Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by kidishi on 02/01/10 - 9:22 PM

Hello ,

I was trying on different life vest/pfds today and was wondering what styles are popular. I wanted to go with an inflatable style but didnt really find one I could see myself wearing all day. What brands/styles do you guys like? Do you all wear the all the time on the water? How about those waist inflatables? Thank you for your time.

caleb

Posted by ritzyrags on 02/02/10 - 12:51 AM

I will fully recommend you of the Mustang brand
I have worn the PFDs for several decades and have found them to be equally functional at work or at leasure.
I have worn them as a staple safety gear for my years working on the water as a
Boom Man ,
Sidewinder Operator,
Dozer Boat Operator
Deckhand
And Tug Boat Operator
Pleasure Craft Operator
And Fishing Guide for more then three decades in our Paradise Grounds here..
Mustang wear has been my only and preferred choice.
PS- I have no affinity with the company itself.

Posted by MW on 02/02/10 - 3:36 AM

I use type 3 (sport, near shore, easy rescue), I find them the most comfortable. My pref. is the "Mustang 4 pocket" with "SOLAS" reflective tape in "Orange". Bright colors like "Orange', Yellow, or Red" work best to be spotted in the water. A small strobe light is also a good idea to attach to it, and/or a "Glow stick". I also have a "Storm" whistle ($4.99 loudest on the market) on a lanyard in the pocket. Make sure the vest that you choose is "USCG" approved to make sure it meet's the Min. requirements" (NOT ALL ARE). A small signal mirrior is kept in another pocket on my vest, as well as a knife. I only have 1 rule on my boat "You must wear your PFD at ALL times( see my personal page, my friend got yelled at) while on the boat, if you choose not to, you can watch the fun from shore. Be especially careful with infant "PFD's" as I have tested many of them in a pool, and have often seen them flip over leaving the child face down in the water. Try to buy the best that you can afford, as your life may depend on it. Even if you are an extremely good swimmer, you can't stop and rest without a PFD on, and will eventually get tired and slip under the water. There are many "COOL" types of PFD's on the market now, so there's no excuse not to wear one. The inexpensive $12 type 2 pfd's are very good also because, they will turn an unconcious person "FACE UP" in the water. Hope this helps...

Edited by MW on 02/02/10 - 3:41 AM

Posted by mattgeiger on 02/02/10 - 5:06 AM

Depends on your location and conditions.

As for what I like - I prefer the Mustang with a harness I use in offshore sailboat racing (required to clip on to jack lines). I have a lighter inflatable I bought at Bass Pro but don't use it because it wasn't as comfortable or well-constructed.

Defender has good pricing on all their inflatable PFDs:
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|135|439|320546|436864&id=337776

Posted by wrangler on 02/02/10 - 7:01 AM

All good answers to the question. The best PFD is the one that you will wear.
As you are looking at the label to see if it is USCG approved (they are correct, not all are) Type III's are impact or speed rated. They are designed to "stay" on the person if they get thrown overboard while the boat is moving. Inflatables are rated at zero mph. Type III's are rated at 35, 50, 75 and 100 mph.
Do you want you or your children wearing a 35MPH PFD if the boat is going 50MPH?
Any PFD is better than none at all. The majority of drowning deaths in the US is because they were not "wearing" a PFD. Thats why people love inflatables, they are so light, people forget they are wearing them. 2 types to consider manual and automatic inflation. Some state "MUST" be worn to be counted as a PFD. You need to have it on, not just in the boat.

Posted by number9 on 02/02/10 - 9:06 AM

Code

The inexpensive $12 type 2 pfd's are very good also because, they will turn an unconcious person "FACE UP" in the water.

I didn't think that sounded correct, should read "many will turn" and the bulkier Type I "usually will turn".
http://www.pfdma.org/choosing/types.aspxtypes.aspx

Posted by kidishi on 02/02/10 - 6:54 PM

Thank you all for alll the input. I guess its hard to find the one perfect anything these days that will do it all. I have been trying on inflatables with and without bulky jackets on and to find something that suits. Its a tough one for sure. Like others have said I would like to find one that has some sort of pockets on but not a full vest style. I will keep on the search! Thanks again.

caleb

Posted by wezie on 02/03/10 - 4:13 AM

Some inflatables are very uncomfortable. Some ride up on the neck. Some are just larger and hotter to wear.

Wear one around the store or your house for awhile. Take it back if you need. As stated, you will wear the one that is comfortable.

Mustang seems to be a good one over the years. If I need another, that is where I will start.

Look at the refills, and what they cost.

I would suggest you test the one you decide on. Jump in and see if it works; expensive, but fun.

Posted by Phil T on 02/03/10 - 3:36 PM

#13

I agree with the recommendation of Mustang for a PDF.

I agree with Matt that a PDF should be worn at all times. No vest, no ride, no exceptions.

I do not like inflatable vests since they require a cartridge (maintenance) and rely on an air chamber for floatation. A tear or leak and it's worthless. A traditional PDF is the way to go.

Check my avatar.

Edited by Phil T on 02/03/10 - 3:37 PM

Posted by kidishi on 02/03/10 - 8:45 PM

#15

I m glad so many are chiming in! Phil Thanks for your input. What type of traditional pfd do you wear? It looks like an Eastport or NRS..I hear what you are saying with regard to a puncture in the air bladder. The downside to the inflatable IS the large clunky cartridge and actuator. I plan on trying some more on this weekend. Both with and without jackets/rain gear. I looked up the Helly Hansen deal and it sure is one! Unfortunately I have been unimpressed so far with the inflatables that I dont want to spend money without trying it on.

caleb

Posted by JohnnyCW on 02/03/10 - 9:27 PM

#16

Since much of my boating is done in the high Florida heat and humidity, I've come to value inflatables. Not the absolute safest option I'd agree but better than nothing at all. I'm guilty of sometimes not wearing any PFD when recreational boating but I'm trying to develop better habits.

I'm wearing a PFD sometimes 12-14 hours a day when in service at work. We've been using inflatables on our fire boats for a couple of years now and have found them to be reliable and very durable.

Posted by Phil T on 02/04/10 - 5:05 AM

#17

I wear a Sterns PDF at the moment. Looks something like this Mustang. I prefer the vest with floatation in the front, sides and back. Some have less floatation and mesh for the shoulders but these are not as durable over the years.

Some additional thoughts to consider-

- My homeport is on the Atlantic ocean.
- I am on the water year round.
- Water temps only rise to the low 60's in August.
- We have only a few 90 degree days in August and -5 days in January.
- A full vest under an insulated work suit really helps in the winter.

If it was 90+ and humid every day, I may have a different opinion on inflatables.

Edited by Phil T on 02/04/10 - 5:07 AM

Posted by Mark Finkenstaedt on 02/04/10 - 3:17 PM

#19

I posted a video challenge last year to see more videos from all of you and I think it was Phil's keen eyes that spotted my strife/wife presumably not wearing a PDF. http://gallery.me.com/mfpix.com#103488com#103488

It resonated so I thank you for your advocacy Phil.

These "bargain" inflatables will offer some comfort for those who don't like to wear bulky or restrictive jackets.
The heat and humidity of DC can soon persuade me not to wear my ski style vest especially when it is drying out.

Although not perfect (as if there is a perfect PFD) inflatables certainly make things easier to be properly dressed all of the time. I've wanted one or two since I first got my boat.

The Potomac and any water can be so treacherous.

Just how easy is it to die?

- Source the Washington post.

Search teams had called off the effort to find Catilo's body Saturday, citing murky waters and a powerful undertow. On Friday, Catilo's motorboat had stalled as he was teaching novices how to row. When he stood up to restart the engine, he lost his balance and fell into the river. The students, on the water for only their second day, rowed to shore to call police, authorities said. A nearby kayaker threw a flotation device toward where Catilo went down, but he never came up to grab it

John Steve Catilo by all accounts a good swimmer and experienced rower, fell overboard on June 25, 2004, while coaching a group of 13- and 14-year-old beginners (rowers). He resurfaced at least twice before drowning. Police said a life jacket would have saved him, but at the time, the club did not require coaches to wear them.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/...Jun27.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/...01033.html

Edited by Mark Finkenstaedt on 02/04/10 - 3:29 PM

Posted by kidishi on 02/04/10 - 9:33 PM

#20

Well I just order an NRS Chinook life vest. I tried on a different version of this style vest today and liked it. I like the fact that the shoulder straps are thin. That makes all the difference. I know it only has 16.5 lbs flotation but I liked the fact that it looks comfortable and it has pockets. When I get it i will let you all know what I think of it. I am still on the hunt until it arrives! Should get it early next week.

c

Posted by Mark Finkenstaedt on 02/06/10 - 7:48 PM

#24

Well, this type of PDF fits kind high when I'm use to the full body constriction of a Type III.

Something to get use to I suppose after a water sports vest.

I certainly like it for the price and I'll always be able wearing something for sure now rain, heat or humidity.

The temptation to jump in for a test is going to be hard to resist but at what cost....$20+? Maybe, not so hard to resist.

Darn nice quality - recommended while supplies last.

Posted by JohnnyCW on 02/08/10 - 8:45 AM

#26

Mark Finkenstaedt wrote:
Well, this type of PDF fits kind high when I'm use to the full body constriction of a Type III.

Something to get use to I suppose after a water sports vest.

The comfort will improve with a little use as the vest begins to sort of contour fit your body and the materials soften a little.

I received all of mine today and again thankful for the heads-up on the sale as I had nearly $400 invested in my two original inflatable PFD's from a few years ago.

Posted by SeaLevel on 02/10/10 - 6:34 AM

#28

After reading this thread I went online to Defender and ordered one HH auto inflation and two HH adult sport type III PDF's. The prices were too good to pass up. The inflatable takes the same refill kit as several of the other popular brands so I'm not concerned about the closeout by HH of the PFD division. I have always wanted an inflatable but just couldn't let go of the cash. I have had HH foul weather gear for many years so I am not concerned about the quality of the PDF's. I will post again after I examine the merchandise.

Posted by kidishi on 02/16/10 - 10:20 PM

#30

I too received my pfds from Defender and am more than happy with them! The quality is top notch and they are more comfortable than others I have tried. I would jump on these if there are any left. I think they bought somewhere in the neighborhood of 8000 pieces but I bet there arent nearly that many left! I also received the NRS chinook vest and I really like that as well for a non inflatable option. Lots of pockets and it contours nicely to the body as it is a paddlers vest. Thanks again for all your input and the tip at Defender. Jumps on those if you can!

flat days!

caleb

Posted by Mark Finkenstaedt on 02/16/10 - 11:34 PM

#31

That's awesome this worked out. I pondered it a while longer and the savings are just too good as well as the space savings aboard, so I went back for two more here due tomorrow. Helly Hansen is top notch stuff after all. Only manual ones remained but they'll also serve well all the same.

Now all we need is all this white stuff to melt and at the very least a glimmer/hope of Spring.

Posted by JohnnyCW on 02/17/10 - 7:56 AM

#32

Mark Finkenstaedt wrote:Only manual ones remained but they'll also serve well all the same.

Just make sure you still have all the required PFD's of the appropriate type on-board to satisfy current USCG carriage requirements for the number of passengers. I don't know if its changed recently but manually inflated PFD's (type V) only count if they're actually being worn.

I've never really been absolutely clear on inflatable PFD's and get different answers depending on who I ask such as Coast Guard Auxiliary or Florida FWC. Even when I wear my auto inflatables (type II), I still stow type I PFD's for everyone. I've been told auto-inflatable type II and type III don't have to be worn to count for the minimum USCG requirements but when I ask again another time, I'm told they still must be worn at all times. Some personnel responsible for enforcement don't seem to fully understand the current minimum requirements in regards to inflatables.