personal floation device

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />I'm curious to know if it's legal to dress up a PFD (personal floation device). I have acouple that's the orange color is faded and torn in some area. Is it ok to have the wife put some cool looking fabric over it. We will not alter the straps in any ways. We are in CA. THanks.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: personal floation device

would they work? probably. is it legal? probably not. i'm sure there is some obscure written rule about altering pdf's in any way. general guidelines have you inspecting them each year and replacing if torn or weathered. don't skimp on this. right now, almost every major marine store is running specials on pdf's. trash these and get yourself some new ones.

 

[bayman]

Re: personal floation device

As long as they are regular non-inflating PFD's for personal use and you don't sell them I can't imagine that you would have a problem. As soon as you act as a manufacture and sell them you need USCG approval. Of course you still want to make sure they are as safe as ever.<br /><br />I would never modify the inflatable PFD's as they are very special in their operation. Sewing cloth on them could cause them to malfunction.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: personal floation device

In Fla there is language in the law about the condition of the vest. If its torn, its not legal. I agree with Mattttt25 -- it may work but I'd bet its not legal. Either way, is it worth taking a chance?

 

[AaronG]

Re: personal floation device

When any of my PFDs get faded or the least bit ugly, I pitch them. They are only $4 a piece. Why mess with it?

 

[beezee28]

Re: personal floation device

I would get new pdf, nothing cost too much when your life is at risk and need the pdf.

 

[bayman]

Re: personal floation device

Very true, a low-cost PFD is only around $4. The part that concerns me about those ones though is that they aren't very comfortable and usually people won't wear them if they aren't comfortable. Wearing one is critical to safety. Sometimes things happen very quickly so having it on is important. <br /><br />The other thing that seems to concern me is...will a PFD hold together properly if material is removed and other material is sewn on? What if the wrong thread is used and that thread just falls apart?

 

[jtexas]

Re: personal floation device

Even if your modification is perfectly safe, a game warden can't be expected to evaluate it & come to the same conclusion. So be prepared to be ticketed if you go that route. If it were glued on with some kind of fabric glue, and the label weren't covered, maybe it would look original? just a thought.

 

[Purebreed]

Re: personal floation device

I was once pulled over and inspected. My pfd throwable had a small half in tear and was told that legaly that it was no longer acceptable. They are cheap buy a new one.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: personal floation device

The two thoughts I have - I would think that it would be essential to leave the labeling intact and visible - but I'm not saying the idea is legal or not. I'd read the regs.<br /><br /><br />Second, In my experience, once the PFD gets that old, the flotation is also compromised. Give it a test (jump in the water with it on) you may be surprised that it's lost some bouyancy. Buy a new one. Let everyone pick a good quality one in the style and/or color that turns them on. SPLURGE - spend $20 each! I view PFDs like my bed. Why the he!! anyone would skimp one cent on either a matress or PFD is beyond me. The most expensive PFD your kid or self is likely to want is pretty damn cheap in terms of boating bucks. Heck I'd put cheap oil in my 2 stroke all season if that's what it took to buy a new, top shelf PFD.