Thursday, February 7, 2013
Caring For and Storing Your PFD
With proper care your PFD or life vest will last many many years and fortunately they do not require a lot of maintenance. There are however some things to keep in mind when caring for and storing your PFD.
First of all it is very very important to never alter your life vest. If the PFD doesn't fit you properly it is very important to get one that does. If someone is going to wear the PFD for whom it was not originally intended do not alter the life vest to fit them. Purchase one the correct size for them of find another that fits properly. Always keep safety utmost on your mind. An altered life vest may not function the way it was designed and it may not save your life.
Don't use your life vest as a cushion of any kind. Do not use it as a boat bumper, to kneel on, or to cushion heavy objects. Placing heavy objects on the life vest could crush the floatation material and it will lose buoyancy. With an inflatable life vest doing so could also puncture the inflation chamber.
Let your life vest drip dry prior to storing it and always store it in a well ventilated area. Storing the PFD while wet or in a damp confined space can lead to mold and rot. I know as I have seen a lot of PFDs in this condition after storage.
If you are not going to use your PFD for long periods it is best to take it off the boat and store properly.
Never dry your life vest on a heater or any other type of direct heat. The PFD could catch on fire and again it could damage the floatation materials.
Finally if you are the only wearer of a particular PFD label it with your name and always wear your personal PFD.
I hope I have provided you with some helpful information in caring for and properly storing your PFD. If you have any questions or would like to see some of the PFD we have here at Overlook Inflatable Boats please feel free to visit us at overlookinflatableboats.com
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Fitting and Using Your PFD
Once you have determined which PFD is right for you it is important to ensure that you have one that is fitted properly. The proper size of the PFD is determined by your chest size. Select the appropriate PFD based on the chest size indicated on the device. It is best to try on the PFD for size to ensure it fits and functions properly.
After selecting the PFD loosen all the straps prior to sliding it on. Put on the life vest and starting at the waist and working your way up tighten the straps. When all the straps are tightened the life vest should be snug but not uncomfortable. If by pulling on the shoulder straps the life vest slides up your body the straps may need further tightening or the life vest is too large. You may need to find a smaller size. The right size may feel snug but it should not be constrictive. While wearing your life vest check out your movements to make sure you are comfortable and it doesn't constrict your movement. If so you might want to consider a different style.
The final step in choosing your life vest is to test your life vest in a pool or water. This may not always be possible prior to purchase however it is always a good idea to do this prior to its first use. When wearing the life vest ensure the life vest fits properly and does not ride up on your body while in use. By following these suggestions you wil have the best PFD for your use and you will have many good days on the water.
It is an important decision in choosing the proper PFD for your use. However with some thought, research, and time well spent you will be able to properly size and fit the right life vest for your use.
For a selection of life vests and PFDs feel free to visit our website at http://www.overlookinflatableboats.com/inflatable-accessories.html.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Choosing the Right Wearable PFD.
overlookinflatableboats.com
USGS regulations require you must have an approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD) for each person onboard your watercraft. In addition if your boat is not a kayak or canoe and is more than 16 feet long you must also have a throwable device (Type IV). As there are several types of PFDs with each having its own advantages and disadvantages it is important for you to choose the right device for your use. Lets take a look at each type and their advantages and disadvantages.
First is the Off-Shore or Type I PFD. These will float you the best, will turn an unconscious person over, and are highly visible. However they can be very bulky to wear, especially for extended periods.
Secondly there is the Near-Shore Vest or Type II PFD. These will turn some unconscious people over in the water, but not all. They are less bulky and more comfortable than Type 1 PFDs, however are not for use in rough water for long periods of time.
The third type is the Floatation Aid or Type III PFD. These are generally designed for general boating and are more comfortable to wear. These are available in the most styles and sizes. However they will not turn an unconscious person over in the water, are not intended for long term survival in rough water, and the wearer may have to tilt his head back to avoid going face down.
The final type of wearable PFD is a Hybrid Inflatable Device or Type V. These are the least bulky the devices, have high floatation when inflated, and are good for continuous wear. However they may need to be partially inflated to float some people and require active use and care of the inflation chamber. Their performance level is equal to either Type I, II, III depending on the manufacturers label.
As you can see there are a number of good choices for you when choosing a PFD for your boat. You need to decide how you are going to use your boat and the requirements needed by your PFD. However, you should always keep safety utmost in your mind. And most importantly you must wear your PFD when out on the water!! When thinking of boating mishaps and drownings most people believe, myself included that most occur out at sea. So I was surprised to learn 9 out of 10 drownings occur on inland waters with many only a few feet away from safety. Please be sure to wear your PFD. Next we will talk about how to check and wear your PFD. Happy boating.
For a selection of these devices and other products feel free to visit our website at http://www.overlookinflatableboats.com/inflatable-accessories.html.
USGS regulations require you must have an approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD) for each person onboard your watercraft. In addition if your boat is not a kayak or canoe and is more than 16 feet long you must also have a throwable device (Type IV). As there are several types of PFDs with each having its own advantages and disadvantages it is important for you to choose the right device for your use. Lets take a look at each type and their advantages and disadvantages.
First is the Off-Shore or Type I PFD. These will float you the best, will turn an unconscious person over, and are highly visible. However they can be very bulky to wear, especially for extended periods.
Secondly there is the Near-Shore Vest or Type II PFD. These will turn some unconscious people over in the water, but not all. They are less bulky and more comfortable than Type 1 PFDs, however are not for use in rough water for long periods of time.
The third type is the Floatation Aid or Type III PFD. These are generally designed for general boating and are more comfortable to wear. These are available in the most styles and sizes. However they will not turn an unconscious person over in the water, are not intended for long term survival in rough water, and the wearer may have to tilt his head back to avoid going face down.
The final type of wearable PFD is a Hybrid Inflatable Device or Type V. These are the least bulky the devices, have high floatation when inflated, and are good for continuous wear. However they may need to be partially inflated to float some people and require active use and care of the inflation chamber. Their performance level is equal to either Type I, II, III depending on the manufacturers label.
As you can see there are a number of good choices for you when choosing a PFD for your boat. You need to decide how you are going to use your boat and the requirements needed by your PFD. However, you should always keep safety utmost in your mind. And most importantly you must wear your PFD when out on the water!! When thinking of boating mishaps and drownings most people believe, myself included that most occur out at sea. So I was surprised to learn 9 out of 10 drownings occur on inland waters with many only a few feet away from safety. Please be sure to wear your PFD. Next we will talk about how to check and wear your PFD. Happy boating.
For a selection of these devices and other products feel free to visit our website at http://www.overlookinflatableboats.com/inflatable-accessories.html.
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