Replacement Hiking Straps

markfisk

New Member
Has anyone replaced their hiking straps lately and could you offer information on where they purchased them and what they cost?

I have seen some old posts but wondered if anyone has done it recently.

Purchased them or made thier own............any suggestions would be appreciated. Mine were missing when I bought my Mod 3.

MSF
 
Replaced last year

Last year I got a quote for $99 plus shipping from CatalinaDirect. However, I ended up having a friend of a friend make some out of webbing, neoprene and a nylon outer shell. Overall, a set of three cost me about $90, so I only saved a little money.
 
As a new (and impatient) 14.2 owner, I went with Catalina Direct for my hiking straps. I have to say that Catalina Direct is awesome and very responsive (I've left messages for a couple of parts and they've always gotten back to me the same day). You can get one of two colors for the hiking straps--blue or red--but it does take some time to get them. They are on a "pull" system (made to order). I haven't received mine yet, but here are the details:

Hiking Straps for CP-14.2 (#J8004): 1
Item Total: $111.51

Happy Sailing!
 
I bought good strong strap material from Jo-Anne fabrics for around $18.00 It is very similar to seat belt fabric but not quite as tightly woven. Two years later they still serve me well.
 
I bought good strong strap material from Jo-Anne fabrics for around $18.00 It is very similar to seat belt fabric but not quite as tightly woven. Two years later they still serve me well.

Thanks for good info on reconditioning hiking straps by simply recovering with durable material. I just bought a 1992 mod II that I'll be sailing in Charlotte Harbor FL and about the only thing that seems to need attention are the hiking straps but all that seems to be wrong with existing ones is that outer fabric is deteriorated. Otherwise, no tears or other wear that would compromise strength. So I've been thinking about having local marine canvas place recover and re-sew using some kind of durable material like sumbrella that's used for marine bimini tops etc... Thanks for confirmation this less expensive approach is viable alternative. Also, will keep JoAnn fabric in mind for possible source of material.
 
velcro??

Not sure about velcro or why you'd want that, but they did sew loops into the forward two so that they could be attached to the front of the barney post with the brackets there. They did have provision for special instructions, so if you have something custom in mind...
:confused:

See this post with a tasty illustration of da hiking strap installation.
(hope the link works, I could only find good 'ole cut 'n paste to include it here)
http://www.capri14.org/forum/rear-hiking-strap-t1635.html?t=1635&highlight=hiking+strap+installation
 
For the record, I didn't want to make my Barney post explode... so I wound up just tying some light line 1/4" around the barney and through the end of the rear hiking strap.

Ultimately I was going to drill out the barney, and create D-rings for it, but I sold the boat, before I did. I was too busy sailing it.
 
I ordered 2 inch web strapping from amazon and it worked a treat, I got the end stitched locally to make the eye for the forward point (use UV resist twine). cheap and cheerful.
 
The hiking straps on a recently-purchased Capri were so nasty I didn't want to touch them to cut them off the boat. The pack rat in me paid out once again though, as I had saved webbing from seat belt retractors while scrapping warranty items as parts manager in a car dealership. My Mod I has four bolts and washers on the bottom of the Barney post holding the forward end of the rear strap. I used spray urethane to stiffen the area of the new belt where the bolts fasten it to the post. The newly installed belts are medium gray and look nice in the boat. Still hoping to sail her this year.
 
Hi --
I formerly had the four washers and it was okay, but upgraded when replacing the rear strap to a single stainless steel plate. Dipped the end in epoxy boat resin and caulked the bejaspers out of everything down there as I was getting some pitting of the underneath of the barney and don't need the expense of replacing that.

I know the builder has the serial number etched covertly somewhere, but I scratched the into the plate as a just in case, and rounded the corners of the plate and beveled the edge to reduce the chance it could cut the strap if I fell/stepped on it, athletic I am not.
 
Cam Straps

I just recently purchased an old 1988 Capri 14.2. The boat is in great conditiong and I couldn't be happier with my purchase, but the hiking straps were completely shot. I was digging around the garage and came across an old tie down winch strap that is 2 inches wide. It looks like the same material as a seatbelt and comes in multiple colors. You can get about 25 feet for $14.99 at Home Depot or Dicks Sporting Goods. I'm planning on cutting it down to the same length and using a heavy test fising wire to sew it all together. I will take some photos of it once completed. Cheers.

I just added some pictures:

This is the material of the 2" cam strap.

picture.php


Here is the new cam hiking strap (red) and the old one (black).

picture.php


Both front hiking straps replaced with the 2" cam strap.

picture.php


I haven't tried them out yet, but they seem to feel exactly like the originals. Not bad for under $20.
 
Is the Rear strap really needed?

I'm installing a Barney post on my Omega. I assume the set up will then be identical to a C-14.2. But I wonder if I really need the rear single hiking strap. When the wind is up I am always forward (using the tiller extension of course) where I would be able to catch one of the for'd straps. Sitting in the back of the boat drags the transom through the water and slows the boat.
 
Hiking Straps

Not that familar with the Omega, but assume it is like my Capri. I bought straps recently from Masthead Enterprises and paid $75 plus shipping. Catalina's were more expensive; I am sure you could make some very functional ones for a lot less. I ran out of time and bought a set of 3 and are happy with them.

In good wind with two people in the boat we definitely use front and rear straps. I sail for enjoyment as opposed to racing and it is a lot of fun having the straps. Plus they are sold in a package of 3. I don't have a shackle on my blarney post for my rear strap but a simple piece of old line works fine for now. Other than that my Capri had all the other hardware to attach to.

My advice is if you are making your own, then do it in steps and just make the ones you think you will use and see how you like it. If you are buying the straps, they will sell them in a package of 3.

Best.
 
Connection to Barney Post

Thanks for your comments. I have the straps, but on an Original Omega they both ran the full length of the cockpit. The mainsheet cleat was behind the CB. Having a Barney Post will give much more room between the tiller and the main sheet. I devised a way to avoid paying the high price of the usual hardware to connect the straps to the post. I see you used a simple rope and i am sure that works too. To keep the straps flat (which is what the rather over priced triangle shackles do) I am going to insert a piece of 3/4" PVC pipe I had laying around and run a 1/4" nylon line through it back to the Barney post. I know I will have to watch the metal to rope connection for wear on the rope as the metal barney post may be sharp enough to start cutting through the line, but that will take time and I have extra short lengths of 1/4" rope laying about to replace it with. Jim
 
Straps

I bought some 3in heavy duty tie down straps and i attached them by a D-ring and a bungiee cord. I also added half a swim noodle and glued it to the bottom with some heavy duty liguid cement. It has worked like a champ so far. The noodles are quite comfortable and are easy to get out of when roll tacking.
 
Remember to adjust the straps so they do not lay on the deck, they should be up off the deck far enough to slip you feet under without any effort or having to look at the straps. That way you can use them in a hurry instead of going swimming.
 

Back
Top