Inflatable Safety
 Courtesy of the Manufacturer |
| West Marine Ocean Series Hydrostatic Inflatable Life Vest |
West Marine Ocean Series Hydrostatic Inflatable Life Vest
This lightweight PFD/harness utilizes hydrostatic pressure that triggers inflation in 4 inches of water. It has a soft neoprene collar to help eliminate chafe around the neck, and the inflation cylinder is stowed inside the bladder to protect against corrosion. It's also equipped with a small pocket, a strobe-light holder, a safety whistle, and reflective tape. The Ocean Series also has a manually inflated vest and harness.$300, (800) 262-8464, www.westmarine.com
 Courtesy of the Manufacturer |
| Spinlock Deckvest |
Spinlock Deckvest
The Spinlock Deckvest's unique design was initially developed for high-performance racers, and the result is a lightweight harness with an ergonomic 3D shape that puts a premium on comfort. It has a soft neoprene neck collar, cushioned fabric cover, and a unique neoprene belt that should help distribute the weight of the vest off the neck. It also has a lightweight, easy-to-use belt fastener, and comes with an integrated strobe. The Deckvest comes in three different sizes to ensure a perfect fit.$340, (877) 465-6251, www.spinlockusa.com
 Courtesy of the Manufacturer |
| Triumph II Sailing Harness |
Triumph II Sailing Harness
The Triumph II Sailing Harness, from Eastern Aero Marine, is equipped with an inflatable PFD that can be triggered either manually or automatically. The bladder is contained in a fabric covering that comes in a choice of colors and has a built-in pocket to store a spare CO2 canister. The webbing harness is secured with a plastic clasp and has integral tether-attachment rings in the front. $150, (305) 871-4050, www.theraft.com
Inflation Mechanisms
All inflatable PFDs use small CO2 cartridges for inflation. Some vests can be inflated automatically (a sensor activates the CO2 canister); all of them can be inflated manually (the wearer pulls a cord to start the air flow) or orally (with a tube into which you blow). But there's a difference in how the automatic inflators work. Hydrostatic inflators are activated by a change in pressure; when the wearer is submerged in several inches of water, it triggers the mechanism. Other automatic inflators use a disc that dissolves when it gets sufficiently wet and activates inflation. Both work if the wearer is in the water and unconscious, but accidental inflation is possible (in, for instance, heavy rain or spray) with the dissolving-disc models. Hydrostatic inflators are often more expensive and reportedly require less maintenance than the dissolving-disc inflators.
Armed and on an Airplane?
Some inflatable PFDs are available with a choice of inflators that are automatic, manual, or a combination of both. Most inflators have indicators that clearly show if the inflator is armed or not. In many cases, the indicators are visible through clear windows on the front of each vest. And most automatic inflators are relatively easy to rearm with a fresh CO2 cartridge. But things can get a bit sticky when you take an inflatable PFD through airport security. The Transportation Security Administration reportedly allows PFDs with CO2 cylinders through security, but the airlines can raise a fuss. It's best to confirm beforehand with your airline if it allows an inflatable PFD on board. If it doesn't, you should be allowed to disarm the inflator and stow it in your checked luggage.
