What PFD/Harness

[bootht]

My wife and I have been sailing for several years managing to survive with your basic orange Type II PFDs at the ready. Now that we’re a bit older and value safety a bit more we’re ready to upgrade. We'd like something with a low profile and mobility so we'll actually wear it and because we'll be spending $150-$250 per jacket I want something that will last.

Here are a few of my requirements and why:
1) No zippers; maybe for accessory pockets but not for securing the PFD. Zippers will only corrode in a saltwater environment rendering the jacket useless in a few years.
2) Pull Over or Side Entry; most non-zippered jackets seem to be pull over or side entry plus they seem to offer more adjustability.
3) Integrated harness; I don't want to have to worry about putting on a harness, PFD, or both. If I'm in conditions that warrant one or the other, I'll most likely need both.
4) Not inflatable; I don't want to manually inflate it nor the hassle of replacing an automatic one when it expires.
5) Some gear tabs and pockets; to attach my knife, strobe, and carry a radio/other gear.

After several hours of research online I haven't found much regarding "sailing" PFDs with integral harnesses. However, I have found a bunch on "kayaking" PFDs. The top two I'm considering are the Astral GreenJacket (~$230) and the NRS Zen (~$180).

Are the "sailing" specific PFDs elluding me?
Are any of my requirements off the mark?
Will the integrated “rescue” harness on the above mentioned PFDs work as a sailing harness?

Send me your thoughts.

Thanks, Tom
JollyMonSing
1996 Hunter 23.5

 

[nolasafari]

https://www.spinlock.co.uk/en-US/deckware-series

This one inflates which it the reason I would want it.

Deckvest 5D 170 Pro Sensor more info

Complete Man Overboard Protection for experienced sailors. Unequalled male or female comfort in all conditions
Compact cut-away shape for total mobility
Built-in deck harness with soft, high-tensile fibre connector loop
New Shoulder Fit System™ flexes and locates to give unequalled comfort fit for your shape
New High intensity Pylon™ Light antenna for all-round visibility 23cm antenna deploys light on inflation for all round visibility
170N Buoyancy with Auto Inflation
Choice of inflation options
New mesh pocket for VHF Radio / PLB
Emergency safety line cutter and stowage pocket
High visibility sprayhood to protect from spray inhalation
Crotch and thigh straps included
New non-snag back length adjuster
New low profile collar shape
Secure, easily adjusted double-buckle belt
With Through Life Support (TLS): online owner support during the working life of your Deckvest.
Deckvest Owner Warranty extended to 5 years on registration
CE Approved ISO12402-3 Lifejacket ISO 12401 Deck Harness

Deckvest 5D 170 Pro Sensor Firing System
The UML Pro Sensor is activated by contact with water. A compressed paper element dissolves to release a sprung needle
which pierces the gas cylinder.
Sea, spray, or rainwater running downwards through the unit should not cause activation-only water flowing upwards will activate firing.

 

[kenn]

You shouldn't really fear auto-inflatables. The technology is fairly proven and part of the ownership cycle includes servicing and re-arming every 5 years (besides the oral-inflation test everyone should be doing annually). Also, because they are less bulky, they get worn more. Finally, they are available with built-in harness. In solo or offshore work, staying tethered to the boat is more important than staying afloat, cursing that you weren't harnessed and tethered in.

We have Mustang "HIT" auto inflatables, after seeing that the marine police in our area go for those. We added nylon pouches to hold rigging knives.

Re zippers, most foam PFD have zippers that are either stainless or plastic, so I don't see your problem with those.

 

[sailingseadragon]

bootht,

I, like Kenn, encourage you to consider an inflatable. I purchased the Mustang hydrostatic pfd with integrated harness (MD3184) to replace our 10+ years old SoS inflatables last season. I have found the newer generation vests are dependable, very comfortable (not too heavy, not too hot, and they do not rub your neck like earlier designs) and can be worn in the rain without fear of accidental inflation.

http://www.mustangsurvival.com/recreational/md3184?division=recreation&country=25

I sail alone at least 50% of the time. My standard practice is to wear a pfd when working outside of the cockpit and remove it when I return to the cockpit… Since I have gone to the Mustang, I forget I am wearing it and find myself wearing it for hours. I think this is a good thing or I could just be getting older & forgetful.

For what it is worth,
Garner

 

[Hello Below]

I don't believe Spinlock PFDs are USCG or Transport Canada approved. Therefore you will still need to carry an approved PFD for each person you have on board.

 

[Sailm8]

I second auto inflate. A friend of ours slid overboard during a race during a tack. She was fine and easily recovered but we all thought "What if she had hit her head". Made me buy one and wear it.

 

[bootht]

I am following up on this post now that my wife and I have had our Astral Green Jackets for about six months. My hope is that someone with the same requirements will find this information helpful given that everyone else ignored my requirement for "not inflatable."

We’re very impressed with the Astral. It is very unrestrictive and easy to wear due to it being designed for kayaking. It has nice buoyancy characteristics in the water and the integrated harness works well for sailing. We have tested the Astral during man overboard drills while clipped into a jack line and it handles the loads of falling and being dragged easily. In addition, the quick release has functioned fine several times both while under stress and not. Finally, while the Astral is mainly secured by buckles and straps it does have one zipper to secure an accessory pocket. However this zipper is plastic and I expect it will hold up well in a salt water environment.

In conclusion, I recommend the Astral to anyone who isn't interested in using an inflatable PFD, auto or manual. You can be assured that it will function for many years, without inspection or maintenance, and does not require you to keep additional PFDs aboard to be compliant with USCG regulations.

 

[Hello Below]

I don't believe Spinlock PFDs are USCG or Transport Canada approved. Therefore you will still need to carry an approved PFD for each person you have on board.

An update to what use to be accurate information.

The Deckvest LITE is now U.S Coast Guard Approved (USCG) - Category V with Type III Performance. The USCG model is visually very similar to the standard Deckvest LITE but uses the Halkey Roberts activation head and some different internal materials.

To the best of my research all Spinlock PFDs are not Transport Canada approved.