Best Way to Attach PLB to PFD?

[melrose3547]

Hi, just wondering if any of you have good ways to attach the PLB to the PFD.
Our PFDs don't have pockets. Thought of maybe sticking some Velcro about mid-chest height so it could attach there, be readily available but out of the way when not needed.
Are there better ideas??
Thanks


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[sailormed]

PLB is often attached to the mouth filling pipe of the PFD. Mine came with a special clamp for this purpose.

[melrose3547]

Hmmm. No clamp on ours
Back to the Velcro plan



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[Stumble]

I wouldn't think Velcro would be my first thought. Given all the possible thinks the plan might get hung up on I would prefer a permanent mechanical attachment that takes at least one hand to remove. I am thinking of a sew on pocket for instance.

[hellosailor]

You might want to buy a small nylon pouch, with a zippered or Velcro closure on it, and then use a polyurethane glue like AquaSeal or Goop to literally glue it onto a convenient spot on the PFD. If the PFD and the pouch are both washed and allowed to dry, so they are clean, the urethane glue will do a very nice permanent job of bonding them. If you can't find that type of adhesive, ask at any wet suit or dive shop, that's what they often use to glue up seams in neoprene wetsuits.

[Wotname]

Is the PFD inflatable or otherwise?

My PLB came provided with a velcro closed pouch and permanant belt loop. Just slid it onto the webbing on the inflatable PFD.

If the PLB is inflatable, make sure however you do it, the PLB remains easily accessable once the PFD is inflated

[estarzinger]

get a military style Molle webbing pocket - like this:

Army Belt Bag Phone Cover Camera Pocket Utility Pouch MOLLE Travel Camping Black | eBay

[Roy M]

Here's how McMurdo does it:

[roverhi]

Bought a belt pouch from a police gear place. Works great. There is a belt clip on my PLB but it was worthless and would constantly fall off.

[melrose3547]

Thanks for the ideas, they aren't really designed to be easy to use, especially with cold, wet hands are they.
How do you think on a lanyard would work, not attached to the PFD at all?


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[jackdale]

My ACR has a belt clip and a lanyard.

[Stumble]

Originally Posted by melrose3547

Thanks for the ideas, they aren't really designed to be easy to use, especially with cold, wet hands are they.
How do you think on a lanyard would work, not attached to the PFD at all?


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Keep in mind that 99% of the time it is just in the way. The more annoying it is, and the easier it is to take off the vest the more likely it is that you won't have it with you when you need it.

A clean, permanent install would be preferred. It may be a pain to get out if you ever need it, but it will still be there when you do.

[melrose3547]

Thanks, Stumble, that's absolutely right, have it as an integrated part of my PFD, then it's always there.


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[domander]

I think the clip idea is best, where the clip attaches to the inflator tube, because you want the PLB oriented properly when you're in the water to send the signal to the sky. And it is going to have to stay there in position perhaps for days.

With a belt pouch how can you maintain the position properly? And I also worry about dropping the PLB as I get it out of the pouch and try to bring it up to my chest. After all, you can't even see it when the vest is inflated, so everything is done by feel. I presently have a ACR PLB and a second AIS locator beacon. I don't yet know if I can get them both on the inflator tube. :-( Suggestions welcomed!

[Muckle Flugga]

I use spinlock belt packs. PLB, knife, laser flare all on lanyards to the inside of the pouch. Mounted permanently on the side of my PFD. No fuss no muss. Always there, always works. AIS beacon mounted in its own dedicated and purpose built pouch in the upper section of the PFD.

https://www.spinlock.co.uk/en/catego..._groups/dw-pcb