Recent Activity Timeline

Thanks for the great information. I'm using a Stohlquist Edge (paddling), so it sounds like one of those situations where it's about as good as it's gonna get. Many thanks!

@mikekrantz 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 an...

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. ...

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...

In the past, USCG defined the most common PFD's as Level 1, 2, or 3. 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. Most sailing competitions specified the use of Level 1 or 2 in their NOR or S...

@mikekrantz 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?  

@westmatt Which PFD do you use? The style like for whitewater kayaking has a lot of freedom of movement.  

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 hav...

@hobiekite Hey— is this still available? Will take it if yes.

Used good old carpet glue. The can says its removable/clean up with acetone.  

"https://www.facebook.com/groups/1090909267683321/posts/27166551723025719/"   I would disassemble the 'pelican striker' and it's rod stay (martingale), remove the nuts, shorten the smooth shank part of the threaded rod a bit for welding so that the nuts can be re-positioned at the correct ...

@tas05005 good luck, i'm restoring a Tornado 1.5 hours N of you on the Hudson.

@zuluniner Working on it. Still confirming that my boat club will approve and have no issues with dimensions for storage.