Well, basically all trapeze harnesses are "racing" harnesses. The new ones are all pretty well-built, very adjustable and/or come in several sizes. This one from my favorite shop from across your lake looks like a good deal (and even actually characterized as "entry level"): Magic Marine Smart Trapeze HarnessI’ve never sailed on a wire before, so I’m not looking for a racing harness.
I wouldn't buy a used harness unless I got to try it on first. They may be badly worn out (slipping buckles, for instance) or simply the wrong size or shape for you.(used (?))
The various kits seem to include the wire (usually for the 420). It would be best if you could use your old wires, but you'd probably have to shorten them not only because 1970s handles were very low, but today's handles are made of rope and use (even) shorter wires. In the 470, I liked the handle to be a bit closer to the gooseneck than the spinnaker pole ring when you pull the wire tight along the mast. You could tell the same guys what you want and they'd do it for you: Trapeze Assembly Laser 2 Complete one sideThe boat came with wire, but there’s no interface between the wire and the harness other than a crimped loop, as far as I can tell. There’s no hardware, blocks, handles, so hopefully I could get this in a kit of some sort.
If your boat was legal in 1974, it's most likely legal today. My impression is that very few features in the 470 (if any) have been banned without grandfathering the existing fleet. Is there something in particular that you suspect being illegal?My boat probably isn’t class legal anymore either
At the end of the height adjustment system there is something like this:So basically the harness connects to the wire/rope through a hook? Is this a standard hook?
You can get a quick-release hook (+ spares of course) which should be safer. It releases the hook itself from the plate (or bar) on the harness, in case you can't release the ring from the hook like you normally do.I have also heard of "entrapment" where sailors become dangerously tangled in sheets when the boat turtles, especially the trap wire. What kind of modifications/precautions should I consider? How much of a concern is this?
The 470 isn't that strict compared to, for example, the Laser. Refinishing the hull shouldn't make it illegal, and the control system rules haven't fundamentally become stricter over the years.I know that the 470 class is very strict. My boat has been through a few owners that painted, gel coated, and even changed part of the rigging setup.
Supply and demand. Also, this equipment is virtually identical from class to class, the main difference being the wire length.Is there a reason that 470 official trapeze gear is hard to find, say, compared to 420s, Laser, Laser 2, (pretty much Performance Laser)?
Sounds good. But as I already said, be prepared to shorten your wires.I set out to buy a new kit from Vela Sailing. They are putting together a 470 kit without wire, ~$75 per side.
Sounds like overkill. The bags are for holding the spinnaker (and lunch) in place, not for lifting the boat. There won't be any big loads on the fastenings. If the laminate is very thin, bolts with oversized washers will be good enough.I was planning on putting a plywood backer board behind the door, or possibly glassed-in-place nuts so the fiberglass round the doors doesn’t become exhausted. I will glass in wood too around the bags, so I can mount the hooks properly.
Just ask Wavedancer to do it.Is there a way to move a thread?