Choosing the Best PFD for Your Boat, Part 2
Even though you may have the required USCG Type PFD for everyone aboard, you also have to consider the fit, especially if you expect to have children aboard.
PFDs should fit comfortably but snugly.
For those who spend a lot of time on the water and own their own PFD’s, it’s wise to water test the PFD to be sure it has the correct buoyancy for the body weight. The PFD should keep your chin well above the surface. It should also not ride up—a crotch strap may prevent this on some models.
For small children and infants, special features like padded head support, leg straps and grab handles are beneficial in keeping them face-up, helping to ensure their PFD stays on. The handles make retrieval from the water easier.
It’s a good idea to take the kids swimming several times while wearing the PFD’s so that they get used to them, and also this gives you a chance to assure the fit will be right and that the device keeps them floating face up and out of the water.
How to Store Your PFD’s
For most of us, out of sight is actually out of mind—and that’s where our PFD’s are located.
It’s safe to say the vast majority of personal flotation devices are stored in a hatch box, console, head or below decks.
That’s because most of us simply won’t wear a PFD—they are too bulky, too hot, too inconvenient —just too annoying.
And in truth, wearing a PFD doesn’t make much sense if you’re cruising through smooth seas in a 50-footer, unless you’re single-handing your way to Bimini.
If the jackets are not being worn, stow them where you can get to them should the boat fill with water, as high as possible and in the open. Under a Bimini top is a good spot, and there are stowage bags available designed to fit this space.
For PFD’s that are to be stowed, a clean, dry area with air circulation is a must. Throwing them into an compartment loaded with salty brine or a dark, damp mildew swamp will greatly shorten their lifespan as the material rots.
PFD’s for Pets
Particularly for pets, getting the right fit in a PFD is critical. While nearly all dogs can swim just fine, they can’t swim for miles as they might have to if they fall overboard or the boat sinks. A well-fitted PFD can prevent their loss.
As with children, it’s a good idea to put the PFD on your pet and get them used to it before going out in the boat—taking them for a swim with the jacket on will allow them to associate it with a pleasant time. Be aware, though, that dogs are easily overheated in warm weather and sunshine, and the PFD will increase the chances of their getting too hot. Stop regularly for a swim or wet them down if they show signs of heat stress.
PFD Care & Maintenance
Although life jackets are generally easy to care for and can last many seasons with proper attention, there are a few dos and don'ts that will help ensure your PFDs stay in good working condition. Perform these checks bi-annually and at the start of every boating season.
- Check for rips and fraying. Tug at the straps and close and release the buckles to ensure they are in good shape.
- Look for signs of fabric rot, mildew, waterlogging, or shrinkage. Rot and waterlogging mean it’s time to replace your PFD.
- Write your name somewhere on the PFD so it is easily identifiable.
- Rinse with fresh water after wearing in coastal waters to remove salt deposits and other impurities.
- Hang dry before storing in a cool, ventilated spot away from direct sunlight.
- On inflatable PFD’s, replace spent air cartridges immediately.
- On auto-inflating models, replace the bobbin once a year.
PFD Companies:
Bluestorm markets a variety of inflatable PFD’s including the Type II Arcus 40, a premium-grade device with 40 lbs (18 kg) of buoyancy, twice the buoyancy of a Type III foam life jacket. It has a high cut to allow easier flexibility and movement. Memory foam back pads and an extra-wide cut at the neck add comfort for all-day wear. Price is around $180: https://bluestormgear.com
Gill makes polyethylene foam PFD’s with either front zip or side zip closures, with the cover rip-stop nylon for durability. A Velcro tab assures the zipper stays zipped, even if you should hit the water at high speed. Adult models are about $130, child and youth sizes about $100; www.gillmarine.com
Helly Hansen, a Norwegian firm well-known for top quality foul weather gear, also markets an assortment of PFD’s including inflatables and neoprene jacket types aimed at the sailing and kayaking market. The inflatable 33805 includes a certified sailing harness and weighs in at 1.6 kg (3.5 lbs.) including CO2 cartridge; www.hellyhansen.com
First Watch makes a variety of quality PFD’s, including the HBV-100 High Buoyancy Vest, a type V vest with 25 lbs. (11 kg) of buoyancy, ready for anything from whitewater adventures to operation in tough conditions. It includes SOLAS Reflective tape front and back. List is $310; www.firstwatchgear.com
Kent makes commercial-grade PFD’s at reasonable prices, including the Type I Universal for just $65. If you’re equipping an offshore boat, these solidly built vests are an economical way to meet USCG requirements. Buoyancy rating is 22 pounds, and an attached whistle is included. The company also makes Type III wearables as well as inflatables; www.kentsafetyproducts.com.
Lifeline makes an assortment of high performance PFD’s designed for powerboat racing, including some with built-in parachutes to slow an ejected driver or throttle-handler before they hit the water. The PN140 shown here includes a ‘chute and a flotation collar designed to keep an incapacitated user’s face above water. The collar also keeps water from catching under the helmet in a high-speed spill, according to the company. The entire jacket is made of 1000D nylon for durability and impact resistance. Prices start at about $965; https://lifelineracegear.com
The Liquid Force Watson Heritage vest adds a unique look to the watersports PFD, narrow at the waist, broad in the chest—the Ninja Turtles get waterborne! The 17-panel design makes a very flexible vest suitable for all types of watersports as well as regular boating wear. This quick-dry model is approved by the USCG and is also approved for use in Canada. Price is $160; www.liquidforce.com.
Mustang Survival is one of the big dogs in the industry, making a wide variety of PFD’s and flotation coats and jackets, as well as commercial and military grade dry-suits designed for Coast Guard rescue teams. Shown here is the H.I.T. Hydrostatic inflatable, a super-tough model designed for use in high-speed boats where ejected passengers may hit the water hard. It inflates in just 4 seconds, according to the maker. A whistle, strobe light holder, and SOLAR reflective tape all ensure additional on-the-water safety. When inflated, it provides 38 lbs (17 kg) of buoyancy. The visible gauge assures a full charge in the CO2 cylinder. Price is about $280; https://mustangsurvival.com
The NRS Astral Green Jacket is a high-end PFD designed to allow paddlers free movement, but it also functions as a good all-around jacket for those who want extra storage on their vest. The clamshell pocket on the front unzips to allow access to multiple pockets, but keeps gear safe when zipped. It’s a pullover design with no zippers to snag or jam, and eight adjustment points to assure a snug but comfortable fit. Weight is just under 3 lbs (1.3 kg), price $325; www.NRS.com
O’Brien builds a wide variety of economically-priced PFD’s aimed primarily at the watersports market, but also suitable to satisfy the general boating requirement. Prices start as low as $35 for the 3-Belt Sport Jacket to $120 for the Recon model, built with neoprene panels for maximum comfort and a longer cut for maximum flotation; www.obrien.com
O’Neill is also primarily a watersports PFD company but makes a wide variety of life preservers suitable for general boating use, as well as some that are specialty models designated for competition wakeboarding and skiing only. (The competition models are not USCG approved.) They’re value-priced, with most at $99 to $120; https://us.oneill.com
Onyx markets both conventional life preservers and suspender type inflatables, including the premium AM-24 All Clear inflatable shown here. It has a window to allow a quick check of the cartridge before every trip and can be inflated automatically or via pull-cord. The “Quickburst” zipper is said to be more dependable and easier to use in repacking than Velcro-type closures. It has 22.5 lbs. (10 kg) buoyancy inflated, and is rated for users 80 lbs. (36 kg) and up; www.onyxoutdoor.com
Revere, well-known maker of life rafts, also produces life preservers. The Comfort-Max inflatable has a heavy-duty 420 denier nylon outer cover and includes a signal whistle. SOLAS-grade retro-reflective tape on the bladder will help rescuers after dark, and it includes an accessory strap for attachment of l the optional Aquaspec light. It’s about $180. Their belt-pack model, about $90 includes a clear window with a view of the inflation system status indicator; https://reveresurvival.com
Switlik makes a variety of high-end PFD’s widely used by government agencies and professional mariners. The X-Back Constant Wear model is a low-profile design the company says will transfer weight away from the head and neck during long-term wear. It also includes a twin chamber inflatable cell with two oral tubes. A built in locator light and whistle are included, and the cover is Nomex/Kevlar for maximum durability. Price is $395; https://switlik.com
Stearns “Sospenders” made modern inflatable PFD’s popular, particularly among the hundreds of thousands of bass anglers nationwide, but the company also make a full line of life preservers including devices suitable for offshore conditions. The Infant Classic is designed for kids 30 pounds and under and includes a head rest as well as grab handle—it’s under $25. The company also makes a wide variety of affordable PFD’s for adults, some designed especially for anglers, others for general boating. Prices start at about $30 and range to about $70; www.stearnsflotation.com.
Stohlquist markets PFD packages to equip everyone aboard with a preserver. The four-pack models shown here weigh just 0.7 lbs. (0.3 Kg) each yet support adults 90 lbs. (41 kg) and up to USCG standards. The design features higher placement of upper buckle to prevent the jacket from riding up, and a thinner back panel to reduce seat back interference. They come in a zippered bag for stowage—price is $125 for the package. The company also specializes in whitewater PFD’s for kayak fans, and offers a full line of youth models as well; https://stohlquist.com