I really like my PFD except for the fact that its bulk makes getting back on the boat after a capsize quite difficult with all the material in front. Is this universal to PFDs, or are there any that are a little more slim in front? Recommendations, anyone?
All of the existing USCG approved 70N PFD's are designed to have 60% of the flotation in front and 40% in the back.  However, the USCG has just approved a new standard pf a 50N PFD with 50/50 front/back flotation design.  There are 50N "Buoyancy Aids/Impact Vests" on the market, but none of them have been USCG approved at this time, and the existing designs are unlikely to be approved in their current form.  I know of  several under development, but because of the long testing/approval process, it will likely be late spring/early summer 2027 before they will make it to market.Â
@westmattI really like my PFD except for the fact that its bulk makes getting back on the boat after a capsize quite difficult with all the material in front. Is this universal to PFDs, or are there any that are a little more slim in front? Recommendations, anyone?
Which PFD do you use? The style like for whitewater kayaking has a lot of freedom of movement.
https://stohlquist.com/collections/whitewater-pfds
@mikekrantzAll of the existing USCG approved 70N PFD's are designed to have 60% of the flotation in front and 40% in the back.  However, the USCG has just approved a new standard pf a 50N PFD with 50/50 front/back flotation design.  There are 50N "Buoyancy Aids/Impact Vests" on the market, but none of them have been USCG approved at this time, and the existing designs are unlikely to be approved in their current form.  I know of  several under development, but because of the long testing/approval process, it will likely be late spring/early summer 2027 before they will make it to market.Â
Great info, could you explain some of the terms? What is meant by 70N or 50N ?
Of the currently available PFD's what is your favorite for beachcat sailing?
In the past, USCG defined the most common PFD's as Level 1, 2, or 3. Â Level 1 with the most flotation was for offshore use, Level 2 was for near-shore/coastal use, and Level 3 was for lake/pond and had the least buoyancy. Â Most sailing competitions specified the use of Level 1 or 2 in their NOR or SI's. Â
The new USCD categories are 100N, 70N, and50N and each N(Newton) specifies the amount of buoyancy or floatation that they provide. The impact to us sailors, is that some regatta organizers will now only require a USCG 50N PFD to be worn at all times, IF they feel that they have sufficient safety boats on hand to provide a quick rescue or assistance as needed.
Don't go out and buy a 50N PFD right away, because at the moment there are ZERO USCG 50N PFD's being sold. Â I'll repeat it again, there are 50N PFD's in the market, but there are NO USCG 50N PFD's approved yet. Â
You can't just grab one off the shelf and submit it for USCG approval, there are very stringent design implications that it must pass. Â For example, you must be able to grab a single shoulder strap and lift a 200lb person out of the water without the strap or jacket tearing at the seams. Â That existing 50N PFD with the neoprene shoulder strap isn't going pass this test, which is one of many...
The Mocke surfski paddling pfd's are quite low profile and 60N supposedly. They used to be like 40N around 2010, but the SA gov't put a stop to Mocke selling them. Too bad because they were absolutely perfect for having enough flotation, but also were not so bulky as to be a detriment to reboarding a very tippy surfski in rough ocean conditions. https://tcsurfski.com/product/mocke-pfd/
Currently, I have another paddling pfd that I use for sailing. Forgot it's brand, but I purchased it back in 2011 or so. It's super-low profile as well, but it's kinda hot in the summer because it has very little ventilation. I'll post the brand when I can find it in the shop.
The pfd I'm wearing (sometimes) is an old 2012 model Neil Pryde EN 393 rated at 50N. Looks like it was approved by SGS UK Ltd, not the USCG.
In my opinion, it's perfect for high-performance offshore surfski paddling as well as cat sailing. Not bulky at all. But it does get warm in warm weather along with high physical effort.
Thanks! Interesting that the Stholquist PFD's are still showing Class 1, 2, 3
Weren't the Hobie sailing catalog PFDs made by Stholquist at one point? I have a Hobie branded one that looks the same as theirs.
Another good supplier is Zhik which knows a lot about beachcat sailing and what is comfortable and works with a trap harness. Their PFD's all list the new USCG ratings with a lot of thin looking 70N models.
https://zhik.com/us/equipment/accessories-safety-protection/pfds.html?p=1