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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 General Sailing Forum
 Inflatable PFD's		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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thacket3
Navigator

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USA
101 Posts
Initially Posted - 02/13/2004 :  13:40:31  Show Profile
I am going to purchase a few inflatable PFD's for the boat and am impressed by the prices offered at Sailnet after looking at West Marine. My question is what experience have you all had with the different brands and types. I already have several of the "fanny pack" type but I plan to upgrade to the type with a harness. I read the recent article in (sail? Cruising World? somewhere) but wanted more real-life comments.
Thanks-
Tim
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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts
Response Posted - 02/13/2004 :  17:58:04  Show Profile  Visit JimB517's Homepage
I bought my SOSpenders harness / manual activated inflation vest and lanyard from Sailnet at significant savings. I wear it all the time, only clip on in big waves. It's more comfortable than a fanny pack (we have 2 on board for guests not likely to go forward of the mast and one Sterns Ultra manual inflatable vest for the Admiral). It also keeps me warm in winter sailing (tee shirt and harness is all we need here most afternoons in sunny San Diego).

The SOSpenders is serious offshore quality for me. The others are much lighter inshore quality for occasional use by crew.
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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts
Response Posted - 02/13/2004 :  19:14:30  Show Profile  Visit Leon Sisson's Homepage
Tim,

I use a West Marine (a.k.a. SOSpenders) inflatable PFD w/harness & auto/manual inflation activatation. My tether is the 3'/6'retracting 'V' type with the new style safety carabiners to hook in. It has a more traditional snap shackle at the chest with a short beaded lanyard for emergency release. It's comfortable to wear, but I wish the harness belt were lower. I can't get it below my rib cage.

-- Leon Sisson
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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts
Response Posted - 02/13/2004 :  20:01:58  Show Profile
Most of the time I use a "Stormy Seas" inflatable vest. It looks and 'wears' like a regular outdoor vest. It is so comfortable that you'll forget you're wearing a life jacket.
(I'm not kidding here). And no, I don't work there and don't own any stock either.

You can check out their products here... http://www.stormyseas.com/home.html
Be sure to read the story by the founder of the company.

On my part, I tried the SOS Suspenders on in the store and didn't like them... they seemed a bit stiff, uncomfortable and felt like it would 'get in the way'
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cathluk
Admiral

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USA
513 Posts
Response Posted - 02/13/2004 :  22:30:44  Show Profile
Dan & I use SOSpenders w/ the harness although we've never used the tether since we don't go forward in rough seas (no really good way to rig a jack line on the C250). We find them confortable both in the summer with t-shirts & over jackets in the winter. We have one automatic & one manual (accident - we though we had both automatic). We replace the CO2 cartidge every other year & have been very happy with them.

The most important thing is to find a PFD that's comfortable so you'll wear it. The greatest PFD in the world won't help you if its in the locker and not on your body!
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.