PFD's :: Catamaran Sailboats at TheBeachcats.com

PFD's

lesgawlik

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Jun 14, 2007

Last visit: May 22, 2012

Posts: 11
Posted: May 09, 2012 - 08:58 PM

I'm getting back into cat sailing after a long absence. What is the current favorite PFD for use with a full harness?
bacho

Rank: Mate

Registered: Jun 17, 2011

Last visit: Sep 24, 2023

Posts: 783
Posted: May 10, 2012 - 03:58 AM

I really like the zhik pfd.

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Greenville SC

Offering sails and other go fast parts for A-class catamarans
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optikid

Rank: Mate

Registered: May 29, 2011

Last visit: Mar 13, 2016

Posts: 332
Posted: May 10, 2012 - 05:55 AM

PFD Stohlquist Wedge
Buoyancy aid Baltic dinghy pro
matt922

Rank: Mate

Registered: Apr 15, 2011

Last visit: Jul 04, 2019

Posts: 287
Posted: May 10, 2012 - 06:51 AM

any kind of kayaking vest will be 10000x better than a jetski vest.

check out extrasport and stohlquist
MN3

Rank: Master Chief

Registered: Jun 20, 2006

Last visit: May 22, 2024

Posts: 7089
Posted: May 10, 2012 - 07:48 AM

bachoI really like the zhik pfd.

I love zhik products, only issues is they are not US coast guard approved. so they are not legal for racing (not an issue to me), but more importantly... if you get pulled over and checked (doesn't happen often on cats)... you are not obeying the law by having a US coast guard approved PFD onboard
captedteach

Rank: Mate

Registered: Jul 16, 2002

Last visit: Aug 18, 2020

Posts: 126
Posted: May 10, 2012 - 08:30 AM

matt922any kind of kayaking vest will be 10000x better than a jetski vest.

check out extrasport and stohlquist

I dont completely agree - I wear a Slippery When Wet Mpact with side buckles and have for years It never gets hung up on lacing when taking my fat ace across the boat On the flip side, I have not bought a new paddling jacket in a long time so I'm not sure whats out there now. I wear the same jacket when I play in the kayaks or canoes

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Lee - On the BIG Lake in MS

Harstil Kaulua 31 - Current Project Boat
Cal 25 - What ? Time to freshen it up again??
MC Scow 16 (1 in the water and 1 parts/project) SOLD
Capri 22 - What do you mean you wont deliver it??
Chrysler Pirateer 13 - new addition to the fleet
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bacho

Rank: Mate

Registered: Jun 17, 2011

Last visit: Sep 24, 2023

Posts: 783
Posted: May 10, 2012 - 09:32 AM

MN3
bachoI really like the zhik pfd.

I love zhik products, only issues is they are not US coast guard approved. so they are not legal for racing (not an issue to me), but more importantly... if you get pulled over and checked (doesn't happen often on cats)... you are not obeying the law by having a US coast guard approved PFD onboard

Depends on the racing but yes, however the Zhik is the first vest I have ever owned that I don't mind wearing all of the time an not be tempted to take it off when I feel it's not needed. I think DNR would rather see me wearing the Zhik over some approved pfd laying in the bottom of the boat

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Greenville SC

Offering sails and other go fast parts for A-class catamarans
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jmecky

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Dec 07, 2009

Last visit: May 29, 2012

Posts: 24
Posted: May 10, 2012 - 09:46 AM

I bought regular life jackets but I buckle the bottom two buckles under my harness, so the hook is always clear. After reading Bacho's post I really want to get some Zhik's because I like wearing my life-jacket all the time and mine can get uncomfortable around the chest.

99.99999% of accidents whether on land or at sea can be prevented with a life jacket and a whistle. J/K

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ALLEY CAT 1984 RED LINE HOBIE 18 MAGNUM
Sail # 10505 or 277
San Diego, Ca
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jfricker

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Aug 01, 2011

Last visit: Oct 07, 2014

Posts: 82
Posted: May 10, 2012 - 10:13 AM

I like paddling jackets because they don't ride up into your face or chin when you are sitting. Sierra Trading Post has deals on paddling jackets. I bought a couple from there for under $50 that I like on the cat and racing a Laser. Sign up for their email specials and you can get an extra 25-35% off every few days.

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John Fricker
Prindle 16
Seabrook, Texas
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BrianCT

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Sep 14, 2010

Last visit: Oct 30, 2016

Posts: 58
Posted: May 10, 2012 - 10:51 AM

I think a lot of it depends on your body type. Personally, I've been very happy with my West Marine "Action Reflex" vests http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO8a-DGBvkY. It's cut high enough on the waist that I haven't encountered any issues with my harness. I'm a "husky" guy and to be perfectly honest, I looked kind of ridiculous in some of the kayak-designed vests I tried on. This one fits me much better and has nice built-in features such as adjustable shoulder straps and waist clip, two drain-able zippered pockets, and reflective taping. And at $45, it's a relatively good bargain. My $.02.
coastrat

Rank: Chief

Registered: Jul 16, 2009

Last visit: Oct 28, 2014

Posts: 1271
Posted: May 10, 2012 - 12:00 PM

i like my extrasport universal, it's got a minimun of fabric because heat is the issue in south mississippi and it's very small compared to others.

http://store.extrasport.c…roducts/462527/Universal

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bill harris
hattiesburg, mississippi
prindle 16- "BLUE RIBBON"
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uh

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Aug 10, 2010

Last visit: Nov 25, 2012

Posts: 58
Posted: May 10, 2012 - 02:34 PM

I also like the zhik. I'm not worried about legality. But you could always throw a couple of the cheap orange block vests into the hulls so that they are onboard.

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Uwe
94 Prindle 19 - "überKat"
DFW, TX
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pknapp66

Rank: Mate

Registered: May 09, 2009

Last visit: Aug 14, 2024

Posts: 686
Posted: May 10, 2012 - 04:58 PM

Do any of the preferred jackets have padding in the sides.? The kayak jackets don't seem to have this and after watching
a crew member smack his side into the hull after stuffing the bows it has become important to me.

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Pete Knapp
Schodack landing,NY
Goodall Viper,AHPC Viper,Nacra I20
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