{"id":49702,"date":"2023-02-06T15:44:52","date_gmt":"2023-02-06T20:44:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/?p=49702"},"modified":"2023-05-06T18:21:18","modified_gmt":"2023-05-06T22:21:18","slug":"type-v-inflatable-pfds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/gear\/type-v-inflatable-pfds\/","title":{"rendered":"Type V Inflatable PFDs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Sailor <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Wearing a Type V inflatable PFD can mitigate risks posed by offshore sailing and inclement weather.<\/span>\n Mustang Survival<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n\n

I didn\u2019t see the wave coming that tossed me to the end of my tether; I was too busy trying to secure a headsail on the thrashing foredeck of my dad\u2019s old J\/44. We had recently peeled from a heavy J1 to a high-cut J3, and my job was to ensure that the big jib made it into its blue North Sails bag and not into \u201cThe Race,\u201d that often-choppy slot of water separating New York\u2019s Long Island Sound from Rhode Island\u2019s Block Island Sound. We were roughly 60 percent of the way through the 2005 Block Island Race, and our helmsman was clearly tired as he stuffed our bow directly into an oncoming square wave.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s when my sea boots left the deck. I landed atop my buddy, someplace near the port shrouds. I was happy that I hadn\u2019t cracked my head on anything stainless steel or \u00adfiberglass. My buddy was happy that I was still on the boat. Two minutes later, we were back in the business district, sorting out the sail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, I finished my watch as wet as a rat in a drain ditch, but there\u2019s no question that my tether, which was clipped to a foredeck padeye, saved my bacon. Thankfully, my PFD<\/a> didn\u2019t deploy unnecessarily, and I gained confidence in the\u00a0system.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many years have slipped astern since that Block Island Race, but the basics of personal flotation devices are the same, as is the safety they afford. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

PFDs come in five types. Type I is for cruising, racing and fishing offshore, and for use by commercial ships, or when boating alone, or in stormy conditions. It can be inherently buoyant or inflatable (or a hybrid of the two), and provides a minimum of 22 pounds of flotation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Type II typically refers to the chunky orange-foam affairs with at least 15.5 pounds of positive flotation, but the type can also encompass some inflatable vests. It is best for daysailing in small boats. Type III is for activities such as sailing regattas, dinghy races, water-skiing, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and provides at least 22.5 pounds of positive buoyancy. Type IV, with 16.5 pounds of buoyancy, is a throwable device such as a horseshoe buoy.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then there\u2019s Type V, which has 15.5 to 22.5 pounds of buoyancy, is inflatable or hybrid inflatable and inherently buoyant, and is designated as a \u201cspecial-use device\u201d for activities such as inshore and offshore sailing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will consider eight Type V PFDs. Their designs may differ, but they all rely on an empty air bladder, a filled and sealed carbon dioxide cartridge, and a release mechanism. Some employ water-\u00adsoluble discs or capsules that trigger the spring-loaded firing pin that pierces the carbon dioxide cartridge, while others have a hydrostatic mechanism that fires when the vest is submerged in a few \u00adinches of water (water pressure on the hydrostatic sensor serves as the tipping point). While both types work well, hydrostatic systems are less likely to fire accidentally if exposed to huge amounts of on-deck water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Additionally, Type V PFDs all have a manual-release rip cord and an oral inflation tube in case the built-in systems fail, or if the air bladder needs topping off later. In all cases, it\u2019s important to read the manufacturer\u2019s care and use instructions, and to replace key components per the manufacturer\u2019s guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I evaluated these PFDs by considering their features, wearing them with sailing gear, and floating in them at my local pool. Here\u2019s what I\u00a0found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mustang Survival MIT 100 Automatic Inflatable PFD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Mustang <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Mustang Survival MIT 100<\/span>\n Courtesy The Manufacturer<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

This PFD has more going on than initially meets the eye. Most PFDs employ an inner air bladder protected by an exterior jacket that breaks away when the jacket inflates. This US Coast Guard-approved PFD instead has Mustang Survival\u2019s Membrane Inflatable Technology and the company\u2019s clever \u201cone-fold design.\u201d The combo means the PFD\u2019s air bladder is physically housed inside a protective jacket. When the jacket deploys, two Velcro strips rip away, revealing the jacketed and inflated bladder. This same design makes the MIT 100 the easiest PFD in this article to repack: Just bleed the air, rearm the carbon dioxide cartridge and trigger mechanism, and fold over two flaps. While the MIT 100 doesn\u2019t have a tether hardpoint, its lower price point could make it a good choice for inshore cruising or blue-sky daysailing. The PFD\u2019s waist belt is easily adjustable for guests, and an inspection window lets you evaluate the firing mechanism\u2019s status. In the water, this PFD is comfortable, but there isn\u2019t much behind-the-neck head support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mustang Survival HIT Hydrostatic Inflatable PFD With Sailing Harness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Mustang <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Mustang Survival HIT Hydrostatic Inflatable PFD With Sailing Harness<\/span>\n Courtesy The Manufacturer<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

This is an affordable PFD with a full sailing harness, a hydrostatic trigger mechanism, and US Coast Guard approval. Its air bladder comes bundled in a sturdy jacket built from 500-denier Cordura, and it sports a neoprene-lined collar. A beefy harness with two equally beefy stainless-steel D-rings allows for attaching a tether. There\u2019s an inspection window for checking the trigger mechanism\u2019s status, a strobe-light holder, and Mustang\u2019s SecureZip breakaway jacket-\u00adclosure system. The PFD\u2019s Hammar-built hydrostatic sensor needs to be submerged to a depth of at least 4 inches to fire its carbon dioxide cartridge (read: no accidental deployments). Once inflated, the PFD delivers 38 pounds of buoyancy, and its high-visibility air bladder and even higher-visibility SOLAS-level reflective tape help ensure that you\u2019ll be seen. The PFD also has a tidy-size zippered pocket. One consideration, however, is that rearming this PFD is more involved (Mustang\u2019s instruction video runs 12 minutes, 30 seconds), but it\u2019s a worthwhile trade-off. In the water, with the crotch strap attached, this PFD did a great job of orienting me face up and providing head support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mustang Survival EP 38 Ocean Racing Hydrostatic Inflatable Vest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Mustang <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Mustang Survival EP 38 Ocean<\/span>\n Courtesy The Manufacturer<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

As its moniker suggests, this PFD is made to take you from offshore racing on wet, fast boats to adventure cruising in wet climes. The US Coast Guard-approved PFD has a Hammar-built hydrostatic inflation mechanism, a sturdy sailing harness with an easily adjusted (even when wearing gloves) waist belt, a soft-loop tether-attachment point, and a small, integral backpack-style pod that houses the vest\u2019s shoulder straps, spray hood, and removable crotch straps. While the backpack pod feels a bit bulky, its contents are a treasure trove when floating. This pullover-style PFD also has a low-profile design that allows for unencumbered athletic movement, and a zippered pocket that can house emergency essentials such as lights or electronics. There\u2019s also a stitched-in lifting loop for emergency MOB retrievals. The vest\u2019s hydrostatic mechanism is prominently situated on the front, behind a three-\u00addimensional inspection window, for a \u00admilitary-esque aesthetic. The EP\u00a038 felt great to float in, especially once I \u00addeployed the crotch strap and spray hood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Onyx A\/M-24 and A\/M-24 All Clear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Onyx <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Onyx A\/M-24 All Clear<\/span>\n Courtesy The Manufacturer<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Consider these PFDs if you\u2019re seeking a basic Type V PFD and don\u2019t need a tether attachment. Both are US Coast Guard-approved, employ lozenge-style automatic firing mechanisms, and can be used in automatic or manual mode, or converted to manually operated PFDs (which can be useful aboard wet boats, so long as the MOB is conscious and able to pull the manual-inflation rip cord). Both vests also have a Velcro-enclosure system, high-\u00advisibility inflation chambers, and wide neoprene necklines that felt comfortable when worn with a T-shirt, and that added padding when worn with a jacket.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the two PFDs are similar in design and features, there are some differences. The A\/M 24 is no-frills, with a side-release waist buckle and a plastic D-ring attachment that\u2019s not<\/em> for use with a tether, but it is useful for attaching a handheld VHF radio (see CW<\/em>, August 2022) or an emergency beacon. The A\/M 24\u2019s firing mechanism is hidden in the Velcro-enclosed outer jacket, meaning a user must unpeel several inches of hooks and loops to ensure that the jacket is properly armed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The A\/M-24 All Clear has some \u00adupgrades, most notably a plastic \u00adinspection window on the jacketed front that gives an at-a-glance status report of the firing mechanism. Additionally, the A\/M-24 All Clear has a zippered front enclosure, a beefier nylon waist belt, and a smaller-profile D-ring attachment (also not<\/em> for use with a tether).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neither of these PFDs has crotch straps, and this absence was noticeable when floating. In our test pool, the \u00adA\/M-24 All Clear failed to trigger \u00adautomatically for almost two minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Onyx A\/M-33 All Clear With Harness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Onyx <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Onyx A\/M-33 All Clear With Harness<\/span>\n Courtesy The Manufacturer<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

<\/strong>If you\u2019re ready to go offshore, this PFD could be right for you. The US Coast Guard-approved vest has a sailing harness with dual soft loops (port and starboard) for attaching a tether, a beefy nylon waist belt with sturdy stainless-steel adjusters, a high-visibility inflation chamber, a breakaway zipper enclosure, and a\u00a0 window for at-a-glance status on the vest\u2019s firing mechanism. The vest\u2019s back has shoulder-strap padding that doubles as ultraviolet protection, and also adds a bit of cushioning when leaning back in the cockpit or lounging on deck.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This PFD also sports a zippered front closure (with an elasticized zipper garage to ensure that the vest stays put) and a thin neoprene neckline for extra comfort. As with its little brothers, the A\/M-33 All Clear can be operated in automatic\/\u00admanual or fully manual modes, but it differs by delivering 35 pounds of buoyancy once fully inflated. This extra lift was immediately noticeable when floating; there\u2019s no crotch strap, but its absence wasn\u2019t an issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spinlock Deckvest LITE+ <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Spinlock <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Spinlock Deckvest LITE+ <\/span>\n Courtesy The Manufacturer<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Lightweight, low-profile, unencumbering\u2014this PFD\u2019s design (when packed) is wide at the neck, allowing about 165\u00a0degrees of head rotation without chin contact. The bit that does contact your neck is neoprene-covered for comfort. This is a side-entry PFD that arrives in automatic\/manual mode, but it can be converted to manual-only with a kit. The LITE+ has a single crotch strap with a hidden receptacle clip, and it comes with loops for attaching Spinlock\u2019s optional Chest Pack, which is handy for storing emergency essentials.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The PFD also has Spinlock\u2019s clever breakaway zipper system, a soft-loop attachment point and\u2014when deployed\u2014an emergency haul loop. The LITE+ can be upgraded with Spinlock\u2019s Pylon Light, which is a water-activated flashing LED; Lume-On patches to illuminate the inflated bladder; and a spray hood. Customers also can purchase the LITE+ with an integrated Ocean Signal MOB1 AIS beacon. The LITE+ is approved to CE and ISO standards. In the water, the Deckvest LITE+ provided good head \u00adsupport and face-up orientation, \u00adespecially once the crotch strap was properly deployed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spinlock Deckvest 6D HRS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Spinlock <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Spinlock Deckvest 6D HRS<\/span>\n Courtesy The Manufacturer<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

There\u2019s a lot to like about this innovative PFD. It\u2019s built to CE and ISO standards. Once inflated, it delivers 170 newtons of \u00adpositive buoyancy. It can be ordered with 275\u00a0newtons, but this adds bulk. The PFD has Spinlock\u2019s Pro Sensor Elite firing mechanism, which activates only when \u00adwater flows upward into its cap, so there are no wave or rain deployments. It also has Spinlock\u2019s Harness Release System, which has a load-releasable tether hardpoint. If the MOB is getting dragged, she pulls a rip cord and immediately separates from her tether.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once in the water, the automatic\/\u00admanual vest opens to reveal a spray hood, emergency haul loop, Spinlock Pylon 360 light, and Spinlock Lume-On air-bladder light. A crotch strap resides in a small pouch on the back of the PFD\u2019s harness. Additionally, there\u2019s a user-friendly waist-belt buckle, an inspection window for the firing mechanism, and compatibility with Ocean Signal\u2019s MOB1 AIS beacon. The Deckvest 6D was one of the most comfortable PFDs to float in, and its design made accessing the spray hood a snap.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

These eight PFDs can help you keep your head above water.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":49703,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"BS_author_type":"BS_author_is_guest","BS_guest_author_name":"David Schmidt","BS_guest_author_url":"","hydra_display_date":"","hydra_display_updated":false,"_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"163","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Eight Type V PFDs including the latest models from Mustang Survival, Onxy, and Spinlock, plus life vest tethers, and AIS and 406 MHz personal beacon locators.","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","arc_story_id":"","arc_website_url":"","custom_permalink":"","arc_subtype":"","arc_exclude_from_feeds":false,"sponsored":false,"sponsored_label":"Sponsored Content","sponsored_display_label":false,"sponsored_image":false,"post_right_rail":true,"post_right_rail_ad_1":true,"post_right_rail_ad_2":true,"post_right_rail_ad_3":false,"post_right_rail_ad_4":false,"post_right_rail_recirc":true,"fixed_anchor_ad":true,"post_top_ad":true,"post_off_ramp":true,"post_taboola":false,"labels":true,"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_is_hidden":false,"apple_news_is_paid":false,"apple_news_is_preview":false,"apple_news_is_sponsored":false,"apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":"\"\"","apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":"","ad_settings_ads_on_this_page":true,"ad_settings_automatic_ad_injection_into_the_content":true,"ad_targeting":"","sponsored_url":"","social_share":true},"categories":[163],"tags":[157,759,1947,181,567],"acf":[],"apple_news_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49702"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49702"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49702\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49703"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49702"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49702"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49702"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}