Mustang MD8134 PFD advice?

[Irishmech]

Hi Everyone on Sailnet, this is my first post but i've been reading this forum for the last few years and i've always found it usefull.

I've been a boater all my life but i'm still new to sailing and i'm still learning, I need some advice from you seasoned sailors.

I've been shopping for some safety gear for a offshore sailing trip, looking to purchase a PDF that has a built in harness, I've found some good information on Mustangs MD8134 it offers the new Hydrostatic inflator device.

Any pro's or con's on this PDF? I'm 6ft / 270lbs will the harness handle my size?

What about the other brands? looks like sailnet store has the best price.

Thanks Pat

[btrayfors]

Pat,

I have 3 of them. They're the best out there, IMHO. One of them probably saved my life a year ago.

Very comfortable to wear; easy to check and to replace the inflator. Excellent value.

Yes, I'm sure they'll handle your weight. I'm 6'2" and about 240lbs.

Both of us should go on a diet, though :-)

Bill

[DrB]

I have an the same w/o a harness.

FWIW, the hydrostatic and "pill" ones are basically equivalent for almost 95% of the folks that sail. Really the only significant advantage to a hydrostatic versus a pill is heavy wet weather sailing. Constant pounding of rain/seas etc. may set a pill one off prematurely, whereas the hydrostatic one should remain non-activated until you are actually submerged. Also, if you tend to store your PFD in a "wet" locker, a pill one my go off if it is subjected to water.

I am also of the belief that you want a separate harness and PFD. Why?, because you may want to have a harness on without a PFD, either because it may be too hot to wear a PFD or you just want to be clipped onto the boat without a PFD. Also, the ring on the PFD for the Harness is too low IMO and can cause serious damage to your body. A true harness, even a chest one only, puts the ring much higher on your torso, where your body is stronger.

Unless you plan on doing a lot of solo sailing or sailing in heavy, wet weather, a hydrostatic with a harness ring may be overkill and one with the traditional pill and without a D-ring would be fine. Not saying don't get it the hydro/D-ring model, just my two cents on what I think is a more appropriate option for you.

As far as fit. I'm 6'6" and 240 and it fits me with plenty of room to spare.

DrB

[jarcher]

Many people have reported that the model with the pill tends to inflate just sitting around. Over time the pill collects moisture from humidity, no direct water needed. I bought the hydrostatic.

[blt2ski]

This issue for some of us, we bought the pill version, IIRC model 8034 or some such thing before the hydrostatic came out! so best to buy a new pill every yr or two!

Otherwise, having 2 pills, and 4 hydro's on my boat, they fit, look and wear the same.

The ONLY issue I have seen, is some folks feel in REALLY rough water, ie force 8+ and having to be rescued, or get into a life raft or equal, a std vest style might be easier than an inflated inflatable. I personally could see this as an issue, but for those of us that for the most part sail in under 40 knots, less than 5-6' waves in reasonably protected waters........probably not an issue overall. But if I went offshore, it would be something I would consider potentially doing different, or have a different setup than I have.

All my version have the harness attachment.

marty

[jackdale]

I think you might mean the MD3184. I have the Canadian equivalent (MD 3154). It is very comfortable. The recharge units are expensive.

Jack

[trailblazer1229]

I just bought one from the Sailnet sight. Best price I could find.
Nice piece of equipment and comfortable. Not much to the harness but from my rope rescue days, it appears to be well constructed. Sorry I don't have much more info. Looks like they are one size fits all. Plenty of strap length to accomodate all sizes.

We will give her a go.

[eherlihy]

One difference between the hydrostatic and the "pill" type is - the cartridge for the "hydro" version (~$80) is certified for 5 years, while the "pill" is only certified for two.