Looking for some advice -- I may open a can of worms though. I want to get an automatic inflatable PFD to wear. I guess I have the same concerns as everyone: the fit, whether it will inflate accidentally, and what maintenance is needed. Fit: I am a big guy so typical vest are very uncomfortable and very restrictive will these universal fits work for me? This is the Mustang vs the West marine versions. Price really isn't issue but the Mustang sounds better since it will only inflate ate 4" of water pressure. What about the SOSupenders? Are these items maintenance hogs needing recharged frequently. Do you trust them? One more question: Should I get the built in harness? I am thinking so just in the event that I would get to crew offshore (hopefully) for somebody sometime it would already be built in (and broke in). Right now am just sail (this summer mostly motor) on very inland waters. This is one of the things I am requiring myself to have to start single handing and I am tired of trying to find someone to go out with me all the time.
PFDs
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Worth It
I have the West Marine auto inflate with the built in harness. I'd say it is the most popular amoung the folks with whom I sail. Maintenance is an annual deal, minor in nature. IMHO, but being a small guy, it is very comfortable. I have worn in in cold and tropical weather both. Frankly, i did not believe it would be as comfortable to wear as it is. Great design which articulates in all the right places. The harness is a good idea; there is no good reason not to get it that way. Rick D.
I have the West Marine auto inflate with the built in harness. I'd say it is the most popular amoung the folks with whom I sail. Maintenance is an annual deal, minor in nature. IMHO, but being a small guy, it is very comfortable. I have worn in in cold and tropical weather both. Frankly, i did not believe it would be as comfortable to wear as it is. Great design which articulates in all the right places. The harness is a good idea; there is no good reason not to get it that way. Rick D.
Buy the harness model
I have one of the West Marine units. The model is 4000 I think. Has a built in harness. Go with the harness. As to the others, have no idea, but for me the West is very comfortable to wear. I think all of them are basically the same as far as inflation goes. Mine has a pill, like alka seltzer or something, It gets wet, the pill fizzes and inflates the vest. Also has a co2 cartridge. I would recommend trying on different models if you have a concern about comfort.
I have one of the West Marine units. The model is 4000 I think. Has a built in harness. Go with the harness. As to the others, have no idea, but for me the West is very comfortable to wear. I think all of them are basically the same as far as inflation goes. Mine has a pill, like alka seltzer or something, It gets wet, the pill fizzes and inflates the vest. Also has a co2 cartridge. I would recommend trying on different models if you have a concern about comfort.
Dan, About five years ago I took part in a UK sailing magazine's test of all available self inflating PFDs in the European market. We had loads of them and six of us spent a whole day either jumping in or falling into a pool. There were two guys from the trade re-arming them as fast as they could. It was just at the time that the British specification was being adopted by the European Common Market ie. a couple of years before the USCG even agreed to allow such things. I had some early ones over 25 years ago but have now replaced them. The CO2 cylinders never loose their gas but those secreted away inside PFDs with Hammar firing gear can go rusty or come unscrewed without the owner being aware. Both causes have killed professional fishermen. Also you cannot weigh them annually without breaching the air seal of the PFD' bladder. No I don't like Hammar firing gear! The outcome of our tests were that all the life jackets quickly inflated every time. None could be set off by playing a fire hose onto the wearer. The Hammar ones which need 4" immersion were slower to inflate, but all functioned within about ten seconds. If you fell into the water face down but with outstretched arms, no jacket was capable of turning you right-side up. However if you went in as if knocked out they all turned the wearer, albeit slowly because of air trapped in clothing. We didn't drown a single volunteer. There are three standards of PFD, namely 100 Newton (25 lb), 150 Newton (33 Lb) and 275 Newton (60 lb). All buoyancy figures. We found the 275 N models too bulky for normal wear as they are intended for men with full working clothes on such as on oil rigs. The 150 N was the yachtsman's size and suitable for open water. The 100 N ones are not proper lifejackets but are classed as buoyancy aids more suitable for rivers and inland water. I would strongly recommend buying ones with a built in harness. This means no additional changes of gear when things get rough. All the harnesses and tethers have to withstand a 100 KG man (220 lb or 17 US Stone) falling 2 metres (6') without the harness breaking. Don't put this to the test as you will break several ribs. Olympic Medallist Glyn Charles lost his life in the Sydney Hobart race because of tether failure. Get ones with a 'lifting becket'. This is an additional concealed loop inside the outer casing which the rescue services will use. It has been found that by lifting from the "D" ring the body is vertical and, in cases of Hypothermia the survivor can die of heart failure whilst being lifted by helicopter due to the blood draining to his boots and starving the heart. The lifting becket causes the body to hang more horizontal than vertical so overcomes the heart failure problem. We all found that 'crutch straps', aka suspenders, were good for stopping the PFDs from riding up over one's face. They gave much more 'freeboard' and were a great boost to confidence. However I saw a gibbet over the dive training pool we were using and asked to be hoisted up out of the water. The trade guys went bananas because the plastic buckles on the straps had not been designed to take the weight of a man. Crazy I know but it seems the spec is only to keep the PFD in place for someone jumping 30' off a ship. I designed stainless steel buckles and gave them to the UK's leading PFD maker. They did nothing with them as they meet the (inadequate) EU spec anyway. Buy a spray hood. The Royal Navy have done trials and analysed many deaths and conclude that survivors drown because they drift head first down wind. This results in a constant buffeting from the waves breaking into the survivor's face so he drowns before hypothermia kills him. I used a spray hood on my PFD and they turned the fire hose on my face. The water pressure drove me very rapidly backwards across the pool but I was able to breath normally. The downside was that it was only 15°F outside and that fire hose was darned cold. Having bought them you and your crew should blow them up, remove the CO2 capsule and TRY THEM IN THE WATER. Apologies for being long winded but others might find this useful also.
Hi Dan, I purchased two Stearns auto...
inflate with built-in harness a few years ago and wear it whenever I cruise, since I singlehand most of the time. I also purchased the Stearns double tether (three and six foot), which allows a person to navigate from point to point on the boat without being disconnected. These I can attach to a port and starboard flat nylon strap jack lines, which will not roll when stepped on compared to standard rope. The Stearns vest is comfortable to wear and has yet to inflate spontaneously. Even if the vest did not inflate upon water contact you can still inflate it manually with the blow tube. I keep a whistle and beacon clipped to each to aid in locating and recovery of a MOB. I purchased the one inch flat nylon strap rated at 7,000 pounds working load from a local industrial supply house at less than half the WM price. The Stearns vests and tethers I purchased from a local marine supply house at 40% less than WM. Terry
inflate with built-in harness a few years ago and wear it whenever I cruise, since I singlehand most of the time. I also purchased the Stearns double tether (three and six foot), which allows a person to navigate from point to point on the boat without being disconnected. These I can attach to a port and starboard flat nylon strap jack lines, which will not roll when stepped on compared to standard rope. The Stearns vest is comfortable to wear and has yet to inflate spontaneously. Even if the vest did not inflate upon water contact you can still inflate it manually with the blow tube. I keep a whistle and beacon clipped to each to aid in locating and recovery of a MOB. I purchased the one inch flat nylon strap rated at 7,000 pounds working load from a local industrial supply house at less than half the WM price. The Stearns vests and tethers I purchased from a local marine supply house at 40% less than WM. Terry
pfd
don't ask for gossip; my first year my subscription to pratcial sailor saved me more than enough to last a lifetime's renewal, and that was years ago.
don't ask for gossip; my first year my subscription to pratcial sailor saved me more than enough to last a lifetime's renewal, and that was years ago.
Why Not?
If you are going to be single-handing, the harness is essential. Buy a tether, too. If you don't rig jacklines, at least clip in to secure places while out of the cockpit.
If you are going to be single-handing, the harness is essential. Buy a tether, too. If you don't rig jacklines, at least clip in to secure places while out of the cockpit.
Safety harness!!!!!!
The idea is to not fall off the boat. I use a climbing harness that is attached to jacklines via a tether that will not allow me to need any type of flotation gear. The only problem I have with an inflatable vest is that the automatic ones have a tendency to inflate in heavy rain. I had one inflate while laying on the deck under the dodger in the rain.
The idea is to not fall off the boat. I use a climbing harness that is attached to jacklines via a tether that will not allow me to need any type of flotation gear. The only problem I have with an inflatable vest is that the automatic ones have a tendency to inflate in heavy rain. I had one inflate while laying on the deck under the dodger in the rain.
About Buoyance (Not Beyonce)
Dan, this is a guideline that I will be posting in the Maine HSA newsletter this month about buoyance. I can be helpful to you. What Does 35 Pounds of Buoyancy Mean? Extracted from Volume 9 (Summer 2006) Capt’n Jack’s Marine Catalog Submitted by Paul Akers A 35-pound buoyant apparatus is capable of supporting 35 pounds of a very dense material such as lead, iron, gold, granite, etc. It will not allow the material to reach the bottom. The question most people ask is how can this help a 200- pound person? The answer is that the average adult only weighs approximately 10 pounds in the water. Unbelievable? Actually, it's simple science and it works like this: A 200-pound man is approximately 80 percent water, which equals 160 pounds of his total weight on land. Water has no weight in water. A 200-pound man is also approximately 15 percent fat, which equals 30 pounds of his total weight on land. Fat is lighter than water and therefore floats. When you do the math, the man's actual weight in water is equal to 10 pounds. (200 - 190 = 10) Thus, a flotation device with 35 pounds of buoyancy is more than adequate to keep the average human afloat!
Dan, this is a guideline that I will be posting in the Maine HSA newsletter this month about buoyance. I can be helpful to you. What Does 35 Pounds of Buoyancy Mean? Extracted from Volume 9 (Summer 2006) Capt’n Jack’s Marine Catalog Submitted by Paul Akers A 35-pound buoyant apparatus is capable of supporting 35 pounds of a very dense material such as lead, iron, gold, granite, etc. It will not allow the material to reach the bottom. The question most people ask is how can this help a 200- pound person? The answer is that the average adult only weighs approximately 10 pounds in the water. Unbelievable? Actually, it's simple science and it works like this: A 200-pound man is approximately 80 percent water, which equals 160 pounds of his total weight on land. Water has no weight in water. A 200-pound man is also approximately 15 percent fat, which equals 30 pounds of his total weight on land. Fat is lighter than water and therefore floats. When you do the math, the man's actual weight in water is equal to 10 pounds. (200 - 190 = 10) Thus, a flotation device with 35 pounds of buoyancy is more than adequate to keep the average human afloat!
I bought my
Wife a SOS a couple of years ago. The original SOS auto inflates were very well made, but the newer ones have a design that will rub the back of your neck raw in short order, unless you’re wearing your shirt or jacket collar up. We returned it for a Mustang and she loves it! Paul
Wife a SOS a couple of years ago. The original SOS auto inflates were very well made, but the newer ones have a design that will rub the back of your neck raw in short order, unless you’re wearing your shirt or jacket collar up. We returned it for a Mustang and she loves it! Paul
All of them!
I too am a big guy. Here are my choices and I have been happy with them so far. I bought four inflatables in addition to the 8 standard orange foam 'blocks' we keep aboard. I also have a childs ski vest and two adult as well. Two inflatables are auto with harness and two are manual without. I wear a manual when single handing in calmer weather. I wear the auto in gale conditions with jack straps, solo or not. I require novices and non-swimming guests to wear a manual or a ski vest (their choice) and show them how to use them. I don't take novices out in rough weather. Small children wear vests at all times after they get out of the car...period...and I make sure to have extras when needed. All of the manufacturers strongly recommend testing and replacing the arming mechanism each year. If you are not going to follow that excellent advice, test the inflatables at least every other year by going overboard while wearing them. If you do choose a two year cycle, you can alternate testing...half each year to spread the expense of rearming. Keep a spare rearming kit for each type of vest and replace through the testing cycle to insure that they are always functional. If you are not going to maintain them properly, they are a waste of money. Also, ski vests, auto inflate vests and belt packs, while comfortable, do not count as required PFD's unless they are being worn. If you aren't going to wear them consistently, make sure you have sufficient standard PFD's for everyone aboard. Make certain that each child has a proper fitting PFD and is wearing it at all times while above decks. Insist that younger children wear them at all times.
I too am a big guy. Here are my choices and I have been happy with them so far. I bought four inflatables in addition to the 8 standard orange foam 'blocks' we keep aboard. I also have a childs ski vest and two adult as well. Two inflatables are auto with harness and two are manual without. I wear a manual when single handing in calmer weather. I wear the auto in gale conditions with jack straps, solo or not. I require novices and non-swimming guests to wear a manual or a ski vest (their choice) and show them how to use them. I don't take novices out in rough weather. Small children wear vests at all times after they get out of the car...period...and I make sure to have extras when needed. All of the manufacturers strongly recommend testing and replacing the arming mechanism each year. If you are not going to follow that excellent advice, test the inflatables at least every other year by going overboard while wearing them. If you do choose a two year cycle, you can alternate testing...half each year to spread the expense of rearming. Keep a spare rearming kit for each type of vest and replace through the testing cycle to insure that they are always functional. If you are not going to maintain them properly, they are a waste of money. Also, ski vests, auto inflate vests and belt packs, while comfortable, do not count as required PFD's unless they are being worn. If you aren't going to wear them consistently, make sure you have sufficient standard PFD's for everyone aboard. Make certain that each child has a proper fitting PFD and is wearing it at all times while above decks. Insist that younger children wear them at all times.
Thanks everyone!!
Thanks for the advice everyone. I will be ordering one today -- I am looking at the Mustang with harness. Chris: you are in a very nice sailing area. I charted a Catalina 310 from Carolina Wind a couple of years ago and fell in love the the Pamlico Sound. The only problem is that pesky railroad bridge... Dan
Thanks for the advice everyone. I will be ordering one today -- I am looking at the Mustang with harness. Chris: you are in a very nice sailing area. I charted a Catalina 310 from Carolina Wind a couple of years ago and fell in love the the Pamlico Sound. The only problem is that pesky railroad bridge... Dan
For Women
Any recomendations for a women's vest. I bought the top vest from West Marine last Christmas for my wife and it does not fit well around the chest area. It is very uncomfortable for her to wear and the D handel is soo high and out there I don't think it would be any use pulling her out of the water using it. There was a vest made by a company at the Motor Boat Show in NYC this past winter that fit her very well they had a six month backlock of orders. However its been 9 months and they have not been able to deliver so I cancelled the order. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Scott "On Eagles Wings"
Any recomendations for a women's vest. I bought the top vest from West Marine last Christmas for my wife and it does not fit well around the chest area. It is very uncomfortable for her to wear and the D handel is soo high and out there I don't think it would be any use pulling her out of the water using it. There was a vest made by a company at the Motor Boat Show in NYC this past winter that fit her very well they had a six month backlock of orders. However its been 9 months and they have not been able to deliver so I cancelled the order. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Scott "On Eagles Wings"
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