Boating alone and PFD questions.

[RCSConstruction]

Back for some more info.
How many of you go out far, alone? What type of safety plans do you have in place? Common sense tells me I should tell people where I plan to be going,have a VHF and backup batteries,flares, and a cellphone. Missing anything?

PFD,Life vest/jacket-
What brand/type do you use? I was looking into one that inflates when it comes in contact with water. It was a 140.00 but seemed like it would be far more enjoyable and alot more comfortable than a vest. How much water does it take to activate? Do they inflate when hit by a big splash or do they need to be submerged? I don't want the thing to go off after a big splash hits me. Are there any slim/light vest's out there that YOU find comfortable and not cumbersome?
Thanks again for your insight.

 

[jonw9]

Re: Boating alone and PFD questions.

As a follow up, I see some PFDs are not USCG certified. Is this a requirment for life vests?

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Boating alone and PFD questions.

As a follow up, I see some PFDs are not USCG certified. Is this a requirment for life vests?

Yeah you must also have a Coast guard certified on board. If you come into a situation where the CG requires you to wear one (dangerous water etc) you must don the certified one.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Boating alone and PFD questions.

i use a stearns automatic inflateable, it has an emergency rip cord, or has to be submerged, to go off. i keep a water proof vhf in a baggie, in the pocket, whistle, mirror. also have built in VHF with 8 ft shakespeare attenna. this is even when alone inshore.

 

[bucky7680]

Re: Boating alone and PFD questions.

Make sure you use the kill switch and have a way to climb back into the boat if you go overboard. Do a trial run to see if you can get back into the boat by yourself. I use a Mustang self inflating and it needs to be in at least 4" of water to inflate. It cost around $200.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Boating alone and PFD questions.

When I boat offshore I always wear a Coast Guard approved Life Jacket. I looked a long time before I found one I really liked. Everyone on the boat Wears a Life Jacket offshore. Never had anyone go over board but with 54 degree water it is a big shock when you hit the water. All our offshore Jackets have a whisle attached and Mine has a Strobe light ans signal mirrow,

When boating alone offshore (Rare) I also attach a saftey line between myself and the boat. In the normal summer wind 20 to 30 mph the boat drift is often faster than I can swim.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Boating alone and PFD questions.

RCS, I think it depends on the type of boat, the size of the boat and where you are boating among other things. However, Kids need to wear a PFD at all times while underway in all boats, here in NJ.

For example, on a performance boat, it makes sense to wear a CG-approved PDF (standard or inflatable), all the time. On a big cruiser in the bay, an adult who can swim can skip it. When navigating a rough inlet is a small boat, a PFD is a good idea. When alone in the ocean, it is likely a good idea, especially if you are fishing and the water is cold.

I nearly fell out of my 19' bowrider on a windy day in the ocean in November. I was leaning over to wash my hands after baiting up. it would have been difficult for me to swim fast enough to catch the boat, in my workboots.