PFD and safety harness

Gary M · Post by **Gary M** » Sep 28th, '08, 09:22

I have finally admitted to myself that I have out grown my current PFD, and harness.

I currently own a West Marine PFD witch was styled like a sleeveless jacket. My safety harness was worn under it and if the PFD was partially unzipped I could use the ring of the harness.

I see nothing like this at the normal stores I go to so here's another question for the sailing experts of the CD board.

Do you have a PFD / Harness set up that you really like?

Thanks
Gary

Neil Gordon · Post by **Neil Gordon** » Sep 28th, '08, 10:57

I have the WM auto-inflatable with built in harness and like it. It comes with a spare inflation cartridge; weight is reduced if you remove the spare from the PDF and store separately.

Cathy Monaghan · Post by **Cathy Monaghan** » Sep 28th, '08, 11:10

Gary M wrote:.......Do you have a PFD / Harness set up that you really like?.....

Yep. We use inflatable PFD/harness combos aboard Realization. They're comfortable to wear and you only have to wear the single item instead of a bulky PFD and a harness too. Ours are Crewsaver PFD w/harness combos. They're not USCG approved but they are SOLAS and CE approved -- rated best by Practical Sailor (October 2004 issue). [NOTE: We also carry inflatable PFDs without harnesses, several harneses and tethers, and several Type I and Type II PFDs, so we're covered.]

Cathy
CD32 Realization, #3
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay

Jim Davis · Post by **Jim Davis** » Sep 28th, '08, 11:57

On Isa Lei we have both. For night or heavy weather, inflatable with harness - both not automatic. Also two Lirakas harnesses and six normal PFDs. My logic for the non automatic is I have had one inflate on its own and caused me more problems than doing without. Also if I am being towed alongside by the lanyard, I want full use of my arms.

Bill Cochrane · Post by **Bill Cochrane** » Sep 28th, '08, 13:01

On Phoenix, we use the new Mustang MD3184. Practical Sailor's "Best Choice" (August 2008, second time). Hydrostatic automatic inflation (requires submersion, not just being wet). Integral harness. We're trying to habituate ourselves to wearing them all the time, and they're comfortable enough to do that...we just have many years of NOT remembering to put them on when leaving the dock!

We also have conventional PFD's aboard.

Paul D. · Post by **Paul D.** » Sep 28th, '08, 15:04

Up here in cold weather land, I have conventional paddling PFD's which I wear almost always, unless very hot and calm. The thinking is Superior's cold waters don't give you much margin for error so a PFD that gives warmth and flotation is key.

On our crossings of the lake I use a web harness beneath. Sometimes I have worn the PFD, then foul weather jacket then harness! Extra warmth.

I sewed up a harness for my young son based on a simple West design. I haven't really needed it but fits and works well. He wears a regular child PFD with a crotch strap to keep the vest from going over his head.

Good luck,

Paul

Dana · Post by **Dana** » Sep 28th, '08, 15:51

Gary, I just read a review of a Spin Lock harness PFD in Cruising World and it looks very nice. For the price, it should be superb. Ref: http://www.spinlock.co.uk/sitev2/defaul ... ection=100

dugout · Post by **dugout** » Sep 28th, '08, 22:56

Gary M wrote:I have finally admitted to myself that I have out grown my current PFD, and harness.
Do you have a PFD / Harness set up that you really like?

Thanks
Gary

Yes, I took my "oil skins", coat, to a parachute rigger and had him build a harness into the coat between the lining and the outer material. The only thing seen is the two side adjustments, inside, and the pair of D-rings on the chest, either side of the zipper flaps on the outside. If I dawn my jacket I have a harness without thinking. I had a light jacket/windbreaker done the same way and a bare harness made as well. The total bill was under 300 bucks. Ive seen it done to a hooded sweatshirt, too. The same rigger did it. A true licensed FAA rigger knows his stuff about webbing and stitching it. They can make anything you want into a harness.
It's not my idea, but it's as slick as can be.

I was also taught, "with a proper harness and tether system the PFD is moot. You aren't leaving the deck, period, end of story".
Be well,

Ron M. · Post by **Ron M.** » Sep 29th, '08, 06:51

I've been using a Mustang auto pfd/harness for a number of years. It's comfortable and effective.......I wet test it yearly. As mentioned, it won't activate until immersed, unlike some others I've seem that 'go off' from a splash.
________
FERRARI 360 GTC HISTORY

Gary M · Post by **Gary M** » Sep 29th, '08, 10:10

I'll look around for a FAA rigger in the area.

I have to admit though, I do like the idea of a PDF as well, but I agree with you and try to tie off in such a way that I shouldn't leave the boat.

Then again, there's old man Murphy!

dugout · Post by **dugout** » Sep 29th, '08, 10:37

Gary M wrote:I'll look around for a FAA rigger in the area.

I have to admit though, I do like the idea of a PDF as well, but I agree with you and try to tie off in such a way that I shouldn't leave the boat.

Then again, there's old man Murphy!

Don't get me wrong; I'm all for PFDs. When in protected waters, no harness or tether, and crew on board, they are perfect and neccessary, which for most people is all the time.

Find a drop zone. Every drop zone has a rigger for packing reserve canopies and repairing containers/harnesses/etc. dropzone.com has a listing of drop zones by state.

mahalocd36 · Post by **mahalocd36** » Sep 29th, '08, 11:34

We wear SOSpenders most of the time, which are like most peoples on here - integrated harness and PFD. Sometimes if it's cold/rainy we wear our Orca jackets which have a built in PFD, and are very comfortable, but then you lose the harness.

tartansailor · Post by **tartansailor** » Sep 30th, '08, 18:54

If you are religious, as I am, about keeping tethered to the boat
when single handed, a PFD is redundant, however I always wear a Class 1 inflatable, and a Class 1 buoyant near by. My tether has a 3' and a 6' lead. The quick release under load shackle has an American stamp.
I sometimes fear that I may accidentally release that by mistake
when it needs to stay connected, and was considering replacing that with a spring clip carabiner, but the CG does not endorse that.
It is a concern.

Dick

Steve Laume · Post by **Steve Laume** » Sep 30th, '08, 20:17

Yup, I do the tether. Most of my sailing is single handed or with crew I would not count on to return to me. I figure floating as the boat sails away would not do me a whole bunch of good. I rig Jack lines if off for any sort of a cruise. I also have clip in points in the cockpit. I can and do clip in before I leave the companionway and I can also clip in at the wheel if I have been forward on the jack lines and then want to return to the helm. I have a tether with 3 and 6 foot leads. I never wear a PFD while sailing. I am not opposed to them as I always wear one while kayaking. I might look into getting an inflatable one if it is more comfortable than the straps on my harness. I truly believe it is key to stay on the boat or if you would somehow end up over the side to be right with the boat and get your butt back in as quickly as possible. Floating is just not a viable option, Steve.

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dugout,...Man that sounds like a great idea!

Re: dugout,...Man that sounds like a great idea!

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