It's often too hot when/where I sail to wear a foam type PFD, and being overheated is a safety concern. I carry both on board, but I consider the PFD secondary to the tether/jackline system, which I don't find to get in the way on my M15, with so little deck hardware. Tyler
On Jan 30, 2016, at 10:08 PM, John Schinnerer <john@eco-living.net> wrote:
On 01/30/2016 08:00 PM, Mark Dvorscak wrote:
I would go with 2 tethers and 2 inflatable pfds with harnesses.
I never can understand how someone will trust their life to a G-string of theoretically inflatable nylon with a mechanism that might not work in a true emergency required to make it function. A.k.a "inflatable PFDs.
I recommend "real" class III PFDs that always work as long as you are wearing them properly - no inflation needed. Modern class III PFDs are sleek, slim, secure, can be bought with safety tether harness/attachment built in, restrict movement minimally if at all, are not bulky and clunky, often have some handy pockets and clip points for knife, radio, etc..
This opinion comes from my experience as a paddlesports instructor and recreational paddler - canoe, kayak, outrigger; still, moving, white, and ocean waters. Here's a paddlesports professional's analysis - most of what he identifies as additional risks applies IMO to sailing as well - sometimes same reasons, sometimes variations (there's no spray skirt in use on a sailboat but there are other potential complications). http://www.exploreri.org/documents/How_about_those_inflatable_PFDs.pdf
I've only used harness and tether on one occasion, on a Corsair 31 tri. The skipper rigged a webbing jackline around the deck (which is the cabin top) perimeter, more like safety lines on a kayak deck. No stanchions, and with the tether on me, I sure would not have wanted to deal with them. Just keeping it free of the winches, clutches, etc. was enough trouble.
cheers, John S.