Re: catalina27-talk: autoinflatable PFDs

[BobDeurer]

In a message dated 4/26/2006 3:26:06 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I have the Stearns model 1339.  Have not worn it extensively, but it seems reasonably comfortable.  Have not worn it in hot muggy weather, so my evaluation may change.  I think Stearns makes the vest for WM.   Recently acquired  the West Marine 4000 (also known as Stearns 1443).  It is heavier duty and has "D" rings for attaching to a jack line.  Have not worn it but will do so when I go alone this summer.   Not sure this is much help to you. Here's something to think about when choosing between manual and automatic PFDs. This is an excerpt from an article on my web site that I wrote years ago. With the prospect of a lot more single handed sailing this year, I decided an Inflatable PFD was a good idea, maybe I’d wear it more than the bulky, hot ones. If I went overboard, the Autohelm could sail the boat under the Bay bridge while I was flailing around in the water at Poole’s Is. My dilemma was the choice between the manual and automatic inflatable. The automatic sounded good; go overboard and the PFD inflates when it gets wet. If I’m unconscious it saves my life. After a lot of thought however, I went for the manual inflatable. Here’s why: Automatic could accidentally inflate from rain, spray or even humidity. Sometimes you want to be in the water and not have the jacket inflated as in my case of going under the boat. If you're trying to escape from lines or rigging in the water, you may be better off not inflating your PFD until you’re clear. Manual PFD’s are USCG approved and automatics may not be. Automatics would probably need some periodic USCG inspection certificate. Although cost was a secondary consideration, automatic PFD’s are more expensive. I judged the chances of being unconscious are outweighed by the advantages of the manual inflatable PFD. When I had to go under the boat I wanted to have a PFD on, but I didn’t want it inflated until I needed it. The manually inflated PFD works for me. Chesapeake Sailor Check out my web site at: http://members.aol.com/bobdeurer/home.htm