Hobie Cat Forums

It's been years since I've bought new life jackets. What are you all using these days? I surely don't want to spend $100+ on a PFD (times 4). I like the Stohlquist 'Escape' for features and affordability ($50-$59). Comments?

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Chris
'88 H18SE Arís

West Marine $59 as well. Paddling (short) PFD basically.

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H18, H17 & Various motor boats

I wear the Stohlquist "Brik"

My wife and daughter wear the Stohlquist "Kitty" which is custom fit to a woman's "curves"

We have all been very pleased with both performance, comfort and durability.

We have been wearing them for about 5 years now.

Bonus, Jim Stohlquist is also a Hobie 18 Sailor !

Stephen

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If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, maybe it is time to water your own lawn.

The Hobie styles offered in the catalog are Stholquist made.





http://www.hobiecat.com/media/pdf/eSail_2009-10_6-9.pdf

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

For racing are USCG approved pdf's required?

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1992 Hobie Cat 18 #16943
Hobie Fleet 198, Rapid City, SD

Yes. From the General Class Rules section of the IHCA Rules:

A lot of people have been using the Zhik jackets that are not USCG approved. Admittedly they are nice, but all it takes is one person to protest them and they're out. There was a fairly high-profile case last year of a junior sailor in the US qualifiers for the ISAF Youth Worlds that was protested by the RC for not wearing a USCG approved PFD. She was very lucky to escape with a warning.

Thanks Matt, I knew you would have an anwser. I guess no Zhik PDF for me.

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1992 Hobie Cat 18 #16943
Hobie Fleet 198, Rapid City, SD

The ZHIK life jackets are really nice comfortable also. As well as their Harnesses. That bieng said I have a Hobie life jacket i use thats 3 years old and still looks like new. Very nice for sailing and getting back on the boat after you do a stupid. I like them and the womens Hobie PFD's have cut outs for their lady parts to fit more comfortably. When you have you wife flying the spin on a tiger all day her comfort makes your sailing that much better.

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Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
R.Vilvens@yahoo.com
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/

To bring up an old topic instead of starting new. I need to upgrade my flotation devices. I am not terribly concerned about USCG rating. I need something that is comfortable enough to wear and not notice. My current life jackets really conflict with the harnesses I have, and get even worse when you fall into the water. I have found situations that myself and my crew removed our jackets as they were in the way too much, only to capsize 20 minutes later. I like the style linked, I think it fit tight and not have much hanging out to get caught on things. I imagine it wouldn't ride up when in the water and be easier to deal with. I am willing to pay $100 a jacket, if its something that I and my crew will wear all day. Is there any other comparable jackets or ideas?

http://www.zhik.com/ProductDetails.aspx ... goryID=258

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2001 Nacra 20
84 H16 108123

I have some Aquata racing jackets that are similar to those Zhiks. Not being USCG approved if you are stopped by a ranger and he catches it you will get fined. Plus, not race legal. The stohlquists are the most comfort for the money. I never wear a jacket while sailing, its a personal choice I don't push on others.

I can stuff cheap USCG jackets in the hulls. The law and racing requires them on the boat but not on you. My biggest concern is someone falling off the boat, or if I fell off it could take a very long time for my crew to get it turned around and back to me. In real light wind its not something I am too worried about, if its blowing enough to fly a hull, I can see it being a real problem if I was to fall.

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2001 Nacra 20
84 H16 108123

I have one of these and I like it. It does ride up a bit, but not as bad as some of my other PFDs. I've never really been in the water with it yet, though.

Gill makes a comparable PFD. Check out APS - http://www.apsltd.com/c-3529-buoyancy-aids.aspx

Zhik. I don't care if its not coast guard approved, it floats me just fine.

At our Club, we remind newbies that while they may be able to swim well, it's difficult to swim when one is unconscious. Ever been hit on the head by the boom? 2 years ago, one of our members slipped off the wing in a gust, and fractured C2 when he hit the other wing....lucky he was wearing a PFD....he is sailing today....So safety should be No 1.

BTW, I have a nearly new Yellow Men's medium PFD for sale....offers?

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1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

One of these days, someone is going to cop an attitude and tip off the local marine patrol. I can see it now, Deputy Dog sitting a A mark pulling everyone over and checking their life jackets for compliance with the local law. If you got a ticket then the same fellow with the attitude will protest.