[C320-list] An Interesting perspective on Life Jackets

[sail-ability sail-ability]

   I too enjoyed the article on life jackets/PFDs. As with all things
   there is always a compromise. The self inflators and the Life jackets
   are designed to float an unconscious victim face up so that she can
   breathe. The PFDs are not designed to do this and the victim must be
   conscious in order to survive. I have two Mustang inflatables one with
   the dissolving pellet which when submersed allows the device to
   inflate, and it happens pretty fast as I've used it a few times. The
   problem with them is that they will inflate in a downpour! But I've
   never had this happen.The second one is a HIT self inflator which needs
   to be submersed deeper than 4" in order to activate the self inflator.
   This device will not inflate simply by getting wet. I've never tried it
   as the replacement parts are around $70 USD!! We had a drowning here on
   Lake Ontario a few years back; the skipper was knocked overboard by an
   unruly boom and he was not wearing a life preserver of any sort. Bottom
   line is no matter what the life preserver is,,,wear it!!!! always.

   JohnM

   1999#574

     ---------- Original Message ----------
     From: Larry Frank <WindSwept at stx.rr.com>
     Date: May 12, 2016 at 8:56 AM
     Jeff,
     Interesting video. Thanks for sending out the link.
     Which jackets did you find that are super comfortable? My concern is
     that
     when offshore in tropical weather the non-inflatable jackets will be
     too
     hot. Can you comment on this?
     Do you know if any of these jackets come with a built in harness?
     Larry
     WindSwept
     C320 #246
     On 5/11/16, 4:15 PM, "Jeff Hare" <Catalina at thehares.com> wrote:
     >Hi,
     >
     >I thought I'd share a video perspective on life jackets from Mario
     >Vittone,
     >a well-respected Helicopter Rescue Swimmer. Maybe many of you have
     already
     >seen it, but it caused many of us to rethink our safety gear last
     summer.
     >If you haven't seen it, it may surprise you.
     >
     >http://mariovittone.com/tag/inflatable/
     >
     >As a result, we've begun the transition to low cut, active
     watersports
     >style
     >jackets with pockets and have found some that are super
     comfortable. My
     >on-deck complaint with our inflatable jackets has always been that
     they
     >are
     >heavy and tend to pull on my neck forward so I take them off, lift
     them up
     >or unbuckle them after a while.
     >
     >We have 6 inflatables in 3 different styles and while the newer
     ones are
     >more comfortable than the earlier models, but are still less
     comfortable
     >and
     >more restrictive on deck than some of the new style
     watersports/river
     >rapids
     >kayaking/SUP jackets that are designed to be lighter and less
     restrictive.
     >
     >Of course we're all built differently and sail in different
     conditions,
     >so... what are you wearing these days? :)
     >
     >Cheers!
     >-Jeff Hare
     >#809 Woodbine II
     >

   >