Which PFD

[Dod42]

I am looking at purchasing some inflatable PFD's fort wife and I. I am not sure between manual and automatic inflation. Any recommendations?

[sailvayu]

I like the automatic for the additional safety. It is possible you could be knocked unconscious or be disorientated when falling overboard. I know some have had problems with them going off after a large wave hit the boat and 2 of mine wet off in a locker once after a long rain and a leaky lid. But all in all I feel the added safety is worth any problems. I think this may be important with inexperienced crew as well. Some have said an auto inflate could trap you in a sinking boat but I sort of feel this is along the lines of not wearing a seat belt so you are not trapped in a wreck. Yeah it could happen but the odds are small.

[cszosler]

Originally Posted by Dod42

I am looking at purchasing some inflatable PFD's fort wife and I. I am not sure between manual and automatic inflation. Any recommendations?

You should have it fastened on you selfe on deck, accessible/ on hand in cabin. If you will observe this rule
entrapment will be eliminated .
Do not known your country rules, but in down under I have got set of rigit PFD's for inspection and inflatables to use (yearly certification
at $38 each). Aren't we hopping for best in all other aspects of sailing?

[denverd0n]

I also go for automatic, just in case. At the same time, though, you need to be sure that you know how to let air out of it if you need to. Once you're in the water, and it inflates, moving around, swimming, doing anything really, becomes very difficult with the vest fully inflated. Good if you are unconscious, but bad if you need to assist in your own rescue.

[jackdale]

If you get an automatic, go for the hydrostatic inflation technology. It must be wet AND have water pressure as well. That way a wave will not set it off. Get one with crotch or hip straps or get an add on kit.

[SVNeko]

Spinlock Deckvest is the most comfortable, albeit pricey.

[susanna reiter]

Kru PFDs by Ocean Safety are my choice....they have crotch straps, a hood complete w/a vinyl face shield which can be easily pulled over your head and is really a great feature in rough waters...come in automatic inflation and manual...check it out...the prices are competitive and after all, when your out there overboard, you might be wishing you had spent a few extra bucks after all.

[David M]

Automatic and test it in a pool. So you know what it feels like when it inflates and know how to re-arm it correctly. You don't want to buy it and never test it....hoping it works when you need it.

We don't count inflatables as PFD's on the research vessel. I never know whose are going to work and whose are not. There is not 100% assurance they are going to inflate. Closed cell foam is already inflated.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by David M

Automatic and test it in a pool. So you know what it feels like when it inflates and know how to re-arm it correctly. You don't want to buy it and never test it....hoping it works when you need it.

We don't count inflatables as PFD's on the research vessel. I never know whose are going to work and whose are not. There is not 100% assurance they are going to inflate. Closed cell foam is already inflated.

And if you try to throw a manual inflatable to someone in the water -- it sinks.

They need to be worn to be of use.

[barnakiel]

In one of recent YM there is a most extensive feature of PFDs.

b.

[ohdrinkboy]

I went automatic. Test my periodically by jumping in the water. It inflates fast.

[roverhi]

Another vote for the Spinlock automatic. Wore mine 24/7 on the solo sail to Hawaii. Since it combines a harness with the vest, didn't want to have to take the time to don it when called on deck at 3am on a moonless night. Have the 'Pill' actuation which hasn't been an issue though haven't been inundated by a wave working the foredeck.

[Timo21]

Just posted the same post myself a couple weeks ago, heres what I concluded after online research and visiting a local west marine and another sailing store near me in San Diego. It comes down to choosing between the Spinlock Deckvest or the Mustang HIT.

Spinlock Deckvest:
-Pros: Crotch straps (helps with flotation and pulling victim out of water)
-pop up light that is well above floating head (in case victim is overboard at night)

-Cons: a bit less comfy than mustang (although after being broken in might not be as bad)
-the cow hitch, which when taking on and off is not as quick and easy as the mustang


Mustang HIT:
-Pros: Very comfy, you almost forget that its on
-easy on/off plastic belt clip (although if it breaks your screwed)

-Con: No crotch straps, overhead light, or knife

Overall: notice I had not mentioned price at all, because these devices are meant to save your life, something you cannot put a price on. Both can tether to jack lines and used as a harness, and both come available with HIT. Go to your local shop and try both on, only then will you know what you will want to wear ALL the time. Buy something that you will ALWAYS wear