Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 02-28-2021, 03:10 PM   #1
Guru
 
City: Marion, Massachusetts
Vessel Name: Wanderer
Vessel Model: Pilgrim 40
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 632
3 best PFDs?

So I have a PFD that is at least 20 years old and is not comfortable to wear. Maybe because I’m twice the size of the PO.

So I asked my young bride, who is really a cheapskate, about getting a new set. To my surprise she said yes.

So I asked her a few questions.

Do you want it to automatically inflate? Yes.
Do you want it to hold your head above water in case you go over as a result of being boinked in the head? Yes.
Do you want a gps locator attached so the USCG can find you? Yes.

So for more background, we do travel in the open water off the New Jersey shore and through Block Island Sound during the migration, so she is correct, and it’s not overkill.

Suggestions for 3 best models that fit our needs?

Thanks.
PMF1984 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-28-2021, 03:29 PM   #2
Guru
 
Simi 60's Avatar
 
City: Queensland
Vessel Model: Milkraft 60 converted timber prawn trawler
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 5,482
Pfd
Simi 60 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-28-2021, 03:33 PM   #3
Guru
 
City: Marion, Massachusetts
Vessel Name: Wanderer
Vessel Model: Pilgrim 40
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 632
Simi,

Well you obviously had more coffee than I have today.

Thanks for correction
PMF1984 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-28-2021, 03:39 PM   #4
Guru
 
High Wire's Avatar
 
City: Cape May, NJ
Vessel Name: Irish Lady
Vessel Model: Monk 36
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,947
We have a set of Revere inflatable vests we bought from Defender on sale for $100 each that we wear anytime underway. Fairly comfortable. We bought recharge kits and tried them out one day. They inflate in about one second. We do not have individual PLBs. Whistle, mirror, and flashlights on a lanyard tucked under the flap of the vest.
__________________
Archie
Irish Lady
1984 Monk 36 Hull #46
Currently in Cape May, NJ
High Wire is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-28-2021, 06:15 PM   #5
Guru
 
O C Diver's Avatar
 
City: Fort Myers, FL... Summers in the Great Lakes
Vessel Name: Slow Hand
Vessel Model: Cherubini Independence 45
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,818
I have inflatable PFDs that were private labeled for West Marine. My recommendation is to try them on for 5 minutes in the store to see how comfortable they will be when wearing them for hours. Mine have PLB (personal locator beacon, EPIRB) on a lanyard, self activating strobe, and a whistle.

Click image for larger version

Name:	20191102_210456.jpg
Views:	46
Size:	91.3 KB
ID:	115032

Click image for larger version

Name:	20191102_210602.jpg
Views:	45
Size:	124.0 KB
ID:	115033

Ted
__________________
Blog: mvslowhand.com
I'm tired of fast moves, I've got a slow groove, on my mind.....
I want to spend some time, Not come and go in a heated rush.....
"Slow Hand" by The Pointer Sisters
O C Diver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-28-2021, 06:26 PM   #6
Guru
 
jungpeter's Avatar
 
City: Everett
Vessel Name: LIBERTY
Vessel Model: TOLLY 48
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 502
Hi PMF1948,

I use WEST MARINE non-auto hydrostatic vests, but that's simply my preference. As OC Diver suggests, there are several available.

In addition, I also have several Mustang Survival inflatable PFDs aboard, also non-hydrostatic versions.

https://mustangsurvival.com/collections/inflatable-pfds

Great stuff, not free.

Regards,

Pete

ps-remember, it's possible to "what if" yourself into the poor house by adding perceived must-have features to simple items such as PFDs. I believe 99% of the intrinsic value of inflatable PFDs lies in their comfort and ease of use. Other features such as auto-inflate, PLBs, whistles, mirrors, tethers and other "stuff" that some chose to encumber themselves with actually defeat the purpose, as the PFSs become so maintenance intensive, inconvenient, and expensive that people simply don't wear them.
jungpeter is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-28-2021, 06:30 PM   #7
Moderator Emeritus
 
Comodave's Avatar
 
City: Au Gres, MI
Vessel Name: Black Dog
Vessel Model: Formula 41PC
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 21,129
We bought 2 at WMP. We wanted to try them on before we bought otherwise we wouldn’t have gone to WMP. We got ones that are auto inflatable and have a harness. I had to add some velcro for a strobe and the PLB. I do not understand why any manufacturer of PFDs would not have a location for them by default. And the ones we bought were not the cheap ones, they were about $250 each. Add in the PLB and strobe we are in over $500 each but what is your life worth to you. I used to see people buy the cheap D cell light for the PFD. I would ask them why they bought the crappy light, they said that the light was a deal since it was so cheap. I would ask them what their life was worth to them, a pause and they usually said they would get a quality strobe.
__________________
Boat Nut:
If you are one there is no explanation necessary.
If you aren’t one, there is no explanation possible.
Comodave is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 02-28-2021, 06:41 PM   #8
Guru
 
Alaskan Sea-Duction's Avatar
 
City: Inside Passage Summer/Columbia River Winter
Vessel Name: Alaskan Sea-Duction
Vessel Model: 1988 M/Y Camargue YachtFisher
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 8,046
When selecting a PFD, remember there inshore and coastal versions.
Alaskan Sea-Duction is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-01-2021, 06:33 AM   #9
Guru
 
Flatswing's Avatar
 
City: Windmill Harbour, Hilton Head Island, SC
Vessel Name: River Girl
Vessel Model: 2004 DeFever 49 RPH
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 570
PFD’s only work if you wear them. We have all combinations of manual, automatic and “orange old style” on board - however we never wear them. What we actually wear are the simple waist belt style manual PFD’s You have to put the neck band over your head as/after it inflates so gotta be conscious. The positive is they are so small, light & comfortable, we wear them much more frequently & always in the dinghy.
__________________
Jeremy
Flatswing is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-01-2021, 10:53 AM   #10
Veteran Member
 
City: Eagle Harbor
Vessel Name: Double Haven
Vessel Model: 40' Pacific Trawler
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 57
The best PFD is the one you wear.


Take your bride to a local shop. While wearing your foul weather gear, see how easy it is to put one on and move around for a bit. Buy the one that fits best. If it's a tie, go with the better-quality one. I'm not aware of anyone who, after going overboard, said a cheaper PFD would have been "just as good."
CompuNerd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-01-2021, 12:55 PM   #11
Guru
 
AusCan's Avatar
 
City: Adelaide
Vessel Name: Kokanee
Vessel Model: Cuddles 30 Pilot House Motor Sailer
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,218
When considering comfort of a PFD, consider comfort in the water, not just on the boat.

Many of them without a crotch strap will ride high and cut into your armpits. Some of the crotch straps are poorly designed and could cause damage to important parts of the body.
AusCan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-01-2021, 02:23 PM   #12
Guru
 
City: Newport, R.I.
Vessel Name: Hippocampus
Vessel Model: Nordic Tug 42
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 3,871
Have spinlock, Mustang, immersion suits and float coats. All have double crotch straps so not near the family jewels. Use auto hydrostatics after having a paper fuse fire off while putting on a snubber during a rainy day. Scared the crap out of me and strained my neck.
But my overall favorite is a non inflatable Baltic. Totally comfy. Nothing on my neck. Good crotch straps and has pockets. Also great attachment for a harness.
Buy commercial gear when you can. Recreational gear isn’t as well made and is usually overpriced.
Hippocampus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-01-2021, 02:56 PM   #13
Guru
 
City: US PNW
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 943
Do you happen to know which model Baltic you have? I am ready for an upgrade and know from the past that I don't really like the inflatables (I know most people do, but they bug my neck).

In the past on the sailboat we mostly wore just a harness and clipped in (had inflatable PFD's for sometimes), but now I'd like to wear a PFD on the regular and am interested in which non-inflatable you went with.
Frosty is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-01-2021, 03:23 PM   #14
Guru
 
City: Newport, R.I.
Vessel Name: Hippocampus
Vessel Model: Nordic Tug 42
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 3,871
https://www.baltic.se/en/industrial/.../baltic-pilot/

Have a earlier version but this one now. Bought it on sale. I think from team one Newport or maybe in the French islands. Don’t remember.
Bought a spinlock because stated to be easier on your neck but found the Baltic even better. Think spinlock still not CG approved but it’s a fine product imho.
Hippocampus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-01-2021, 03:55 PM   #15
Guru
 
City: US PNW
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 943
Thanks - that one looks good (and/or at least gives me a starting point).

Edit: I put in US/Seattle and the closest two retailers showed up as Japan and Portugal (tho I see they have dealers in the UK). So maybe a bit of a challenge in the US. Darn.
Frosty is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-02-2021, 05:45 AM   #16
FF
Guru
 
FF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 22,553
"The Pilot also has lifting beckets incorporated in the shoulder straps"


A worthy idea on any vest , especially if you have thought out a system to lift a person unable to help on board.
FF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2021, 03:48 PM   #17
Guru
 
City: Marion, Massachusetts
Vessel Name: Wanderer
Vessel Model: Pilgrim 40
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 632
Thanks for all the input.

I guess my first criteria is one that will keep my head above water. So that looks like a Type I.
PMF1984 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2021, 02:22 PM   #18
Veteran Member
 
City: Long Island, NY
Vessel Name: Boatless
Vessel Model: In Search of a 40'er!
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 97
A quick google search will come up with lots of "interesting" models, with built in PFD's!


Birdman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2021, 08:51 PM   #19
Veteran Member
 
City: Seattle
Vessel Name: T/T Your Mother
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 46
I replaced my mustang with a Crew Saver ErgoFit+ - really like it. My wife has the Spinlock Deckvest 6d - I like the lights on hers better (it illuminates the bladders) but I like the "buckle" on mine vs the slip through closure on hers. If we are not at dock fully tied up, buoy, or anchor, we both wear them with the crotch straps - so comfort is pretty huge in picking them.

Wife is small, but the Deckvest Lite doesn't have the spray hood or many of the other things we would add to the 6D, so we just got the 6D and it's still pretty light. Hers is 170N and mine is 290N so hard to say how like-like would weigh. Went with the 170N to make hers a little lighter.

Both vests have PLB, AIS MOB, and lights inside and a VHF with DSC on the outside. If we go in the water, people will know.
NowhereHome is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2021, 08:54 PM   #20
Guru
 
Marco Flamingo's Avatar
 
City: Dewatto
Vessel Name: CHiTON
Vessel Model: Tung Hwa Clipper 30
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,094
Quote:
Originally Posted by FF View Post
"The Pilot also has lifting beckets incorporated in the shoulder straps"


A worthy idea on any vest , especially if you have thought out a system to lift a person unable to help on board.
I think all serious life jackets should have lifting rings even if you don't have a lift system. If you have a throw rope (which you should) and the MOB is fortunate enough to be conscious, the first thing that they should do is connect the throw rope carbineer to their PFD. Having the MOB securely tethered to the boat gives you a lot more choices. It doesn't have to be pretty.
__________________
Marco Flamingo
Marco Flamingo is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:05 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012