Jbernier wrote:
All of our Hobie PFD's are type 3 yes... but they all also have added reflective stripes - that is something we add to all of our models, so you're more visible in low light situations or even when the sun is getting low in the sky you'd amazed at how much more visible someone is - not just in the water if in distress, but sitting up in the kayak not in danger. It's always good to be seen by others - never-mind having fallen out of the kayak. A PFD should be only a part of an overall safety kit whenever you're going offshore - including a VHF radio or some other form of communication (in a dry bag of course)
I agree I know first hand that the reflective tape is a life saver in it self as I stated in my post.....problem is anything can happen when on the ocean, especially sailing in a small boat like the AI
For one instance in the occasion that you have a nylon aka brace bolt break under some heavy wind and the unlikely happens.... You capsize and something happens either knocking you out or incapacitating you.....I'd like to have the extra buoyancy of the type I floating you face up even in rough water
If the coast guard is rating a type III as a rating that is not sufficient for open ocean with a rescue response that is not immediate reflective tape (although extremely impostant)should not be suggested as an alternative to flotation(In the open ocean)....just sayin....i do agree a pfd should only be a part of ur overall safety equiptment tho...I would love to see a hobie type I fishing vest to go along the amazing fishing machine that is the adventure island....there's a lot of people using these offshore as I am a vest to suit would be great
So what's ur guys thoughts on vests for offshore.....Jbernier maybe a link to the main forum ? Worthy discussion and with enough support maybe a hobie type I??
-Jeff