Inflatable PFD's
Submitted by Dizzy on Fri, 2012-02-03 14:49
I'm looking at going out solo more with some available time off mid-week etc and read the thread about the solo boating topic.
The comments about falling over / getting knocked out etc got me thinking about having something already on to cover that freak event.
Then i started looking for inflatable PFD's and found all sorts - some looked OK, and some looked like bulky rubbish.
Obviously the ideal one is going to be rated, comfortable, small and discrete when not deployed.
Assuming there are a fair few members that use them, I'd be interested to hear some recommendations on what to get (or stay away from).
Thanks,
Dizz
Bungel
Posts: 290
Date Joined: 12/10/08
Also interested in
Also interested in this.
Used to wear one in NZ, but thinking i should be getting one here. Especially for the solo LBG missions..
Tony Halliday
Posts: 2500
Date Joined: 14/06/07
I have several on my boat,
I have several on my boat, two of which are auto inflation types for my son and I, and the others are standard pull the tag type.
I have found each to the their own when fitting and cumfy is taken into account. they all fit slighty different and have buckles and straps suiting different body types.
I like the my ones from south africa, international rated and acceptable here, and as they compact and can be washed easily to remove dirt or fish blood perfect for fishing.
My wife prefers the BLA ones, as they fit the ladies better.
Only thing I have found is when wearing a gimble belt, they can get caught on the tummy buckle / strap at times and can be irratation factor.
otherwise I'm a big fan on them.
I also have a Reaper Cheater, which is an inflatable rashie, great for rock fishing and when you working in the water or high risk area and don't want the bulk of a pfd.
jmo
Tony
Tony Halliday: ~Meals on Reels ~
It takes a strong fish to swim against the current. Even a dead one can float with it
"It is always in season for old men to learn." Aeschylus (525-456 BC)
"In a mad world only the mad are sane." Akira Kurosawa (1910-1998)
Gaz Mero
Posts: 80
Date Joined: 19/04/10
Stormy
Check out Stormy PFD's on the net in particular the 180N Yoke , best value for money in my book and good quality.
Just remember you have to pay to get them serviced after a certain period of use.
Also if you have not used the search button already this subject has been covered before.
Cheers
Gaz
chookc
Posts: 442
Date Joined: 07/01/10
You don't have to pay to get
You don't have to pay to get them serviced.. I know the QLD law says they must be inspected by a competant person every 12 months... They only inspect for cuts etc. Make sure the cylinder weighs 23grams and shows no signs of rust and inflate for 24 hours to check for leaks...
Then sign and date the life jacket tag..
as long as you can prove your competant to do those things your good to go...
Unless the law is worded differently in WA...
iana
Posts: 652
Date Joined: 21/09/09
All ready written on this.
Check out this web address.
http://fishwrecked.com/forum/stormy-pfd
And chookc I looked into this some time ago. You have to get them tested and certified each year if they are primary life jackets. But if you have non inflatable life jackets on board, the inflatables become your secondaries, and you can check them yourself.
Dizzy
Posts: 753
Date Joined: 21/02/11
Thanks fellas.
Thanks fellas.