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Any BRAND name or style that is particularly suited for rowing that you could recomend. Thank you.
8 replies:
RE: PFD - for ROWING
@MarkN - I was thinking thar the VAIKOBI V3 might be the best of many options. I think I will prefer the front entry. Slim profile to not interfere with sliding seat rowing, good adjustments and an uncluttered front, that's key in case I ever need to climb back in from the water. No problems with Coast Guard approval and the 50N rating is more than adequate for my size and intended Expeditioon Wherry rowing. Thanks.
@Laszlo - The Mustang would be high on my list as it is a very low profile rig but I'm reluctant to depend on a water activated inflatable. Do they NEVER fail? Thank you too.
RE: PFD - for ROWING
The Vaikobi's are very low profile so they don't interfere with reboarding, which occurs frequently in my 16" wide Surfski. I use both the V3 and VXP interchangeably. Front entry of the V3 is easier but the pocket on the VXP is bigger and opens with Velcro. The V3 has a zipper so takes a second longer to get out a gel pack during a race.
I will add that I also frequently use inflatable PFDs, especially these hot summer months in Florida. I do annual checks/maintenance on mine and have never had one fail. As an added vote of confidence, I flew off aircraft carriers for 22 years and we wore inflatables. One of my good friends had to eject, and the auto inflation saved his life because he was unconscious when he hit the water. My only concern with an inflatable is that once you use it, you have to rearm/repack before you can get back to paddling.
RE: PFD - for ROWING
I also do not like depending on a water-activated inflatable but that's because of false alarms. You know, you're on a boat so there's a chance of getting wet...
The Mustangs are built so that the water activation system can be removed (it's basically a big salt pill which blocks a spring-loaded lever from moving; melt the salt, the lever is free to move and it triggers the CO2 cartridge) so I just removed it and have a nice manually-activated inflatable. Since I'm not catapulting off a carrier I'm willing to take the bet that I won't be unconscious when I need to pull the inflation tab. (Crossing the street is dangerous, too.)
Rearming/repacking it was not a big deal the one time I needed it. I was done for the day anyway. The actual process is pretty easy. Just be sure you get a re-arm kit when you purchase the PFD so you don't have to wait for mail order.
Laszlo
RE: PFD - for ROWING
Thanks for the feedback folks. Good info to consider. Going back to look at Mustang ... Still likin' the V3.
RE: PFD - for ROWING
Here are a couple of links that might make you think twice about inflatable PFDs. Enough dissuasion for me.
PFD Auto Inflation? This one reminds me that once these inflate it might not be so easy to renter the boat.
Storage Issues https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYMV04vumLM
As I've researched these videos illustrate just a few things to be aware of for your consideration.
RE: PFD - for ROWING
Re-entry difficulty depends on a lot of things, including the boat type. The one time I did it it was no problem, but your mileage may vary.
The manual inflation in the first video is one of 2 types. The other is simply pulling the yellow tab which makes the PFD inflate instantly. Blowing it up with your mouth is the ultimate back-up and I've never heard of anyone needing to do it, but it's good to have the option.
The second video is one of the reasons I disable the automatic inflation. Taking out the salt pill/bobbin according to the manufacturers' directions allows you to put the PFD underwater without it inflating, yet still having it function when you pull the yellow tab.
I took advantage of that during a vacation in Hawaii when I went with a kayak tour to snorkel on a reef. Everyone else had non-inflatables and were limited to paddling on the surface. I was able to go down some 30 feet to commune with the reef inhabitants while wearing my PFD. I did make sure to dis-assemble the PFD to flush the inflation trigger with fresh water afterwards.
It's your decision, of course. You really need to trust and be comfortable with your safety gear. What works for someone else may not be what gives you the confidence to play on the water and there's nothing wrong with that.
Laszlo
RE: PFD - for ROWING
» Submitted by Mark N - Sun, 8/4/24 » 7:57 PM
I would look at the PFDs designed for competitive paddle sports. They are designed to allow good movement and have pockets in back for hydration bladders. My favorite is the Vaikobi because it comes in 6 different sizes
so you can get a better fit. One caution is that they are not USCG approved, so you may have to carry an approved one to be legal depending upon what type boat you are rowing.
https://flic.kr/p/2hFR7sg
Note 1 - per 33 CFR § 175.17(b) Racing shells, rowing sculls, racing canoes, and racing kayaks are exempted from the requirements for carriage of any PFD required under § 175.15.
Note 2 - The USCG and Transport Canada are phasing in a new labeling system for new PFD designs which is similar to what most of the rest of the world uses. PFDs with the new labels will not use the old "Types" and will not say USCG approved. The Vaikobi uses the international system.