Dick Reynolds Lebanon, Oregon
Boat Name: Catnip
Model/Year: Swing Keel / 1974
Hull No. 4570
Hailing Port: Newport, Oregon |
03/06/2004 9:15 PM Pacific Time
As I age and get more stumbly I've decided that we,my wife and I, would be safer to wear a PFD all the time we are sailing. I've always worn a float coat but it is so hot due to the layer of closed cell foam lining the coat, that you can't stand to have it zipped up which negates to a large part, it's virtues. I am interested in the inflatables which come in both suspender and waist types. I tend to discount the waist types as my waist is too big already. Do any of you out there have actual experience in these things as to comfort etc.? |
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03/07/2004 5:33 AM Pacific Time
I have a waist type inflatable - never had to use it but you hardly know its there. My son has a vest type - little less comfortable but it has a tether ring which can be valuable at times.You can inflate them manually or with a cartridge.
I think the last issue of boat u.s. did a review on them. |
Dick King Melbourne, FL
Boat Name: Twilight Zone
Model/Year: Sport/2005
Hull No. 15546
Hailing Port: Melbourne, FL |
03/07/2004 7:24 AM Pacific Time
Dick R. I have and wear the SOSpenders. They get warm around the neck, but give me a comfortable safe feeling. I have the manual inflatable model, but am considering getting the self inflating model. I got the manual one so I could go sailing on my son's Hobie 18. My 2.5 yearold granddaughter is not quite ready yet so I haven't done any of that. |
Russ Milham Lake Forest Park, WA
Boat Name: Griot
Model/Year: C-22 1981
Hull No. CTYH0492M811
Hailing Port: Kenmore Air Harbor |
03/07/2004 11:48 PM Pacific Time
I also have a set of SOSpenders. Mine are the self inflating variety with the integrated harness. Since I single hand almost exclusively, I also picked up a 6-foot elastic dual-clip tether. The whole rig probably set me back about $350. In the temperate maritime climate of Puget Sound, the SOSpenders are plenty comfortable. I used to race an Oday/Jeanneau 39 in the New Smyrna Beach, FL area and can well imagine that anything on your body would be uncomfortably hot. Clothing optional is the only way to race in Central Florida. ;-) |
Dick Reynolds Lebanon, Oregon
Boat Name: Catnip
Model/Year: Swing Keel / 1974
Hull No. 4570
Hailing Port: Newport, Oregon |
03/08/2004 9:27 PM Pacific Time
Thanks guys. I'll go with the SOSuspenders. I will be sailing the San Juans also. I'm sure they won't be as hot as my float coat was. |
Russ Milham Lake Forest Park, WA
Boat Name: Griot
Model/Year: C-22 1981
Hull No. CTYH0492M811
Hailing Port: Kenmore Air Harbor |
03/09/2004 10:14 PM Pacific Time
Cool!
Be sure to document your cruise for us. I’m planning a single handed run to Friday Harbor from Shilshole later this season, and I would love to hear your insights. |
Dick Reynolds Lebanon, Oregon
Boat Name: Catnip
Model/Year: Swing Keel / 1974
Hull No. 4570
Hailing Port: Newport, Oregon |
03/11/2004 10:09 PM Pacific Time
Friday Harbor is a very busy but real neat place in the summer. You may have to anchor out so have a dinghy. |