A fender for a P.F.D.

[Chris Patterson]

Yep. This is what I told lovely bride she was getting for a new P.F.D. And if she's real good, I'll even duct tape it to her so she can swim for help with both hands.

Anyway, time for newer rubber-duckies. I'm thinking I want some self inflators, mainly for crew/guests, and they'll have little choice if they hit the water. I stepped into the Evil Empire yesterday, and their selection looked kinda pitiful. So, any favorites out there? I'm not on a budget, nor am I needing to mortgage the farm for them either. There's always something between a Timex, and a Rolex..

 

[dscribner]

I got a decent one at Cabelas for $89. It's not offshore material, but neither am I. For the amount that we wear them, vests are our PFD of choice. Slip and zip, plus they keep you warm in a stiff southerly.

 

[Ken Cross]

I have a couple of WM inflatables, they are certainly comfortable to wear, especially when it's hot outside. I have one auto inflator and one manual.
Ken

 

[Joe]

WM was selling the ladies (as in pastel colors, 26lbs bouyancy factor) coastal automatic for $129 the other day.... also had an online promotion... pretty good unit. I bought one for my guests who don't like orange.

 

[Bill Roosa]

What kind of sailing are you doing? That's to say are the crew doing "racing" or "drinking" drills. I'm thinking racing need the inflatables and drinking need something I can give them if the weather turns bad and comfort is secondary to cost.

 

[Chris Patterson]

Yeah, I guess I should have been more specific.
I too like the zip up vest, but.....no one will bother with them. When I get mine out, the looks of horror say enough. I keep a very serious-business offshore vest, because I use it on night passages way outside. It looks like some kind of disco bondage torture device, designed by the Marquis De Sade. (But it sure is a comfortable feeling with it on, out on a rolling deck at night by yourself).
So the long answer is, mostly coastal, mostly daylight, not TOO far outside. But I would like to have something that people wouldn't mind keeping on them, as opposed to it laying beside them in the cockpit.
Bikini's are fun to look at, but I want to be able to bring them back home at the end of the day.

 

[Steve Connell]

Sospenders Automatic Inflatable Life Jacket with Harness!

 

[hmurmur]

life jackets for kids

I have twin 5 year olds. Looking for a lifejacket that has both head strap and retention strap(between the legs). Also needs to be comfortable, prefer neoprene. Any suggestions?