Inflatable PFDs

[ricklee_v17]

Sorry for the long link. Not sure how to make it wrap on this BB.

Right, so I am a little obsessed with my new boat. I got up extra early this morning to do a little research on the various message boards so that I can work on my boat tonight. Among other things I was researching clam cleats. Nevermind...long story.

Ran across several threads on the MacGregor/Venture Discussion board about capsizing and MOB incidents. Thankfully, there were also threads about PFD's. Now I am probably the first guy in a line of sailors who doesn't break out the PFDs until there appears to be a need. But...with the onset of man-o-pause right around the corner, I find myself more and more inclined to having things like a charged hand-held VHF and a submersible GPS close at hand at all times.

I have a little boat (v17) and I got a little boat because it is very easy to single-handedly trailer, rig and sail. That said, reading the boards this morning struck enough of my fear chords that the purchase of an auto inflating PFD is now on top my list of purchases. Especially for the single-handed days.

My question for you all is what to look for in such a device. I am not able to identify significant differences between the $350 West Marine models and the $80 model from Cabela's.

Thanks,

Rick
http://macv17.blogspot.com

[DLT]

Code: Select all

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Its really pretty simple...

[ricklee_v17]

Fixed...thank you very much!

[ssichler]

http://www.mustangsurvival.com/products ... php?id=507

This is what we bought at a Strictly Sail show. A friend who worked for Westmarine talked us out of buying the Westmarine vest and walked us over to another booth selling the Mustang. It has a harness so you can keep yourself attached to the boat. The neck has comfortable fabric so you can wear it with t-shirt. Most importantly he flipped over both the Mustang and Westmarine and showed how more securely fastened the Mustang was. The Mustang is more expensive but do you really want to go economy when it comes to buying lifesaving devices?

[ricklee_v17]

Thanks ssichler. I'll certainly look into that one as well.

Definately NOT interested in risking life and limb over a few bucks but I am very curious about the differences. I mean how many manufacturers of and types of the hydrostatic mechanism could there be? If it comes down to working vs. not working I will open my wallet and let them take what they need. If it comes down to features such as whistles, mirrors and strobes, I might just put together a very small ditch bag and go with the less expensive option.

Rick

[DLT]

Inflatible PFDs are great and I actually have a couple of the belt versions. I actually bought them for their versatility. They are nice to toss under the seat of a Cessna, when planning to traverse a large body of water...

But, the thing you need to not loose sight of is how you'll actually use your boat, and the PFDs...

Any trip to the boat with the kids, for us anyway, is not complete without dragging each one of us behind the boat for some cooling off... You are going to definately WANT (if its not legally required) to wear a PFD for those intended excursions over the side and you are NOT going to want to use an inflatible for that...

Besides, if I get in rough water where the opportunity of going over the side increases, I'd rather just put on a regular positive foam inflation PFD... I mean, if you are really worried about safety how can you beat a good quality Class I PFD that can't fail to inflate or get punctured, etc.?

So, what I'm saying is, do you really really need an inflatible in the first place?

We just don't use ours. But then we are lake sailors, so YMMV...

[ssichler]

A comfortable self-inflating with harness has some distinct advantages over a regular life jacket. They're a lot less bulky and if you get a model that is truly comfortable you're more likely to wear it. With the harness and a good tether you can clip yourself to the boat and avoid going over in the first place. If you do go over the side and are knocked unconscious it will inflate automatically and keep your head above water. I don't think the belt-type will do that.

If you are just looking at an abandon ship scenario and have time to put on a PFD then the Type-I offshore is probably a better bet.

This is a product that is good to see, inspect the stitching, and try on in person. A knowledgeable sales person (good luck finding one of these guys at Westmarine or boater's world) can be a big help when explaining the differences. That's why the boat shows are great when you can actually talk to manufacturer's reps who know something about the product.

[ricklee_v17]

Great points! Here is why I was thinking of going inflatable.

• I am relatively new to this boat. On the first day, I got banged by the boom a few times, nothing major but I attributed that to luck more than anything. The boat is small, I am tall and the clearance is all of about 2 inches when I sit in a normal position.
  
  Most sailing is going to be done at various points in the Potomac. There is a lot of traffic, but the river is pretty wide in these parts. I have also been warned of some dramatic current issues inherent to the tidal nature of this part of the river.
  
  I have a bunch of the big orange babies. I never wear them or a regular basis. They are bulky, hot. I was hoping that this type of device would encourage regular wear when sailing alone.

Perhaps I am just being paranoid and dwelling on the worst case scenarios?

Maybe the Philip Merrill incident is too top of mind?