Thanks for yet another good discussion on PFDs and the pros and cons of various features and types. We’re always interested to hear how different sailors view the most important considerations.
The Khimera is a manually inflated hybrid, smooth front lets you climb easily aboard. If you have a Spinlock you will need to tuck a CG type 3 aboard to pass CG muster. Inflatables and hybrids are type 5 and have to be worn to pass CG inspection.
I am a dealer for the Weta Trimaran and I sail and race that boat frequently. The main hull is only 14.5 feet long, the whole boat fully rigged only weighs 275 pounds, and has a lot of sail area, so it is a very exciting, fast and wet boat to sail. So wet that I have had inflatable vests inflate while sailing the Weta. I agree that I like a foam vest PFD because it helps keep you warm, but allows freedom of movement. When sailing at high speeds up wind the chill factor can be significant.
It’s worth noting that the European standard for this vest is as follows:
“A 50N rated aid provides a minimum of 5kg of buoyancy. Buoyancy aids at level 50 are recommended for use by those who are competent swimmers and who are near to land, or who have help close at hand. However, they do not have sufficient buoyancy to protect a person who is unable to help themselves. They are not designed to turn a person from a face-down position in the water and should not be used in any other circumstances. Standards applicable to this level; EN 393 or ISO 12402 – 5.”
Before embracing a PFD that has a lower standard for buoyancy, remember that PFD’s lose buoyancy as they age and people lose their ability to actively swim and assist themselves as they get colder.
A 50kn vest from Baltic is what Roger Barnes appears to be wearing in most of his videos, it would probably work for most of the people attached to SCA too. Not USCG approved but good enough for the EU...reminds me of arguments in the motorcycle world about DOT-vs-EU helmets where the various agencies interpret data in different ways. I'm thinking about ordering one, it would be nice to try it on first but some days you just need to roll the dice on internet purchases.
Wear gear appropriate to your situation. Dinghy racing with a high probability of getting soaked/capsize? Inflatable is a bad idea. Day sailing your local sheltered bay/lake? You probably don't need a Class 1 PFD with a tether and jacklines running fore and aft (though feel free to go that route if you want). The key word there of course is "wear" having a great PFD isn't going to do you much good laying in the cockpit if you find yourself floundering about on the wet side of the cockpit coaming.
A USGC-approved flat type, with no pockets except perhaps one small chest pocket to hold two to three small rocket flares. A mesh vest over it with ample pockets and attachment points is my setup. Flat jacket for day sailing and casual use, mesh vest over for cruising, voyaging, or any time I am solo and need self-rescue gear on my person. Front pockets are a potential hindrance for quick re-entry after a capsize. Wish I could post a photo or two to show the setup, it is proven and easy to use. If I am in the water and need to re-enter after righting a boat I simply unzip the mesh vest and toss it in the cockpit, re-entry is then easy as nothing on my flat jacket will snag or catch.
There's the catch: The inflatable is easy to wear but I've never tested to see if, blown up, it interfered with climbing back aboard my Montgomery 15, using the jibsheet as a stirrup and a midships oarlock (huge backing plate) as a handle. Obviously testing would be a good idea but -- admitting this because I'll bet some others have done likewise and might take heart that they're not alone-- I've only tested re-boarding once a year with no lifevest so as to save the hassle of trying to repack the inflatable. I do look for the green mark on the canister though.
Based on this useful discussion, I'll take the Foil if I'm lucky, and if not (don't toss me out of the running!) go buy one. Tell Spinlock I already own their model with the crotch straps for heavy weather tethering.
Depending on the model of inflatable. You can remove the automatic bobbin, and test it by inflating the pfd with the mouth inflater.
Plus, testing your inflatables is good practice. I try to do mine in the winter so i know they are good when i get back out on the water.
To test your pfd, inspect it for wear. Open it up and check the bladder. TAKE PICTURES AS YOU OPEN YOUR PFD. Then take your pfd and manually inflate it. Leave it over night with a decent sized book on it about 3-5 pounds. If it's deflated noticeably in the morning, time to get a new one. Otherwise repack your pfd. Check the gas cylinder, they have a use by date and if there is corrosion, replace. The automatic bobbin has a use by date as well. Now, either using the pictures from earlier or the manual for your pfd put it away. You want to get most of the air out of the pfd but don't stress too much since a little air helps it inflate.
Also, it's a good time to make sure you have a whistle in there and a light. I also like to have a glowstick as well.
Nice vest! I'm curious if reflective patches are part of this sample and if they have a bright color option. The sholders are often showing and this would help if needing rescue! BestRoy
Are 'float coats' still a thing? We have a couple that are just like your heavy coat and are Coast Guard approved, but I don't think they have ever been immersed and tested. They do keep you warm, but I can't see them being practical for anything where mobility and activity are required. We also have assorted foam vest we've inherited or bought for the grandkids...they get used most. I could sure use a new addition to the lot (and may even retire an old one if I were selected)!
In a day of expensive, trim fitting, around the neck, modern PFD's, it's great to see a "back to basics" approach to displacement. I, for one, have never been comfortable trusting my life to an inflatable mechanism regardless of how extensively it's been tested. There's something to be said about simplicity...especially when one's life hangs in the balance. I love the simple design, meeting its primary function.
The Khimera is a manually inflated hybrid, smooth front lets you climb easily aboard. If you have a Spinlock you will need to tuck a CG type 3 aboard to pass CG muster. Inflatables and hybrids are type 5 and have to be worn to pass CG inspection.
I am a dealer for the Weta Trimaran and I sail and race that boat frequently. The main hull is only 14.5 feet long, the whole boat fully rigged only weighs 275 pounds, and has a lot of sail area, so it is a very exciting, fast and wet boat to sail. So wet that I have had inflatable vests inflate while sailing the Weta. I agree that I like a foam vest PFD because it helps keep you warm, but allows freedom of movement. When sailing at high speeds up wind the chill factor can be significant.
Rick Upson, Rick's Small Sailboats LLC
Another interesting model is the Salish
Coastal. Has pockets for gear and hand warmer pockets as well as a safety harness in optional leg strap.
Available from Canada, I plan to try one this summersummer.
It’s worth noting that the European standard for this vest is as follows:
“A 50N rated aid provides a minimum of 5kg of buoyancy. Buoyancy aids at level 50 are recommended for use by those who are competent swimmers and who are near to land, or who have help close at hand. However, they do not have sufficient buoyancy to protect a person who is unable to help themselves. They are not designed to turn a person from a face-down position in the water and should not be used in any other circumstances. Standards applicable to this level; EN 393 or ISO 12402 – 5.”
Before embracing a PFD that has a lower standard for buoyancy, remember that PFD’s lose buoyancy as they age and people lose their ability to actively swim and assist themselves as they get colder.
A 50kn vest from Baltic is what Roger Barnes appears to be wearing in most of his videos, it would probably work for most of the people attached to SCA too. Not USCG approved but good enough for the EU...reminds me of arguments in the motorcycle world about DOT-vs-EU helmets where the various agencies interpret data in different ways. I'm thinking about ordering one, it would be nice to try it on first but some days you just need to roll the dice on internet purchases.
Wear gear appropriate to your situation. Dinghy racing with a high probability of getting soaked/capsize? Inflatable is a bad idea. Day sailing your local sheltered bay/lake? You probably don't need a Class 1 PFD with a tether and jacklines running fore and aft (though feel free to go that route if you want). The key word there of course is "wear" having a great PFD isn't going to do you much good laying in the cockpit if you find yourself floundering about on the wet side of the cockpit coaming.
A USGC-approved flat type, with no pockets except perhaps one small chest pocket to hold two to three small rocket flares. A mesh vest over it with ample pockets and attachment points is my setup. Flat jacket for day sailing and casual use, mesh vest over for cruising, voyaging, or any time I am solo and need self-rescue gear on my person. Front pockets are a potential hindrance for quick re-entry after a capsize. Wish I could post a photo or two to show the setup, it is proven and easy to use. If I am in the water and need to re-enter after righting a boat I simply unzip the mesh vest and toss it in the cockpit, re-entry is then easy as nothing on my flat jacket will snag or catch.
There's the catch: The inflatable is easy to wear but I've never tested to see if, blown up, it interfered with climbing back aboard my Montgomery 15, using the jibsheet as a stirrup and a midships oarlock (huge backing plate) as a handle. Obviously testing would be a good idea but -- admitting this because I'll bet some others have done likewise and might take heart that they're not alone-- I've only tested re-boarding once a year with no lifevest so as to save the hassle of trying to repack the inflatable. I do look for the green mark on the canister though.
Based on this useful discussion, I'll take the Foil if I'm lucky, and if not (don't toss me out of the running!) go buy one. Tell Spinlock I already own their model with the crotch straps for heavy weather tethering.
Depending on the model of inflatable. You can remove the automatic bobbin, and test it by inflating the pfd with the mouth inflater.
Plus, testing your inflatables is good practice. I try to do mine in the winter so i know they are good when i get back out on the water.
To test your pfd, inspect it for wear. Open it up and check the bladder. TAKE PICTURES AS YOU OPEN YOUR PFD. Then take your pfd and manually inflate it. Leave it over night with a decent sized book on it about 3-5 pounds. If it's deflated noticeably in the morning, time to get a new one. Otherwise repack your pfd. Check the gas cylinder, they have a use by date and if there is corrosion, replace. The automatic bobbin has a use by date as well. Now, either using the pictures from earlier or the manual for your pfd put it away. You want to get most of the air out of the pfd but don't stress too much since a little air helps it inflate.
Also, it's a good time to make sure you have a whistle in there and a light. I also like to have a glowstick as well.
Nice vest! I'm curious if reflective patches are part of this sample and if they have a bright color option. The sholders are often showing and this would help if needing rescue! BestRoy
Agree with Roy.
It would be improved with reflective patches (maybe already included?) and a bright color option.
Please add me to the drawing. Foil vest looks really good as is and is sleeker than my cool weather foam pfd.
Of course I'm going to like your comment, Joe! I'm a married man and rarely get agreement! OK, after 40yrs I don't have it too bad! Lol! AllthebestRoy
This looks like a nice alternative to the kayaking pfd's that I wear when messing around in my small boats.
I truly enjoyed this article and will explore new choices for a PFD I will wear.
Are 'float coats' still a thing? We have a couple that are just like your heavy coat and are Coast Guard approved, but I don't think they have ever been immersed and tested. They do keep you warm, but I can't see them being practical for anything where mobility and activity are required. We also have assorted foam vest we've inherited or bought for the grandkids...they get used most. I could sure use a new addition to the lot (and may even retire an old one if I were selected)!
The foil in looks good. If only it came in lovely colors.
Sounds like a great PFD
Nice looking vest. You say it isn't ideal for Texas, but I wear a dark blue vest regularly in South Texas without heat discomfort.
In a day of expensive, trim fitting, around the neck, modern PFD's, it's great to see a "back to basics" approach to displacement. I, for one, have never been comfortable trusting my life to an inflatable mechanism regardless of how extensively it's been tested. There's something to be said about simplicity...especially when one's life hangs in the balance. I love the simple design, meeting its primary function.
These look fantastic for day sailing on the Chesapeake!
The foil looks real sleek!