I would like to tap into the experience of the group and get opinions on inflatable PFDs. I would like to buy one and be able to wear a PFD comfortably in any weather. I have heard various things about the auto inflatable models, like they are too sensitive and will inflate if they encounter stray spray, are hard to recharge, etc. What is your experience? Is a manual model good enough for close coastal weekend cruising/daysailing? Any brands that are particularly good or bad?
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SOSPENDERS
Mike, I bought an inflatable life jacket from West Marine to use on my rowing shell. It's extremely light and comfortable and when I'm rowing doesn't make me hot the way a traditional jacket does. I've taken it on the sail boat when we're cruising. I only wear it during rough weather, but it's never gone off when it wasn't supposed to. Happily I've never yet needed it so I can't tell you how well it works to keep me afloat. It is USCG approved however. Hope this helps. Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
Mike, I bought an inflatable life jacket from West Marine to use on my rowing shell. It's extremely light and comfortable and when I'm rowing doesn't make me hot the way a traditional jacket does. I've taken it on the sail boat when we're cruising. I only wear it during rough weather, but it's never gone off when it wasn't supposed to. Happily I've never yet needed it so I can't tell you how well it works to keep me afloat. It is USCG approved however. Hope this helps. Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
and to add to Gary's comments.
they also work in the manual mode. Pull the cord and they inflate.
they also work in the manual mode. Pull the cord and they inflate.
And to add to Gary's and Steve's. . .
comments, we should all test them at least once. Buy two CO2 cartridges, one for a spare and one to replace the one you are about to use. Then jump in and see what happens. Anyone done this? I keep threatening to.
comments, we should all test them at least once. Buy two CO2 cartridges, one for a spare and one to replace the one you are about to use. Then jump in and see what happens. Anyone done this? I keep threatening to.
Practical Sailor rated them...
one or two years ago. I think the Sospenders models did well in their tests, but you should check for yourself. Some of the models did not do well. Good luck.
one or two years ago. I think the Sospenders models did well in their tests, but you should check for yourself. Some of the models did not do well. Good luck.
Testing your inflatables
Testing your inflatable by jumping in the water I am told is not the best way to test. The cold (freezing)compressed air is suposed to negatively affect the material - so after a few firings, you are are more at risk of having failure. You generally test PFD's by blowing them up manually and see if they leak. Do perform regular maintenance on the firing mechanism. I tried my cartidge once - it was not as much of a 'blast' as I expected, and it took me two days to figure out how to deflate it. Not sure I'd be willing to jump into Puget Sound to do the 'wet' test.
Testing your inflatable by jumping in the water I am told is not the best way to test. The cold (freezing)compressed air is suposed to negatively affect the material - so after a few firings, you are are more at risk of having failure. You generally test PFD's by blowing them up manually and see if they leak. Do perform regular maintenance on the firing mechanism. I tried my cartidge once - it was not as much of a 'blast' as I expected, and it took me two days to figure out how to deflate it. Not sure I'd be willing to jump into Puget Sound to do the 'wet' test.
Wear them!
Here in New England waters, an accidental "dip" can quickly result in hypothermic symptoms. Remember, they are only effective when worn, and only as good as the wearer knows how to use them! I have six on board my C320 (5 manual
Here in New England waters, an accidental "dip" can quickly result in hypothermic symptoms. Remember, they are only effective when worn, and only as good as the wearer knows how to use them! I have six on board my C320 (5 manual
An inadvertant test
I like mine (automatic West Marine) and "tested" the pull cord one time while anchoring. I crouched at the bow pulpit and heard a strange hissing noise. I didn't realize what was happening until simultaneously I heard my wife laughing and was engulfed with this big orange thing. The pull cord had evidently caught itself and pulled accidentally. This brings up the fact that the pull cord should be accessible for emergency use and not tucked inside to avoid an accidental inflation.
I like mine (automatic West Marine) and "tested" the pull cord one time while anchoring. I crouched at the bow pulpit and heard a strange hissing noise. I didn't realize what was happening until simultaneously I heard my wife laughing and was engulfed with this big orange thing. The pull cord had evidently caught itself and pulled accidentally. This brings up the fact that the pull cord should be accessible for emergency use and not tucked inside to avoid an accidental inflation.
Love Them
My wife and I ALWAYS wear our SOSuspenders (auto, with integrated safety harness) when sailing, no matter how nice the weather is. The company recommends that they be serviced annually (inflation check, check inflation mechanism, replace the bobbin, etc.) I have this done annually each winter, so they are ready to go in the spring. The Coast Guard has recently approved a version for kids (Type II uninflated, changes to Type I inflated), so guess what Santa is bringing my 6 year old for Christmas? She has been asking for one, so she can have one just like mom
My wife and I ALWAYS wear our SOSuspenders (auto, with integrated safety harness) when sailing, no matter how nice the weather is. The company recommends that they be serviced annually (inflation check, check inflation mechanism, replace the bobbin, etc.) I have this done annually each winter, so they are ready to go in the spring. The Coast Guard has recently approved a version for kids (Type II uninflated, changes to Type I inflated), so guess what Santa is bringing my 6 year old for Christmas? She has been asking for one, so she can have one just like mom
inflatable PFD
Inflatable PFD's are great. I always wear one. I figure that if I fall off the boat, most crew members will not be able to recover me. And if I singlehand it, no question! However, you should know that on the auto model, you must have a fresh bobbin. If not, they won't inflate. The bobbins are show a date, and you should always have a current one loaded. Mustang, I believe makesa PFD that doesn't need a bobbin.
Inflatable PFD's are great. I always wear one. I figure that if I fall off the boat, most crew members will not be able to recover me. And if I singlehand it, no question! However, you should know that on the auto model, you must have a fresh bobbin. If not, they won't inflate. The bobbins are show a date, and you should always have a current one loaded. Mustang, I believe makesa PFD that doesn't need a bobbin.
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