Small-Boat PFD
What do you look for in a life jacket?
We discussed PFDs a bit before here, but we wanted to revisit the topic and ask what features you look for in the perfect small-boat PFD? Let us know in the comments below.
Do you need storage compartments? For what? Do you carry a knife on your vest? Strobe or flashlight? What else is a consideration? •SCA•
On large keelboat racing I wear an inflatable. But on my dinghy I wear a foam floatation PFD. The reason is the inflatable makes swimming and movement of arms difficult where the foam PFD does not. If I capsize in the dinghy, I need to be able to swim and use my arms to reboard the dinghy. If I go overboard on a keel boat I cannot reboard without help, so the primary concern is floatation to keep my head above water until help (hopefully) arrives.
I found the Zhik USCG approved life vest meets my needs very well. It is comfortable and allows arm freedom of movement. Plus it does not have 18 pockets to snag on things and get in the way like many of the fisherman oriented vests do.
https://zhik.com/us/uscg-approved-pfd-red.html
I like the padding for leaning against the gun'l, the the additional warmth. I keep a hocky puck compass, whistle, hand-held Garmin, and odds n ends in pockets.