John, I read your article and went from the auto inflate vest to regular kayak vests. I do like the auto inflate feature in case you are knocked unconscious while going overboard (or hitting your head on a piece of trash while doing an eskimo roll) but the mechanism MUST be kept maintained. I have gone to well ventilated Type III kayak vests CG, because they are much less confining for deck work. I have also purchased the standard SOSuspender harness to put over the vest and double release tether lines to tie me to the boat. By the time I get everything I need aboard for safe sailing I might need a bigger boat ;-} Tom B <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail> This email has been sent from a virus-free computer protected by Avast. www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail> <#DDB4FAA8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> On Sun, Jan 31, 2016 at 11:40 PM, John Schinnerer <john@eco-living.net> wrote:
From someone very familiar with paddlesport PFDs...aside from those with tow belts, what I've seen is mostly a difference in colors, styles, and marketing.
PFDs from makers that sell for both sailing and paddlesports offer (at upper quality levels at least, $99 or so and up) same or very similar items, maybe some different design details such as placement of pockets, zippers, and/or lash-tabs. In some cases the cut is a bit different, nothing major.
Paddling, especially whitewater or ocean surfing, generally requires at least as much (more in my experience) mobility (and more constantly) in arms and torso and head as sailing. I've never found my higher end paddling PFDs to be less than great for sailing, from dinghies on up.
One difference is that some kayaking PFDs have high-cut backs (no foam low part of the back), in order to clear seatback and/or cockpit rim in a high-seatback or deep-cockpit kayak. I can't think of any reason this would be a disadvantage for sailing, except for maybe when lounging back against the cockpit coaming... :-)
The "harness" design on a paddling PFD with harness is more of a belt, designed primarily for rescue towing another boat (or possibly person) in emergency situations. It is not a front-clip device, it is normally a front quick-release buckle with tow attachment ring in back. Plenty strong, but very different application. NOT appropriate as a sailing chest harness!
Sailing and climbing/caving chest harnesses are essentially the same functional design, and similar materials and strength ratings, with center front attachment point. Some caving/climbing models will have non-stainless or non-aluminum hardware; not good if you're at all in saltwater.
Yep, just my opinion and/or experience of course.
Here's an interesting post on practical-sailor from a few years back, about manual vs. auto inflate units and issues around tether releasing. Some interesting comments below it as well: http://www.practical-sailor.com/blog/-10560-1.html
Whoever posted that they couldn't find a non-inflatable PFD with sailing type safety harness appears to be right...I can't find one either, not yet anyhow.
One of the comments on link above mentions buying one made by Force 10 years before, and also can't find one now (and that was posted in July 2011). Unfortunate that manufacturers aren't providing that option...or maybe just not in the USA?
With USCG dropping the current/old USA PFD type rating system last year, it sounds like by 2017 or so we may have some additional options for PFD designs.
cheers, John S.
On 01/31/2016 07:29 PM, Mark Dvorscak wrote:
The only pfds that I have seen with a harness integrated that are not inflatables are designed for kayak and paddle sports. I don't know that the harness feature is up to the standard for an offshore vest. I don't think I would choose any that I've seen for offshore work, but that type of sailing isn't necessarily your plan either. I also haven't found any manufacturer or retailer that recommends the kayak designs for sailing. My recommendation is that you try on as many vests as possible, check out the manufacturer recommendations regarding appropriate use and make your own decision about what is right for you. You certainly don't want to take the advice that is no more than a personal opinion of someone on an internet discuss forum and run with it. Including what I've said! Mark
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Jazzy <jazzydaze@gmail.com> wrote:
Tom if you meant to send me a pfd link or pic...I'm not seeing it.
Believe it or not I'm having a hard time finding pfd with harness that's not auto. So if you know of something link me! Jazz
-- John Schinnerer - M.A., Whole Systems Design -------------------------------------------- - Eco-Living - Whole Systems Design Services People - Place - Learning - Integration john@eco-living.net - 510.982.1334 http://eco-living.net http://sociocracyconsulting.com