PFD's - What do you carry?

[Beefer]

Ladyfish's (ie iboats forum) new Safety category prompted me to start this, along with my interest in changing some of my PFD's.

I never have more than 4 adults and 2 kids on my boat, and I keep 7 adult and 4 child pfds on board. Four of the adults are type I, 3 are type III's, and all the kids are type III as well (the kids don't like going offshore). I also have one (maybe 2) type IV on board. I keep the type IV hanging on the bulkhead below the throttle, so it's always 'readily accessible'.

I'm think about ditching the 4 type I's, as they are the bulkiest, and replacing them with inflatables. This will get us (me) to actually wear them, rather then keep them nicely stored in the spiffy vinyl pfd bag they came in. I'd keep all the kid's, and the type III's as well. I may even add one more type III, so we wouldn't have to wear the inflatables 100% of the time (unrealistic).

My boating is divided pretty equally between ICW and the Gulf of Mexico. I'm not sure whether I should get the auto-inflate, or the manual inflate types? My biggest concern with the auto is accidental inflation, and the potential for getting trapped under a capsized boat (not as prevalent). There are pros and cons to each, and would like to here from those that have/use them as to which you prefer.

So whatcha got? and which do you prefer?

 

[arks]

Re: PFD's - What do you carry?

I carry 8-'cheapie' type lll PFD's aboard stowed in 2 storage containers instantly accessible at the rear of the bridge, 4-'ski-style' type lll's in a hanging locker, and 1-type lV life ring hangin' in the cockpit. I also keep 1 kid-size PFD onboard in case we get young company.
In addition, I ALWAYS wear a type V auto-inflatable before casting off and offer another to anyone who might feel more comfortable wearing one. They're really VERY easy to wear once you get in the habit of using 'em.

Concerning the inflatables, I'm a firm believer in automatics- especially for those who go out solo.
Keep in mind that there are different bouyancies available with inflatables. Although I normally boat inshore waters, I buy the 'offshore' models because of their higher bouyancy. IMO you can't have TOO MUCH bouyancy!

 

[omcgreasemonkey]

Re: PFD's - What do you carry?

7 cheapie pfd's 3 kids vest and 2 throw cousions as well as 2 paddels

 

[trendsetter240]

Re: PFD's - What do you carry?

3 of those old style cheapo pfds that are always floating around the deck, used as seat cusions etc.

2 expensive and very comfortable vests worn by myself and the gf. 1 canine pfd for any large dogs on board. 1 child pfd which I bought for the one occasion that I had a child on board. Current stored in the bow.


It doesn't matter what you carry as long as they are all certified and you have at least one for each person/pet on board. The more comfortable they are the more likely you are to wear it.

 

[DaNinja]

Re: PFD's - What do you carry?

Love the "Safety Forum" Lady Fish! Good info, but it looks like "Read Only"?

We have enough Type III vests for everyone onboard either boat. We require wear while underway. We'll probably pick up a few more for the bigger folks and the occasional child.
Most of the parents bring their own for their children, though.

A throwable with a rope is near the helm on both boats.

 

[dwco5051]

Re: PFD's - What do you carry?

We have been issued either the auto or manual Mustangs. I wear the manual and we have had a few instances of the autos not inflating during training exercises.

During our last training session I went into the pool with boots, pants, shirt, and an old ammo belt loaded with 8 pounds of lead ingots to simulate my duty belt to prove how well they work. Even without inflating I was able to keep my head above water without almost no effort. Inflated I bobbed around like a cork and I weigh about 190 pounds alone. I would suggest that anyone who is out alone a lot or wants the experience with the hybrid to buy a reload kit first than jump in and try it both not inflated and filled. Then pull the stopper and empty it and refill by blowing a couple of times. It will give you a lot more confidence.

I find mine so comfortable that twice this summer I have left for home after a shift with it on. Once I didn't notice it till I stopped for coffee and the local grab and run and the other time I parked in my driveway and walked into the garage before I realized that I was still wearing it.

 

[ziggy]

Re: PFD's - What do you carry?

i usually boat with my sweety. we both have type III. they sit between the seat and the gunnel for ea. of us. we also both sit on type IV's. i've got 2 type II's that are always onboard also.

when i boat solo, i wear my pfd.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: PFD's - What do you carry?

I've got 4 adult Hobie sport vests (type III), one child sport vest (typeIII), one child type II, one toddler sport vest(type III), and one toddler type II. In addition to those eight vests, I have a floating cushion with nylon woven handles and a throw rope with snap link easily accessable. I am also thinking about auto inflatable vests. When I finally settle on a name for my boat, I'll get a ring bouy with 50' rope to proudly display the name of my boat... Just seems like the thing to do. I don't know that this helps you much, but I'm looking forward to hearing how it works out for you.
Safe and Happy boating always...

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: PFD's - What do you carry?

Our boat is rated for 8 people, but we only carry 6 under normal conditions. We therefore carry 6 type III's in an over head zippered storage area in the 1/2 tower's frame work.

We also carry the required type IV and a rescue "toss" bag.

In addition we, wife and I, each have manual inflatables that have an auto kill switch from "Autotether" attached. Mine is the standard type, and the wife wears the "fanny pack" style.

A couple observations on the previous posts:

• Inflatables only count as a PFD if they are being worn
• Type IV throwable cushions lose their floation ability when being used as a seat cushion., The foam is compressed over time, and can lose it's effectiveness.
• Type III PFD's should not be used as seat cushions for the same reason

 

[JoLin]

Re: PFD's - What do you carry?

• Inflatables only count as a PFD if they are being worn

Very, very important point. Many don't know that.

We don't have small children and seldom carry more than another couple with us. I carry 4 type 1's aboard (I keep a few more in my truck at the dock), and we have 2 inflatable fitted to my wife and I. I also have 2 throwable cushions, one of which has 50' of polypropylene line attached to it.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: PFD's - What do you carry?

On each boat I keep 4-6 of the orange cheapies, and one or two throw cushions. I wear a vest, although I often take it off in the summer while fishing. I keep a second vest in the cold weather for my wife but she only wears it when we are running at night--need to get her something comfortable.
My vests have mesh on the shoulders so they are good for shooting and cooler inthe summer, but they are not qualified for water sports--check your labels.
My daughter has a really good vest from when she was on a sailing team and we keep several other vests for tubing--they are not on the boat all the time but taken out when the youngsters go out (boat is in the water at the house). I haev a collection of little ones from when the children were little, too.

 

[skargo]

Re: PFD's - What do you carry?

We carry 3 auto inflatables. My wife and I are usually the only ones aboard and we wear ours whenever underway.
We also carry 2 sports type and 2 children's sizes onboard for when we have guests. 1 throwable cushion.

 

[Tig]

Re: PFD's - What do you carry?

Everyone wears their PFD and I usually stow a spare.
My boat is relatively small and space is tight so I keep the rest onshore. My kids are grown but also we keep a junior and a child size PFD around for visitors who do not bring their own.

 

[riptide09]

Re: PFD's - What do you carry?

Usually this is what I have on board:

I have 1 Type IV that is always on the boat. This keeps me legal.

I have 1 Type III that is designed for skiing or tubing. It is primarily used for that purpose and is on the boat all the time.

I have 4 adult Type III. These are always on the boat.

So on the boat all the time: 5 adult Type III, 1 Type IV

Available if required:

6 adult Type II
2 child Type II
1 child Type III
2 Small dog (for my Pugs if they come along)
1 Large dog (for my Boxer who loves coming on the boat)

My granddaughters each have their own Type III. Sometimes they leave them with us and sometimes they take them. If these are around I will use them if I need to instead of the child Type II

 

[Beefer]

Re: PFD's - What do you carry?

A couple observations on the previous posts:

• Inflatables only count as a PFD if they are being worn
• Type IV throwable cushions lose their floation ability when being used as a seat cushion., The foam is compressed over time, and can lose it's effectiveness.
• Type III PFD's should not be used as seat cushions for the same reason

That's exactly why I'm thinking of getting the inflatable for myself, I'll have to wear it for it to count. I wear one of the type III's when I go into the Gulf, but nothing when I'm in the ICW. Just can't decide between manual or auto.

 

[ziggy]

Re: PFD's - What do you carry?

Just can't decide between manual or auto

imho, i would think auto for safety's sake. you could be unconscious when you inadvertently get in the water...

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: PFD's - What do you carry?

My Boat is rated for 12 people and these stay on the boat:

2 type III for children 5 to 10 yrs
4 type III for children 10 to 15
4 type III for adults
2 type III for large adults(got a sister in law over 200lbs)
2 throwables
I have a bulk pack of 6 type II just in case but they have never been unpacked I think these are just for piece of mind.

I also have four type III at home for very small children that I bring should we be expecting very small children. I have always bought type III's for my kids that were just like I wear, neoprene tight fitting as the kids like what mom and dad wear so it just makes it easier and since I have been boating throughout my kids lives I just never sold the older ones and as fast as kids grow they rarely wear out before they were out grown. I also have daughters so god forbid they get a hand me down plus I keep an eye out for deals on CL or garage sales for something that jumps out at me.

Also I drive my kids to swim, if they are in the water I am too, as they grew up I have not always required them to have their vests on but they had to ask me first if they took them off so that I knew to watch them. I was on the high school long distance swim team as well as a life guard throughout my teenage years at a local lake and sometimes pools, and I still (at 42) swim a mile at the lake so I do things somewhat differently but if the kids are just hanging out in the water with friends or they are rough housing in the water then they have a vest on properly just like I do.

 

[skargo]

Re: PFD's - What do you carry?

imho, i would think auto for safety's sake. you could be unconscious when you inadvertently get in the water...

That's the reason I spent a few extra bucks for the automatic.

 

[Beefer]

Re: PFD's - What do you carry?

Well, I ended up with 2 manual inflatables. Only reason I went with the manual was, I got them for $20. If an auto comes along, I may upgrade.