Use of PFD's, Poll

[Jim Cate]

I would like to know what the general practices of fellow Mac power-sailors are with respect to the use of personal flotation devices. Specifically, do you nearly always wear a PFD on a typical sail (e.g., one without inexperienced crew, without unusually high winds for your area, etc.). Suggested answers are as follow:

Answer 1: I wear a PFD nearly always (more than 90% of the time) regardless of weather conditions, etc.

Answer 2: I wear a PFD more than 50% of the time throughout a typical cruise regardless of weather conditions.

Answer 3: Although I keep a PFD handy and would insist on their use by inexperienced crew members or children, I don't usually wear one unless conditions (such as heavy weather, blue water cruising) warrant it.

Answer 4: Realistically speaking, I rely on my judgement and common sense as to when I need to wear a PFD in a particular situation and don't usually wear them routinely during a typical cruise.

Answer 5: I'm only going around once in life. and I basically don't believe in PFD's, and usually find them uncomfortable. The Government (or whoever) has no business telling me what to do. - When your number is up, it's up.

Please note: This particular poll isn't concerned with what you think you "should" do, what you "recommend" doing, what your "policy" is, or what novice sailors should do, etc. I'm trying to get an overall picture of the actual practices of Mac owners under their usual, generally typical conditions.

Jim

[Tom Spohn]

Jim,
On our boat every person wears a PFD every time we go out. If you are the one that goes overboard and you have to depend on inexperienced guests to douse the sails, figure out how to start the engine--connect the steering, and circle back to get you, you will be glad you had some flotation on. We find the auto-inflate type to be very comfortable.

[Scott]

Combination of 3 and 4. Inexperienced sailors or substandard swimmers and small children always with one on. If conditions are choppy anyone on deck wears one.

[Dubraque]

Jim:
#1, I always wear a PFD, and I insist that everyone aboard wear one also. I use an automatic inflatable type III, and have a number of both automatic and manual type IIIs available for guests. While requiring more maintenance, they aren't cumbersome at all, easy to get around the vessel while wearing one, and you forget you have one on after a short while.

[Mark Prouty]

Rough - all wear.
non swimmers / children - always.
me and first mate - when go on deck while moving.

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

We always have them nearby & ready, kids and inexperienced always wear them on the HOLUB BOAT. When rough or heavy boat traffic, always worn.
"great poll"

[blue_shiba]

answer 1)
I always wear FDS.. [giggles] ok... ok.. not very funny. Just added some of my mostly unwanted warped sense of humor.
You fellows DO know what FDS is ... RIGHT?

[baldbaby2000]

I guess I'd say 3. Usually we're on lakes and I think if I fell in and got left behind I'd still have a good chance of surviving being relatively close to shore. When we sailed on Lake Superior we wore them all the time because of the cold water.

[baldbaby2000]

I guess I'd say 3. Usually we're on lakes and I think if I fell in and got left behind I'd still have a good chance of surviving being relatively close to shore. When we sailed on Lake Superior we wore them all the time because of the cold water.

[Wa2paa]

Answer : All wear a PFDs always !(Else no Boating) regardless of weather conditions, etc. Pets Included....

[Catigale]

NUmber one and five for us...

All crew members wear them when underway, below decks they can be removed in light conditions. If a crew member has trouble remembering to put them back on coming up to the cockpit, they lose the remove while below deck privilege.

When I have parents with kids on board, I ask them what they would do if their child goes overboard. I recommend they stay on board, but if they would feel compelled to jump overboard...they wear PFDs at all times..and I reinforce that.



The government has no business telling me to wear seatbelts or lifejackets.....I have a right to be an idiot if I want to be. Im fine with them even spending money to tell me what a good idea is, but a law is for protecting us from each other, and the government, not ourselves.

Sorry for the political rant, but Number 1 and 5 were not exclusive.

[Moondance]

I always wear it when underway.

If we have guests aboard I always recommend it strongly but don't force the adults. I also use the reasoning stated above about their child going over. The urge is to go in after them, so even if they don't have it on, they should have it right beside them to grab before going over.

Children, always ( no exceptions ) I won't move the boat until they are on, no matter whose kids they are.

[Frank C]

Always wear a PFD, 100% when on SF Bay due to cold water & changeable conditions. I have always insisted that my guests do the same and never heard any dispute. Most people understand the the Bay is serious. I would feel the same on any water with significant fetch, Atlantic, Gulf or Great Lakes. On smaller lakes where water is not so cold, I'm not so arbitrary, especially with guests, though I frequently use one anyhow. On a cold lake, e.g. Tahoe or Almanor, I will insist on PFDs for all, my perogative as the boat owner.

[richandlori]

Simple answer...No 1.

They can take them off in the cabin, but if they come up into the cockpit without one on...then they lose that for the day and always have them on.

I also agree totally with Stephen about No 5. The Government doesn't need to protect me from my own stupidity.....it's Government stupidity that I want protection from!

[Kenoten]

I would range between 3 and 4... I didn't wear one on Lake Ontario when it was a mirror....or close to it. I sail mainly on the Hudson River. I do have them handy. I know if I get knocked on the head I'm a goner...but I am a very good swimmer.