The wife and I have Mustang auto-inflatables...if we're underway we have them on. We also use a tether if going forward out of the cockpit.
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do you always wear life jacket/PFD
apologies if this has been posted previously, I could not find it.
how many people always wear their PFDs?
in my unscientific survey in the relatively cold waters up here, it is maybe 1 in 20. In two charters in the carribean i doubt if i observed 1 in 100.
we have a rule, underway and on deck means PFD goes on.
I don't know how many times i've read the same tragic news story about a recreational boater or fisherman/commercial boater going MOB with people around/in the boat and dying. the latest came from my former home town today:
Search expands for man who fell overboard in Halifax
also Bob Gainey's daughter, one of the more public and tragic incidents in the past few years:
Search ongoing for Bob Gainey's daughter lost at sea - The Globe and Mail
there were seemingly countless incidents over the last few summers, all very upsetting and most seemingly preventable.
RMS Titantic excepted (which was pre-SOLAS for lifeboat requirements anyway), maybe once or twice only, if that, have i ever heard of an accident so leisurely that people could say "my, my .. we seem to be in a spot of trouble, lets all have a cup of tea and put our lifejackets on ... yes, do lets ...". Yes, when there's a fire or water is being taken on the coast giuard tell sthe crew to put on their PFDs, but frankly in all of those cases i have heard of, the boat either has a tender or help is immediately on the way.
its well known by most here, i am sure, that most deaths happen in good weather, suddenly, near shore or off of a crewed boat (Canadian Coastguard reference available). in my hyperbolic opinion, especially given the low profile of the self inflating pfd's, if you're not going to wear the PFD, you seriously might as well leave it at home and give yourself some more storage area for beer.
how many people always wear their PFDs?
in my unscientific survey in the relatively cold waters up here, it is maybe 1 in 20. In two charters in the carribean i doubt if i observed 1 in 100.
we have a rule, underway and on deck means PFD goes on.
I don't know how many times i've read the same tragic news story about a recreational boater or fisherman/commercial boater going MOB with people around/in the boat and dying. the latest came from my former home town today:
Search expands for man who fell overboard in Halifax
also Bob Gainey's daughter, one of the more public and tragic incidents in the past few years:
Search ongoing for Bob Gainey's daughter lost at sea - The Globe and Mail
there were seemingly countless incidents over the last few summers, all very upsetting and most seemingly preventable.
RMS Titantic excepted (which was pre-SOLAS for lifeboat requirements anyway), maybe once or twice only, if that, have i ever heard of an accident so leisurely that people could say "my, my .. we seem to be in a spot of trouble, lets all have a cup of tea and put our lifejackets on ... yes, do lets ...". Yes, when there's a fire or water is being taken on the coast giuard tell sthe crew to put on their PFDs, but frankly in all of those cases i have heard of, the boat either has a tender or help is immediately on the way.
its well known by most here, i am sure, that most deaths happen in good weather, suddenly, near shore or off of a crewed boat (Canadian Coastguard reference available). in my hyperbolic opinion, especially given the low profile of the self inflating pfd's, if you're not going to wear the PFD, you seriously might as well leave it at home and give yourself some more storage area for beer.
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My two sailing pals and I with a combined total of over 100-years of sailing, much of it spent sailing offshore, never wear PFD's - we wear Lycress three strap harnesses with two tethers (so you can move from one attachment point to the next without being disconnectd from the boat) and our Type One PFD's stay with the abandon ship bag, ready to put on and step into the life raft as the boat sinks.
We have been through two Force 10 storms - still only harnesses. Why harnesses? Because, when you're in 50-60 knot winds and 30-foot seas, if you get separated from the boat, you're gone. Hundreds miles from land, even a Type One PFD isn't going to do much for you, when the boat can't get back to you.
We have been through two Force 10 storms - still only harnesses. Why harnesses? Because, when you're in 50-60 knot winds and 30-foot seas, if you get separated from the boat, you're gone. Hundreds miles from land, even a Type One PFD isn't going to do much for you, when the boat can't get back to you.
i appreciate your experience and opinion, but the vast majority of boaters' typical outings are not offshore in 60 kt winds and 30 ft seas.My two sailing pals and I with a combined total of over 100-years of sailing, much of it spent sailing offshore, never wear PFD's - we wear Lycress three strap harnesses with two tethers (so you can move from one attachment point to the next without being disconnectd from the boat) and our Type One PFD's stay with the abandon ship bag, ready to put on and step into the life raft as the boat sinks.
We have been through two Force 10 storms - still only harnesses. Why harnesses? Because, when you're in 50-60 knot winds and 30-foot seas, if you get separated from the boat, you're gone. Hundreds miles from land, even a Type One PFD isn't going to do much for you, when the boat can't get back to you.
No, I don't usually. When I expect bad weather, things start to go sideways, or something unusual is going on, I put on the inflatable/harness. Most of my sailing is coastal /day sailing. Maybe I am tempting fate, but I don't wear a helmet when I ride my bicycle either.
Nate
Nate
I agree with johnshasteen
Yep, stay with the boat unless she is going down. i do the same thing when alone out there. If I get seperated from the boat the life vest will only prolong the ininvenable, and what about my dog, she will die without me and alone also. When I am bay sailing I still clip in when going forward, just in case, the water is cold and I don't want to have to wait till she goes in irons till I can catch up to her
Yep, stay with the boat unless she is going down. i do the same thing when alone out there. If I get seperated from the boat the life vest will only prolong the ininvenable, and what about my dog, she will die without me and alone also. When I am bay sailing I still clip in when going forward, just in case, the water is cold and I don't want to have to wait till she goes in irons till I can catch up to her
what if you're knocked off of the boat and unconscious by the boom 200 feet from shore?Yep, stay with the boat unless she is going down. i do the same thing when alone out there. If I get seperated from the boat the life vest will only prolong the ininvenable, and what about my dog, she will die without me and alone also. When I am bay sailing I still clip in when going forward, just in case, the water is cold and I don't want to have to wait till she goes in irons till I can catch up to her
I use inflatable PFD's with harnesses. Here are my rules:
1. If you are more comfortable in any situation, where it and tie off. Being more safe is always a good option.
2. When I singlehand, I always where the PFD/harness and tie off when leaving the cockpit.
3. In protected waters (Galveston Bay) it is optional unless I say so (heavy weather or traffic).
4. In unprotected waters (Gulf of Mexico), always tie off if out of cockpit and always in PFD/harness when in the cockpit between sundown and sunset.
5. All of these rules are subject to change slightly based on the conditions, the experience of the crew, and good judgement.
This seems to work well for me, I always feel comfortable and the inflatable PFDs on the market today are fairly comfortable, so not really much of a hassle.
1. If you are more comfortable in any situation, where it and tie off. Being more safe is always a good option.
2. When I singlehand, I always where the PFD/harness and tie off when leaving the cockpit.
3. In protected waters (Galveston Bay) it is optional unless I say so (heavy weather or traffic).
4. In unprotected waters (Gulf of Mexico), always tie off if out of cockpit and always in PFD/harness when in the cockpit between sundown and sunset.
5. All of these rules are subject to change slightly based on the conditions, the experience of the crew, and good judgement.
This seems to work well for me, I always feel comfortable and the inflatable PFDs on the market today are fairly comfortable, so not really much of a hassle.
One more thought. Johnshasteen makes a very good point: staying attached to the boat has to be the highest priority. The PFD is only needed if you are seperated from the boat, and by that time you are too far into trouble. Don't get that far, stay attached.
I do agree that if the majority of your sailing consists of puttering around in lakes and bays, then life is different.what if you're knocked off of the boat and unconscious by the boom 200 feet from shore?
On Paloma, the boom is above the bimini and the tacking lines lead to the cockpit, not likely to get hit by the boom. On long slogs offshore with no tacks, we vang the boom off. And, if you are harnessed to the boat, getting knocked out by anything - you may dangle by your harness and bruise your ribs and wake up with a headache, but that's about it.
Most of my sailing is racing, & our rules require all persons on board to wear a PFD. The last couple of years, I wore a vest, but now am looking for an inflatable. The vest is a PITA when you're railmeat & constantly going under the boom.
When out for a day sail, sometimes I wear it, sometimes I don't. When racing, I wear my team shirt, but when out for a cruise, I like to wear bright orange or hot pink or something really highly visible as well. If I go overboard, I want to be seen.
New York State has some kind of requirement regarding life vests for all on board certain boats during colder weather that I read about recently, but offhand I don't recall what it is.
When out for a day sail, sometimes I wear it, sometimes I don't. When racing, I wear my team shirt, but when out for a cruise, I like to wear bright orange or hot pink or something really highly visible as well. If I go overboard, I want to be seen.
New York State has some kind of requirement regarding life vests for all on board certain boats during colder weather that I read about recently, but offhand I don't recall what it is.
Yes,
I figure if I fall into our waters here in PugetSound etc, ie where ArgleBargle and I sail, I have maybe 15-30 min max before I am unconcious. At least family per say can recover the body if they wish. I do have jack lines I put on last spring for rough days. Otherwise, everyone has an inflatable PFD.
Started this way when I was starting to be on a boat, about 3 yrs of age or so, kinda like may parents were with seatbelts in cars! Even at 48, when I have neither on, it feels funny when underway.
The one until recently I was not as prompt on, was a safety harness, which I have finanally figured out how to rig on my boat to use as I mentioned earlier, last spring with some help and pictures from folks on here.
marty
I figure if I fall into our waters here in PugetSound etc, ie where ArgleBargle and I sail, I have maybe 15-30 min max before I am unconcious. At least family per say can recover the body if they wish. I do have jack lines I put on last spring for rough days. Otherwise, everyone has an inflatable PFD.
Started this way when I was starting to be on a boat, about 3 yrs of age or so, kinda like may parents were with seatbelts in cars! Even at 48, when I have neither on, it feels funny when underway.
The one until recently I was not as prompt on, was a safety harness, which I have finanally figured out how to rig on my boat to use as I mentioned earlier, last spring with some help and pictures from folks on here.
marty
In Queensland, it is now mandatory to wear PFD's for kids or when crossing a bar. However, the Southport Seaway is apparently (technically) a seaway and therefore not a bar so this rule does not apply.
Our rule is; at night, when on watch (solo) or if someone is concerned due to weather or sea state. Then wear the gear!
When my son was younger, he had to wear his PFD at all times when up on deck/ cockpit etc. At 5 yo, he saw the hypocrisy of him being the only one wearing a PFD - so we all wore one- practice what we preached to him.
We harness short and double so you shouldnt be able to fall over the side and can move from one harness point to another. I dont like jack stays as you will have a long sweep if you are swept off your feet.
I still have to modify the boat as I am not happy yet with anchor & hold points. I probably will never satisfied.
Our rule is; at night, when on watch (solo) or if someone is concerned due to weather or sea state. Then wear the gear!
When my son was younger, he had to wear his PFD at all times when up on deck/ cockpit etc. At 5 yo, he saw the hypocrisy of him being the only one wearing a PFD - so we all wore one- practice what we preached to him.
We harness short and double so you shouldnt be able to fall over the side and can move from one harness point to another. I dont like jack stays as you will have a long sweep if you are swept off your feet.
I still have to modify the boat as I am not happy yet with anchor & hold points. I probably will never satisfied.
I sail on The Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. PFDs are REQUIRED for all children when on board and not below deck. My 2 granddaughters have their own and don't mind wearing them. I have a Mustang Auto inflatable with harness and wear it ALL the time I am alone on board (out sailing or just moving the boat across the river). I do not wear it while just sailing with friends.
Maryland Law ...
On April 1, 2006 a new Maryland law governing personal flotation devices (PFDs) for children goes into effect. Under the new law, if a child is less than 4 years of age or weighs under 50 pounds, the child must wear a PFD with specific additional safety features including: a strap that is secured between the child's legs to fasten together the front and back of the PFD; an inflatable headrest or high collar to keep the child's head above water; and a web handle to ensure the ready accessibility of the child from the vessel. Read more..
Effective June 1, 2001, all children under the age of 7 must WEAR a United States Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (Life Jacket - Type I, II, III or V) while underway on a recreational vessel under 21 feet in length on Maryland waters. Recreational vessel includes motorboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and any other device capable of being used for transportation on the water, when the vessel is being used for other than commercial purposes.
The Life Jacket must be the proper size for the child and must be in good and serviceable condition.
This requirement does not apply when:
On April 1, 2006 a new Maryland law governing personal flotation devices (PFDs) for children goes into effect. Under the new law, if a child is less than 4 years of age or weighs under 50 pounds, the child must wear a PFD with specific additional safety features including: a strap that is secured between the child's legs to fasten together the front and back of the PFD; an inflatable headrest or high collar to keep the child's head above water; and a web handle to ensure the ready accessibility of the child from the vessel. Read more..
Effective June 1, 2001, all children under the age of 7 must WEAR a United States Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (Life Jacket - Type I, II, III or V) while underway on a recreational vessel under 21 feet in length on Maryland waters. Recreational vessel includes motorboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and any other device capable of being used for transportation on the water, when the vessel is being used for other than commercial purposes.
The Life Jacket must be the proper size for the child and must be in good and serviceable condition.
This requirement does not apply when:
- A vessel is moored or anchored.
- A child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
Hey Soft - welcome to SN dude. Your sig is hilarious.Most of my sailing is racing, & our rules require all persons on board to wear a PFD. The last couple of years, I wore a vest, but now am looking for an inflatable. The vest is a PITA when you're railmeat & constantly going under the boom.
When out for a day sail, sometimes I wear it, sometimes I don't. When racing, I wear my team shirt, but when out for a cruise, I like to wear bright orange or hot pink or something really highly visible as well. If I go overboard, I want to be seen.
New York State has some kind of requirement regarding life vests for all on board certain boats during colder weather that I read about recently, but offhand I don't recall what it is.
As for the answer to the OP - since our lake is very sheltered, we adults rarely wear PFDs. The kids wear them any time they are out of the cabin.
But just today, I made a dumb decision. It was only blowing 10-12. Pretty mellow conditions. I was going to go forward to unpack the genny. I grabbed a vest, but then thought, "Ahh - I'll be fine." Threw it back into the cockpit and went forward.
Sure enough - I was fine. BUT I still should have worn the vest on the deck. I mean really. It's always when you think everything will be fine that an overweight goose falls out of the sky, beans you on the head, and knocks you overboard. Trust me. I know.
Hey smacker
- see, there really is a god!
- see, there really is a god!
Always wear it while underway.
Heh-heh, and He hates geese.Hey smacker
- see, there really is a god!
Always when off the hook
The boat rule is: Lifejackets are mandatory when off the hook anytime you are in the cockpit or on deck. Doesn't matter if it total glass and no wind or 100 deg F. We have automatic inflatables for all our guests and none of them has ever complained about wearing them. When I go out alone, I wear a auto-PFD and tether.
The water here is cold; never really getting above 70, and most of the time it is the low 60's and less. In the event a person goes over, I am more concerned with them getting cold and not being able to move, hence the PFD to keep them afloat. Also, if they are hurt or unconscious and can't keep a float, the PFD will.
Since I am in charge of their safety aboard, a PFD is a inexpensive piece of equipment that reduces the potential of for a fatal incident.
DrB
The boat rule is: Lifejackets are mandatory when off the hook anytime you are in the cockpit or on deck. Doesn't matter if it total glass and no wind or 100 deg F. We have automatic inflatables for all our guests and none of them has ever complained about wearing them. When I go out alone, I wear a auto-PFD and tether.
The water here is cold; never really getting above 70, and most of the time it is the low 60's and less. In the event a person goes over, I am more concerned with them getting cold and not being able to move, hence the PFD to keep them afloat. Also, if they are hurt or unconscious and can't keep a float, the PFD will.
Since I am in charge of their safety aboard, a PFD is a inexpensive piece of equipment that reduces the potential of for a fatal incident.
DrB
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