Presents for Friends - need feedback on Auto PFDs please

[NiceAft]

I guess it's my turn.

Since my plunge was not unexpected, I was fully conscious of what was happening, and I was waiting for the auto inflation. I haven't any idea how long it took to inflate after I jumped in. If my plunge was unexpected, I'm very certain that the time gone by would not have mattered. I agree with Chip

If you think about it, no matter what type of PFD you wear, if you go in headfirst your face is going to be in the water, so I think what I experienced is about the best you can reasonably hope for. Be reasonable, though, even a non swimmer can't drown in a couple of seconds.

The vest gave very good support. I believe a non swimmer would not even be aware of the vest inflating because of thrashing around and being fearful for their life.

After inflating , I relaxed in the water trying to imitate an unconscious person in the water. The vest was self righting.

Now, going off on a tangent. I believe that wearing a vest at all times is the only way to go because when an unexpected event happens, it is as it is called..........UNEXPECTED. You are gambling with your life if you believe you can grab a vest in time. Maybe you can, or, maybe you won't. Is it worth taking that chance, because at THAT moment in time, OH SH*T just won't be enough. They can put that on your tombstone. Here lies so & so. Now he's at rest, but he'd still be alive if he had only worn his vest

Let me know if you have any other questions.
Ray

[pokerrick1]

Earlier this year I was investigating self inflating vests to at least wear when I singlehand and I decided - - - "this is rediculous - - - all I have to do is WEAR my perfectly comfortable WM foam vest that fits perfectly and has a whistle and strobe light".

As close as I've gotten to that is I hang that vest from the safety line in the cockpit - - - which will probably do me absolutely NO GOOD if I ever do need it.

That tombstone epitaph could well be for me Why won't I wear it - - - at least when alone Death wish Nah - - -just stupid, I guess
Or - - the vest interferes with my tan

Rick

[pokerrick1]

I think drowning would probably interfere with my tan, also

Rick

[Trouts Dream]

Rick
Look into the self-inflating belt style. It won't interfere with your tan. If your concious when you go over it will inflate and you can put it over your head. If your unconcious at least you won't be kicking yourself for being so stupid as you drown.

[NiceAft]

Rick,

It's time for some Fake Bake self tanning lotion.


I HAVE NEVER USED, NOR DO I KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE PRODUCT

Ray

[pokerrick1]

Tanning lotion Not on your life That's for you Easterners and Midwesterners

I will look into a belt, though. Thanks.

Rick

[Divecoz]

We carry both Inflatables and solid foam and I as often as not wear my solid foam vest. . For me . . .its nice to lay against in the cockpit.
But no doubt the inflatables work well and are very cool in more ways than one.

[Bawgy]

Hey Stephen I just got an add from Sailnet Auto SOS with harness $159 each

I have two of the belt ones . They are a good piece of mind for swimmers on the boat when heeling exceeds 5-10º

[waternwaves]

boat show prices for the west marine run about 100.00

[Shane]

We've waited on deciding what type of 'permanent' ones to get for myself and the admiral -we went with some less expensive traditional pfd vests that will become 'extras' for when we have on board guests.

Originally I was waffling between floater jackets & inflatable pfds, but given our fair weather (warm) sailing disposition, the jacket really wouldn't get used that much and would be less likely to wear it come hot weather.

After doing some long weather runs this year where I found myself soaked from bow spray, I'm leaning towards the HIT type for myself and the standard auto inflate for my wife. Both will be with harnesses; she both hates and fears me going forward in rougher weather, and for the extra 40-50 buck for the harness version, I wouldn't not get one for her without it; If your in a situation where you need it, what good is wishing you'd bought it then?

Like Rick said, the boat shows are coming up, so we'll pick them up then.


Regards,
Shane

[tangentair]

FWIW, if it is not to late to post, my associate's wife's auto inflatable went of twice this last season through "careless ??" usage. Once she was in constant breaking water and spray and the other time it was sitting in a plastic tub that was not closed and there was enough rain to accumilate a couple of inches. His on the other hand was better taken care of and he loves it, both came from WM and cost around 175 at the time.