what are the automatic inflatable's good for you would wear them in bad weather if they get wet they will inflate. at least that is the way i inderstand them witch pfd do you use. thanks for your answers bob l nh
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jim
nh
Bob, or anyone else: what does nh after your name mean in these posts. I see it a lot. thanks.
Bob, or anyone else: what does nh after your name mean in these posts. I see it a lot. thanks.
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Terry
Bob, I purchased two Stearns auto/manual...
inflating PFDs with built-in harness for my first mate and I. A water dissolving tablet acts as the trigger device. No big deal if it inflates as a result of a heavy rain storm. I feel safer that it inflates automatically when I hit the water unconscious. Terry
inflating PFDs with built-in harness for my first mate and I. A water dissolving tablet acts as the trigger device. No big deal if it inflates as a result of a heavy rain storm. I feel safer that it inflates automatically when I hit the water unconscious. Terry
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Jim Quibell
Mustang
On our boat we wear Mustang inflatable PFD's. They are very comfortable and I have never seen them inflate because of rain or a heavy wave coming over the crew. They were the originators of this technology, and are way ahead of the rest. You will see lots of cheaper versions out there, but why not go with the best!! You get automatic inflation, manual tether inflation, or a tube to manually blow it up. Get the version with the tether harness. There have been a number of reviews in the sailing magazines on this topic as well. Mustang rates the best. Cheers,
On our boat we wear Mustang inflatable PFD's. They are very comfortable and I have never seen them inflate because of rain or a heavy wave coming over the crew. They were the originators of this technology, and are way ahead of the rest. You will see lots of cheaper versions out there, but why not go with the best!! You get automatic inflation, manual tether inflation, or a tube to manually blow it up. Get the version with the tether harness. There have been a number of reviews in the sailing magazines on this topic as well. Mustang rates the best. Cheers,
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Steve Christensen
Crewfit with Hydrostatic Inflation
The problem with the automatic inflation mechanisms used on US made inflatable life jackets is that rain and spray can dissolve the "aspirin" tablet and inflate the bladder when you don't want it to off. I've had it happen wrestling a jib down on the bow when a wave broke over me. Not fun. You can avoid this if you use a hydrostatic mechanism, one that requires immersion in several inches of water before the mechanism fires. The best known of these is the Hammar, which isn't presently availble in the states. But you can get them if you are willing to order from the UK, as we did. We purchased Crewfit inflatable jackets with Hammar inflators and integral harness from Mailspeed Marine in the UK, at www.mailspeedmarine.com. Might not be as convenient as getting one from West Marine, but the features can't be beat. Steve Christensen
The problem with the automatic inflation mechanisms used on US made inflatable life jackets is that rain and spray can dissolve the "aspirin" tablet and inflate the bladder when you don't want it to off. I've had it happen wrestling a jib down on the bow when a wave broke over me. Not fun. You can avoid this if you use a hydrostatic mechanism, one that requires immersion in several inches of water before the mechanism fires. The best known of these is the Hammar, which isn't presently availble in the states. But you can get them if you are willing to order from the UK, as we did. We purchased Crewfit inflatable jackets with Hammar inflators and integral harness from Mailspeed Marine in the UK, at www.mailspeedmarine.com. Might not be as convenient as getting one from West Marine, but the features can't be beat. Steve Christensen
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Kjell Arne Nyhus
Does it inflate??
The automatic pfd's are nice to wear. Light and confortable. They do, however, require a careful maintenance to be trusted. I dont use them. Safety equipment is supposed to work at any time, and we know how pdf's are handelled onboard.
The automatic pfd's are nice to wear. Light and confortable. They do, however, require a careful maintenance to be trusted. I dont use them. Safety equipment is supposed to work at any time, and we know how pdf's are handelled onboard.
inflatables do have their place
I have a pair of the Sospenders inflatable PFD's and insist on non-swimmers wearing them at all times when aboard. I also wear one anytime I'm singlehanding. (promised my Mom!)I've never had any problem with premature inflation, even in some fairly wet weather. If things start getting really heavy, I trade the inflatable for a type 1, as there is nothing that can go wrong with them. But, they are bulky and uncomfortable to wear for extended periods. IMHO, it's far better to have on an inflatable than nothing at all, and it's a lot easier to get someone to put on an inflatable than any type of PFD, so they do serve a purpose.
I have a pair of the Sospenders inflatable PFD's and insist on non-swimmers wearing them at all times when aboard. I also wear one anytime I'm singlehanding. (promised my Mom!)I've never had any problem with premature inflation, even in some fairly wet weather. If things start getting really heavy, I trade the inflatable for a type 1, as there is nothing that can go wrong with them. But, they are bulky and uncomfortable to wear for extended periods. IMHO, it's far better to have on an inflatable than nothing at all, and it's a lot easier to get someone to put on an inflatable than any type of PFD, so they do serve a purpose.
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