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what offshore pfd recommendations do you have? i have used several but never take note of brand/model. I'm looking at this mustang md3184; something with harness built in and easy enough to travel with.
I've been very happy with our Spinlocks. Comfortable for keeping them on the whole day. We crossed the Atlantic on a boat that had them, and later bought the same for our own boat.
Another vote for Spinlock. I have the deckvest duro. I love that everything is built-in (whistle, strobe, etc.). It's also very comfortable to wear. I feel like it catches on things less than others since it has a "zipper" seam instead of velcro too, very self-contained. Forgot to mention the canvas tether attachment point too, no metal to clank and scratch against anything
I've only ever used the, I believe same, Mustang auto inflated pfd w/D ring harness built in. It has served its purpose for me, but I do not have opportunity/need to use it too often. I bought it to help crew a boat from NC to Bahamas going outside the ICW. I had no complaints about it. but I also didn't have to put it to use :)
I have two of these. They are much better than the cheaper ones with velcro closures. It fits well and is easy to take on and off. We've tested them in the pool and they definitely work well. In terms of negatives, with the steel d-rings, the PFD overall is pretty heavy. Also, the black, rubbery neck area, while nice and soft, can get pretty hot.
Someone else commented on the d-rings banging on things, which is true, but you can fold them back out of the way.
I don't know the brand I have off the top of my head, but visually it's similar to the mustang. I don't think it matters that much, as long as it works. I figure if I go in the water during a passage, I'm either getting picked up relatively quickly, or fuck it, I'm done. Why prolong the suffering? I do like the harness built in.
the harnes has always made sense to me. if I'm in weather where i need a harness, pfd should be on too. new idea though... maybe after 20 minutes the shark bait capsule releases?
maybe after 20 minutes the shark bait capsule releases?
Haha. That's a funny idea. I've thought a few times about what it would be like just floating there, knowing that it's just a matter of time. Luckily it's not something that I obsess on, but I'm sure there are a lot of people that do. Probably keeps a lot of people from getting on the water, to be honest.
I won't recommend anything in particular, but before buying an auto inflation vest confirm the price and availability of reload kits. The pill expires after a couple of years.