Life Jackets - Need recommendation

[ApS]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

"...for ten dollars each...... Wild Meadow Kayak & Canoe on the Moultonborough-Centre Harbor - Route 25 border, usually starts off each boating season with a bargain sell-off of last season's fifty-dollar, rental use pfd's..."

1) Last season's PFDs may offer good savings, but may not have the latest warnings and disclaimers. When the intended user is a sub-adult or child, the less capable it may be!

2) Last season, I snagged a new PFD that floated by my dock. (Marked Goodhue & Hawkins—size: Small) Shortly afterwards, an entire EbbTide* rear seat cushion—also marked G&H—came floating by!

*EbbTide is a boat manufacturer.

The PFD was stamped with several disclaimers regarding "suitability upon impact", and listed the speed for which it was not tested.

3) At my winter residence, I see modern PFDs that the elements (sun and salt water) have degraded into floppy uselessness.

4) All of which brought me to BoatSafe.com.

I've quoted excerpts, as the site has many redundancies:

"...Labels may show recommended use but manufacturers are not required to state categorically a specific use for a particular PFD. If a PFD is labeled with an "Impact Class" ("Effective on impact at speeds up to [XX] MPH") you know that it has been tested by water impact for strength at the speed stated. This, however, does not mean it will give you personal protection..."

Maintenance and Storage Tips

* Don't alter your PFD to make it fit. Buy another that does fit.
* Don't put heavy objects on it or use it for a knee pad or fender, it can lose buoyancy when crushed.
* Don't dry your PFD in a dryer, on a radiator, heater, or any other direct heat source. This can degrade and damage the buoyancy material.
* Don't let your PFD lie out in the sun when the boat is not in use. Sunlight weakens some synthetic fabrics very rapidly.
* Don't leave your PFD onboard for long periods of time when the boat is not in use, the heat can degrade its flotation.
* Do let your PFD drip dry thoroughly before putting it away.
* If your PFD has been in salt water, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water.
* Do stow your PFD in a well ventilated place.
* Do check your PFD for rips, tears, and holes and make sure seams, straps and hardware are okay.
* Do make sure there is no sign of water-logging, mildew odor, or shrinkage of the buoyant materials.
* Do check and replace spent cartridges in inflatable PFDs.
* Do put your name on your PFD if you are the only wearer. It will keep you from mistakenly putting on one that is not sized for you.
* Do test all your PFDs at the start of every boating season.
* Do discard old PFDs by cutting them up and properly disposing of them. You don't want someone finding one you[r] discarded [PFD] and using it.
* Do give your PFDs all the above checks, plus check their buoyancy in the water, at least twice a year.

The above suggestion (in red) is applicable mostly for older PFDs. Modern PFD flotation is really tough stuff. For emergency repairs, I carry a few plastic items in my PFD pocket. It took several "easy" Winnipesaukee summer seasons, but even plastic cable-ties managed to poke holes in the PFD's outer fabric!


As I am continually packaging delicate items for shipping, I've found that old or stained or otherwise rejected PFDs can be disassembled to recover (and recycle ) their lightweight, insulating, and relatively tough flotation packing. The flotation part actually holds up quite well: it's the synthetic outer fabric that the elements will eventually degrade.

I would add one more recommendation omitted by BoatSafe.com:

*Don't store your PFDs where Red Squirrels can reach them.

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

"...I am looking to spending maybe $50-80 per vest. Can anyone make some recommendations? I don't want jackets that are just going to get shredded in a season or two but something that will last..."

Read the labels inside. They are a guide to how sturdy the PFD will be.

I found it amusing that kitesurfing—a form of windsurfing/sailing—sites recommend "impact PFDs" that cost over $200. Then I saw website recommendations that kitesurfing not be done near airports and runways!

FWIW...Kitesurfing is a form of exciting sailing that's growing in popularity along US coastlines. At my winter residence (SE Florida) I see it almost every day, where outrunning sharks is an important sail-board consideration.

[jmen24]

If just for general boating use, go with the recommendations above, mostly proper storage will keep you from have to buy new ones next year. Dry them out when they get wet and store them out of the sun in a dry location. They are not a comfort item, they are a keep you above water item, does not matter what brand. I would get really comfy kid vests if you are getting some for children. I think a lot of folks overlook the comfort of their kids in a vest cause they have to be replaced so often, but the kids are in them at all times on the water.

If you are looking for something that will be worn more such as a ski vest or something to paddle with, then get fitted, as comfort is as much a concern as floatation, if it is uncomfortable you will not want to use it.