What PFD(s)

   I just bought a new Topaz Argo (yeah!) and thought I should pick up a couple of PFDs.  I have a bunch of cheapos for my fishing boat but we never really don them.  We'll always be sailing on fresh water lakes, always fairly close to shore.

My wife is 5.3, medium build.  She can swim, but she's not a fish, so I want to put her into something which will inspire confidence if she dunks.

I'm 5.9, medium build and swim well.  For myself, I'm looking for something small, but I don't think the inflatables are a good idea for several reasons.

I found a few kayak vests, but I'm thinking I don't really need something so short.

I found a nice neoprene vest, but I'm not sure I want that or a nylon unit. 

Pockets would be nice too.

What does everyone else use and why?

Thanks in Advance,

TomJV

Edited by tomjv - 07 Dec 17 at 2:30pm

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tomjv Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 27 Aug 17 Location: somers,ny Online Status: Offline Posts: 16	Post Options Post Reply Quote tomjv Report Post Quote Reply Topic: What PFD(s) Posted: 05 Dec 17 at 6:10pm
	I just bought a new Topaz Argo (yeah!) and thought I should pick up a couple of PFDs. I have a bunch of cheapos for my fishing boat but we never really don them. We'll always be sailing on fresh water lakes, always fairly close to shore. My wife is 5.3, medium build. She can swim, but she's not a fish, so I want to put her into something which will inspire confidence if she dunks. I'm 5.9, medium build and swim well. For myself, I'm looking for something small, but I don't think the inflatables are a good idea for several reasons. I found a few kayak vests, but I'm thinking I don't really need something so short. I found a nice neoprene vest, but I'm not sure I want that or a nylon unit. Pockets would be nice too. What does everyone else use and why? Thanks in Advance, TomJV Edited by tomjv - 07 Dec 17 at 2:30pm
	TomJV

423zero Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 08 Jan 15 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419	Post Options Post Reply Quote 423zero Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 05 Dec 17 at 8:39pm
	I use a Kayak short buoyancy aid in summer and a Jetski type in winter for warmth.

Sam.Spoons Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 12 Location: Manchester UK Online Status: Offline Posts: 3400	Post Options Post Reply Quote Sam.Spoons Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 05 Dec 17 at 9:08pm
	I have a bog standard Neil Pryde buoyancy aid (PFD for the politically correct) and it's fine, reasonably well designed and made. A BA is a simple device, check it doesn't either restrict you too much or ride up in the water. I hate tight bouncy aids, they restrict my breathing but those two requirements are mutually exclusive and the worst IME are so called 'impact vests'' Those kayak types are as good as anything and much like those sold as suitable for dinghy sailing, but if you have the option to add a crotch strap (yeah, I know it sounds like an instrument of torture or something you'd buy from a dodgy mail order catalogue ) that solves the riding up issue, mostly without the restriction, and might be worthwhile for your wife. Edited by Sam.Spoons - 05 Dec 17 at 9:10pm
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Jack Sparrow Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 08 Feb 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 2965	Post Options Post Reply Quote Jack Sparrow Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 06 Dec 17 at 4:57pm
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snowleopard Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Groupie Joined: 02 Oct 17 Location: Cornwall Online Status: Offline Posts: 66	Post Options Post Reply Quote snowleopard Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 01 Apr 18 at 2:49pm
	I have two types which I wear in different circumstances. One is a top-of-the-line automatic lifejacket with harness for use offshore. It self-inflates but a re-charge costs a lot of money. For dinghy sailing where a dunking is on the cards, a foam-filled buoyancy aid is the order of the day. You can take a dip in it as often as you like.
	One hull good, two hulls better.