Posted: April 30, 2012
As you put the finishing touches on your preseason preparations before hitting the water, don’t forget about your onboard life jackets. Is it time to move into the 21st century and get rid of the old orange models? Have you been thinking about inflatable PFDs? If you have, there are a few things to consider. BoatU.S. has put together a short list of inflatable PFD myths and set the record straight with explanations.Myth No. 1 - Inflatable life jackets are zero maintenance. Wrong. There are CO2 cylinders that need checked regularly, and you need to manually blow them up once a year to check for leaks.
Myth No. 2 - One size fits all. Wrong. The one-size designation may be true for most adults, but there are no inflatable jackets for kids under 16. There are groups looking to change that.
Myth No. 3 - There aren’t a lot of choices. Wrong. The two basic designs — over-the-shoulder suspender style and waist-fitting belt pack — come in many colors and models. Some are even disguised as fashionable jackets for bad-weather use.
Myth No. 4 - They’re too expensive. Depends on the buyer. There are some models for less than $100, mostly belt-pack types, while over-the-shoulder auto-inflate models go for more.
Myth No. 5 - They’re uncomfortable. Wrong. When they’re not inflated, they provide ease of movement and they don’t trap body heat. Some have neoprene chafe guards around the neck.
Posted By: Bruce Brown On: 5/25/2012
Title: Best LIfe Jackets
The best life jacket is the one you are wearing. They don't help if they are not worn!
Thanks for bringing the facts out in this piece.
