PFD Choices...which way to go.

[Stillraining]

OK guys...I did a search this time..really I did.

But found little help

I am wrestling with this exact issue all right Now ..we basically just got our boat sailing and need to outfit my family with PFD's..we have very comfortable Neoprene sport vests that we could ware but I figured that was a no no.. I was looking at SOSpenders mainly due to the economics of the things and the rearming seems reasonable but after last Saturdays dousing we received I'm rethinking that decition as Im not sure some would not have inflated..we were really getting pummeled not green water but hard driven spray.. and lots of it....we were all totally drenched... to the bone not having proper foulies for everyone yet either... So would you all go for the more expencive Mustang or just disarm the auto inflate feature in thoes few times conditions will be like that? .....So much to buy so few credit cards left...

 

[higgs]

SOS

If you are concerned about the automatic feature going of accidently, buy ones that are manual.

I have the SOS and, while never having needed it, I do like it, though I find it a little heavy after wearing it for 5 or 6 hours.

 

[ITMaster]

Disarming would be ok for you and perhaps

another adult that has a full understanding about how to activate the CO2 inflator or use the manual inflator.

I certainly would not rely on putting this burden on children. We use the mustang and have found that keeping it dry helps keep the cartridge charged and ready to go. I keep a dozen USGC Type III's and 2 Type IV throwables on board for guests. Maybe when it is wet, you could use those and keep your mustangs for when it is hot out and you desire the comfort of them.

 

[Stillraining]

another adult that has a full understanding about how to activate the CO2 inflator or use the manual inflator.

I certainly would not rely on putting this burden on children. We use the mustang and have found that keeping it dry helps keep the cartridge charged and ready to go. I keep a dozen USGC Type III's and 2 Type IV throwables on board for guests. Maybe when it is wet, you could use those and keep your mustangs for when it is hot out and you desire the comfort of them.

ITMaster...Im a little unsure what you ment...I thought the mustangs needed 4" submersion to inflate...What do you mean by "and have found that keeping it dry helps keep the cartridge charged and ready to go".

 

[ITMaster]

Messed Up Only Once

And took them off and left them in the dink while we went ashore. While we were gone, it rained and they were sitting in water, fully inflated when we got back. Last time that happened .

Well, duh? Dummie me, who woulda thought it would rain and water would collect in the bottom of a boat with self inflating PFDs in it?

 

[Ross]

Re: Messed Up Only Once

In hot weather I like inflatables but in cool to cold weather I like the traditional PFD's. The traditionals also provide a lot of protection from bumps. There is also a wonderful cold weather, foul weather Float Coat. Which combines a PFD with a foul weather jacket.

 

[OldCat]

Age for Inflatables

I believe that there is a minimum age per USCG for inflatable PFDs = 16. I have been drenched in hard spray with my WM inflatable without problems, same with rain - no trouble so far. I would never go with a manual inflatable - what happens if you go over having hit your head and are unconscious? The neoprene PFDs that you mentioned sound fine - regular PFDs are, IMHO, best for kids and inexperienced guests. The sailing adults in the family will probably be happier if they try on an inflatable first before you pony up the bucks.

MHO,
OC

 

[Scott B]

Sorry Scott, I would answer your question, but you are an unkown quantity at this point.

 

[Stillraining]

Sorry Scott, I would answer your question, but you are an unkown quantity at this point.

HeeHee..funny man..funny man.....hey you've been around a year longer then I have how long does it take anyway:stirthepot:

ITM...ahhh that would be a bummer...thats also why I was leaning toward the SOS only 19.00 to rearm compared to around 60.00 isn't it?
Mucho Gracias.. learning that pearl and passing it on even if I did have to coax it out of you...

All great advice guys from all of you thanks. to everyone but Ross that is...... cuz now I have to go buy flotation jackets too... Really good point on the bruise protection though definitely a plus wearing some padding of some type at times..

What I like about the inflatables is the built in harnesses..something Mom really would feel better about having all her chicks tethered in when sent forward.

Looks like having more then one option for everyone is definitely an asset in functionality...probability over time... maybe I should go for the comfort test right now as suggested and let the user decide what to wear in stead of just mandating this or that.

 

[Capt. Kermie]

Floater Coats

Yes I like the Floater Coats too! I have a Helly-Hanson foul weather floater coat that I really like on those cooler days.
I have never been a big fan of those inflatable life jackets and have always worn the regular ones. I find if you buy them for comfort you will wear them and if you buy colorful designer ones for the children they will wear them.

 

[BobM]

Re: Floater Coats

The second purchase we made, after I surprised my Wife with a sailboat that is , was two automatic inflating SOSpenders life vests. Mine have never been badly soaked, even by spray, but it is my understanding that the latest valve designs are more spray resistant. I agree with Old Cat...if you get hit in the head a manual inflatable won't do you much good. I'd rather have to rearm it if it went off accidentally. Also, as I tend to fair weather sail, it suits me as it is pretty comfortable in fair weather. If it weren't comfortable, I doubt I'd wear it when it was hot. I do need to get rearming kits and change them out next spring as it has been a couple of years. For kids I think I would prefer the old fashion type of life vest in a fashionable Dora the Explorer pattern, or something else they would like to wear. Once more comment on SOSpenders...I have one set with build in harness D-rings, which I got for use in foul weather and it is significantly heavier than the other set, due to the rings. I'd probably avoid that, if I had to do it over again, and buy a good non-inflatable for really foul weather plus a harness.

 

[sailaway78]

I would strongly recommend

If you are going to go with the inflatables, I would strongly recommend getting a couple of them with the built in safety harness. Not only are the PFD's much more comfortable, the harness is also much more comfortable. Wearing a harness along with a regular PFD, can be a PITA.

 

[Wayne M]

I would also

reccomend an automatic inflatable. Mine is a WM automatic with built in harness. As far as going off I raced one afternoon in heavy rain and heavy seas for 4 hours and it never went off nor did anyone elses on the boat.

 

[Phil V25]

Yes I like the Floater Coats too! I have a Helly-Hanson foul weather floater coat that I really like on those cooler days.
I have never been a big fan of those inflatable life jackets and have always worn the regular ones. I find if you buy them for comfort you will wear them and if you buy colorful designer ones for the children they will wear them.

Sierra and the parrot