WEAR (dont just carry) those PFDs - 21 drowned in NY

[Terry]

One second I was in the dinghy, the next I was in the water with the dinghy inverted over my head (and the motor still running, though not for long).

So Chip, obviously you did not have that little kill switch attached to your wrist with that curly cord they supply. If you did you would have pulled the switch when you fell and effectively stopped the motor.
I have that little thingy gizmo on my Honda 50 and on the little 5hp honda dinghy motor.
Do I wear it? Nope, but after reading about you maybe I should reconsider.
If the dinghy does not flip right over but instead rights itself, how far would it get at idle while in gear? Can I swim that fast and grab it?
I wonder how many of us bother with that little thingy?

[Chip Hindes]

You're right, I didn't have the kill lanyard connected to my wrist, though since the boat and I both went over backward and I never got very far from the motor, it might not have functioned as intended.

Since then, I always wear it in the dinghy, but never on the big boat because I got tired of it contantly cutting out whenever I got up to move around the cockpit. I feel it keeps me tied too close to the pedestal. Perhaps with an extra long (say 10' or so) lanyard?

[Terry]

Yep I'd need at least a 6 foot lanyard for my dinghy since I use a 3 foot PVC extension on the tiller in order to steer while sitting forward. I tried sitting back there with the engine and tiller but all that weight (me & 60# engine) made the bow lift a bit too much and once I powered up the bow lifted higher, then the wind went under it and lifted it more. I was almost verticle, any more power would have flipped me backwards and upside down. So now I use an extension when alone and sit up towards the bow to hold the sucker down, need a longer lanyard.
I've never considered wearing it in the mac for similar reasons as yours, it would just be too much hassle taking it on and off all the time unless I was on a marathon run in the helm seat.

[Chip]

Let's face it. People don't wear life vests because many of them are big, bulky, and cumbersome, thereby rendering folks uncomfortable and less mobile. That, I believe, is why they aren't worn.

Of course, there are plenty of high speed ones out there that are stylish and wear like a regular jacket. For personal use, it sure seems worthwhile to splurge and get the nicer, more comfortable ones. After all, we spend a fortune on accessories and gadgets, so we should spend the extra cash to equip ourselves and our passengers with jackets that are comfortable to wear. Don't you agree?

[Frank C]

Let's face it. People don't wear life vests because many of them are big, bulky, and cumbersome, thereby rendering folks uncomfortable and less mobile. That, I believe, is why they aren't worn.

... we should spend the extra cash to equip ourselves and our passengers with jackets that are comfortable to wear. Don't you agree?

I used a conventional life vest from West Marine for the first several years - paid less than 50 bucks. Then I rec'd an SOS manual vest as a gift. Since my son placed me into a big league vest, I exchanged that one for an auto-inflate model which I use regiously on our Bay - always. Water temps in the low-60s and changeable winds & seas make it mandatory on my boat.

However, considering average conditions here, I don't agree that the fancier and more expensive choices are necessarily best. Having read advice here, I never got the factory cockpit cushions. I find that the conventional vest provides handy back-padding for the cockpit, and it's warmer too. Average sailing day has air temp below 70 F, less wind chill.

Both aspects (padding & warmth) provide comfort advantages at only one-third the price of the auto-inflate model. Yet, since it's aboard, I find myself donning that fancy one anyhow ?? Considering Chip H's dinghy story, I guess I'll be sure to switch to the conventional model whenever leaving the mother-ship for a dink or kayak ... no sense testing that CO2 cartridge too often!

[Chip Hindes]

...there are plenty of high speed ones out there that are stylish and wear like a regular jacket.

I don't agree. There are none I've found that are stylish (though that's not one of my top requirements) comfortable, and effective, including the ability to turn an unconscious wearer face up so he doesn't drown despite the PFD.

As far as I'm concerned, my current SOSpenders type is the best there is so far. But despite the fact you can get used to wearing it constantly, it's more along the lines of being able to put up with a certain minimum level of discomfort as opposed to being truly comfortable.

One of my problems is I'm 6', 215lbs, with a torso in the 98th percentile (i.e., long body short legs) and although it's theoretically OK for someone my size, the largest SOSpenders seems designed more for someone considerably shorter and, shall we say, carrying fewer pounds.

BoatUS is currently sponsoring a PFD design competition with a $5K prize, and I believe I recall reading a number of engineering schools are taking up the challenge. The competition ends 15 December, and we'll see what comes of it. I hope it doesn't turn out whatever they come up with is most suitable for powerboaters, whose requirements are considerably different.

...and it's warmer too. Average sailing day has air temp below 70 F, less wind chill.

A warmer PFD is not so helpful where I usually sail; since sweat is pretty corrosive besides being uncomfortable, I believe a warmer PFD would be counterproductive. I need one which most of the time allows as much air circulation as possible. That's one reason why the SOSpenders is currently at the top of my list. I'll get my warmth when I need it from additional clothing, and the stuff I get is big enough to be donned (and subsequently removed) over the PFD.

BTW, I figured as long as I'm going to be wearing one anyway, I got the SOSPenders with the built in harness, and for heavier weather I have the quick release tether to match. Don't have the jacklines to hook it to yet, though. Also, don't remind me what a problem that will be with the PFD/harness under the jacket; I haven't figured that one out yet.

[Frank C]

... the stuff I get is big enough to be donned (and subsequently removed) over the PFD.

BTW, I figured as long as I'm going to be wearing one anyway, I got the SOSPenders with the built in harness, and for heavier weather I have the quick release tether to match.

Me too - got the integral harness for exactly the same reasons. Don't yet have the tether, but assume I'll choose the twin model, 3' and 6' with elastic - the price has me in "pause mode" ... especially since the jacklines are still lacking. The cost of the jacklines causes "pause" too.

While still lacking both tether & jacklines, I HAVE figured out how to install them, though. I bought a couple of heavy-duty eyebolts to go thru the vertical companionway tracks, replacing one factory screw on each side. Guessing I'll choose about seat-height, where these eyebolts (5/16" Wichard castings?) can terminate jacklines led to the foredeck, and also serve as direct attach-points while in the cockpit. The layup at the companionway is the heaviest fiberglass in the entire boat - prolly 3/4" thick. Not sure about a direct attach for the aft cockpit, tho an eyebolt thru the cockpit sole is most likely.

I usually wear the SOS over other layers - generally a fleece pullover. When hooking up, I can't see any choice but using the vest on the outside of all other stuff.

[MAC26X]

I have doubts about the inflatable PFD's. I got the SOSpenders for a gift because I had indicated interest. Then I read about a recall notice and read the instructions. The instructions say that you should test the system by immersing the PFD yearly and then replace the cartridge. That got me thinking... The auto-inflate PFD is certainly better than not wearing one, but it is not 100% assurance of a working pfd when you really need one. It's more like a parachute- probably will work. I decided to go for a lower technology that needs no inflation. Plus, after trying it on, it's no more comfortable than the best of the vest type PFDs.

[richandlori]

Bought it and Use it. This is the SOS Auto/manual inflate. It ran $140 on Ebay (bought 2). I have yet to test it, but the kids are dying to pull the red chord. I figure then the water warms up, I will do a "simulated" splash while at the dock and see what happens. At the same time we will do a "can we get dad back on the boat drill", that should be interesting. We will be sure to get photos of that and report in.

[Beam's Reach]

I must admit, I don't usually wear my PFD. We make the kids where them always, and if the weather is rough, my wife and I put them on as well.

But I was out alone for the first time last week about a mile from shore under power at WOT. I was standing on the helm seat surveying the wide open water, not a boat in sight. And then I thought, "If I fell overboard right now....that would be the end." And that spooked me. I immediately went below and got my PFD and put it on.

That will probably end up being my last outing for the season. Too bad, since I'll probably forget all about that "spooked" feeling by next spring.