Can you wear a harness under an inflatable PFD?

[cdhickey]

I'm a new sailor trying to get all this stuff figured out before my boat goes back in the water, so please bear with me!

I have a Mustang inflatable life jacket without an integrated harness. My boat also came with a webbing harness and jack lines. Would it be okay to wear the harness over/under the PFD when needed, or is an integrated harness my only option?

Thanks!

[sailingfool]

You definately can't wear the harness over the inflatable, as to under, you probably need to put them on and make your own judgement. There's a thread kicking around regarding a proster who insists on wearing an inflatable under a coat...pretty nutty... not something you want to get wrong.

Given how cheap this gear has gotten, you really should buy a new combo unit...check the Defender Industries sale.

[sailjunkie]

Hi Chris,

First, this is a great place to ask, because a lot of knowledgeable people like to hang out here.

I strongly suspect that wearing the harness OVER the PFD would interfere with the inflating function of the PFD. However, I can't think of any reason why it couldn't be worn UNDER the PFD. From what I can see, the integrated harness would function pretty much the same way.

Of course, when your existing gear goes beyond it's "Best Before" date, my advice would be to consider an integrated harness.

Hope this helps.

[paul323]

I'd buy an integrated harness. Underneath may work, but equally a strong 'yank' on a harness under a PFD could damage/undo the PFD; and the awkwardness of putting on both may mean you sometimes can't be bothered to on one or the other...either situation may be unlikely, but how much is your life worth? Less than $250?

[smackdaddy]

I just got a Revere pfd with integrated harness from Sailnet. 122 bucks. Killer deal.

[RichH]

A Liakiris type of auto/self adjusting harness will work well with an inflatable PFD over it. The good part is you can remove the PFD when below and even sleep with the harness on when its 'rough'.

[carl762]

My harness fits nicely under inflatable. Nothing interferes.

(inflatable under a jacket, yuk yuk yuk).

[Kiltmadoc]

Just get an inflatable with a built-in harness. I found a great deal on one at overstock.com It sticks out somewhat straight at the bottom, but is otherwise completely unobtrusive. Also, it DOESNT fit someone with a large chest size.

overstock Item#: 12986332

[paulk]

If you put the harness over the inflatable, will you be able to breathe if the life vest inflates? The expanded vest will blow the air OUT of your chest cavity, and you will choke while afloat. Not pretty.

[PalmettoSailor]

Originally Posted by paulk

If you put the harness over the inflatable, will you be able to breathe if the life vest inflates? The expanded vest will blow the air OUT of your chest cavity, and you will choke while afloat. Not pretty.

I read an account of a helmsman watching in awe as the bowman whipped out a knife and begin stabbing himself in the chest. When he got back to the cockpit he explained to his mates that he'd put his harness over his inflatable PFD and the PFD had deployed nearly squeezing him into unconciousness. He used his knife to deflate the PFD not actually stab himself.