that just started to show signs of corrosion at the weld.
I mostly weighed 145 lbs.

RichardMueller · Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 85 Location: Phoenix, AZ

It seems you would be raising sail with your back with hook high; rather than your legs with hook low. And that is ok with me - for your back.

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

Good point. Always lift with legs, not back.

DelCarpenter · Joined: 06 Nov 2008 Posts: 499 Location: Cedar Falls, IA

I agree my plan will use more of my back. I think that would still put less strain on my back than is felt by everyone who doesn't use an Easy Uphaul.