Your personal floatation devices are probably the most important piece of equipment on your boat. But, as you probably already know, they become less and less useful over time. Unfortunately, some people don’t think about the maintenance of their PFDs enough. This is how they find themselves in some sticky situations…
If you’re worried about your PFDs you’re probably aware that a significant number of boating deaths are due to drowning. But don’t let this worry you. There are ways to prevent this risk.
In this article, we will be answering the questions: “What Causes PFD to Wear Out Over Time?” and tell you “How to Care for Your PFDs”. Then, once you’ve learned more about personal floatation devices, we’ll show you the best ones on the market so you can be sure to buy yourself floatation devices that last.
What causes a PFD to wear out over time?
If you’re a boat owner it’s important to know what causes your personal floatation devices to wear out over time. This will help you store them and maintain them better so that they last longer and you get more bang for your buck!
Ultraviolet Radiation
The number one cause of wear on a personal floatation device is ultraviolet radiation from the sun. That is because the sun destroys the synthetic material that most PFDs are made out of. You can tell if a personal floatation device has been left out in the sun too long by its color. I’m sure you’ve seen tons of floatation devices that have seen the effects of the sun. So, if you’re looking to get your own personal floatation devices, for your boat or kayak make sure you keep them out of the sun.
Moisture and Humidity
Another thing that causes personal floatation devices to wear out over time is not allowing your PFDs to dry before storing them. Keeping your PFDs wet causes the buoyant materials to become worn. This means your PFDs won’t float as well. Also, the more moisture and humidity that stays in the life jacket the more likely the jacket is to get moldy or full of mildew. Your PFDs need to be air-dried to make sure thy last as long as possible.
How to care for your PFDs?
Proper PFD Storage
There are a number of ways to ensure that you are storing your personal floatation devices effectively. First, make sure your floatation devices are dry before putting them back into storage. The ideal location for your floatation devices is in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. Some people keep theirs in boxes on their boats or in their garage if they’re using them for kayaking or other recreation. Those are two great places to start.
Check PFDs Before Use
Be sure to test out your personal floatation devices before going out on your boat. This way you can assure that they are safe and do, in fact, float. If you’re using an inflatable PFD, you’ll want to check for air leaks before going out on a boating trip. Also, we mentioned before that you need to store your PFDs in a cool, dry location this is to prevent the life jacket from acquiring mold or mildew. If you’re not using your PFDs, make sure to check for mold in the synthetic material before heading out on the water.
Don’t Alter Your PFDs
Not only does this affect the integrity of the PFD, but it also makes your PFD not Coast Guard compliant. If you have someone boating with you that doesn’t fit into the PFDs that you have on your boat, don’t make any alterations to try to make the PFD fit. At this point, it’s better to buy a quality PFD that fits.
The Best PFDs on the Market
If you’re looking to buy some new personal floatation devices to keep on your boat for fishing or recreation, we recommend you make a pretty good investment to keep yourself safe. When you buy a quality life jacket, you’re investing in keeping your personal floatation device for a lot longer. And now that you know how to keep your PFD buoyant, these floatation devices will last. Our number one pick is the Astral V-Eight Life Jacket.
Astral V-Eight Life Jacket
Description: This jacket has a buoyancy rating of 16 pounds. This jacket secures to your body through a zipper on the front and has a clasp at the bottom. It comes in a number of different colors and in three different sizes for a ton of different variations. Even the cut on this life jacket is better than the typical jackets you see on rental boats. The design allows you to have a full range of your arms and helps to prevent chaffing. This is also a great jacket because of the size of its hard pockets, if you’re out kayaking or fishing, these come in handy. The back is completely made of mesh and has good ventilation so you won’t sweat as much while out fishing or while hanging out on the deck of your boat. The ventilation continues to the front in small slits which is felt through the breeze and works wonderfully for when you’re out kayaking on a hot day.
Pros:
- Breathable mesh back
- Unisex design
Cons:
- Padding by zipper makes it slightly difficult to zip up
Rating: 4.5/5
NRS Ninja PFD
Description: The flotation rating on this personal flotation device is 16.5 pounds. Also, this PFD is coast guard approved. It comes with clasps on the side to tighten it onto you for a great fit. Also, it has one zippered pocket on the front for small storage while on a boat or kayak. It has two shoulder adjustments so that the device can fit your body best and fits a number of different body types. Unlike the option above, this PFD doesn’t have foam around the arms. While this affects flotation, it also means there is less fabric and allows your arms to move more when wearing it. Customers like this flotation device because it fits well and prevents chaffing. But, unlike the other two flotation devices on the list, this PFD doesn’t have mesh on the back.
Pros:
- Adjustable shoulder straps make this PFD fit a number of body types
- Coast guard approved
Cons:
- No foam around the shoulders
- No mesh on the back for ventilation
Rating: 4/5
NRS Chinook Mesh Back PFD
Description: The buoyancy rating on this PFD is 16.5 pounds and is type 3 US Coast Guard approved. This personal flotation device is the best one on our list for fishing because it has a ton of storage, attachments for your tools and a place to hang a fishing rod. We like this flotation device because it’s a fishing jacket that isn’t as bulky as some of the competitors on the market. The lower back is made of mesh making it comfortable for sitting in a kayak. The Chinook personal flotation device comes with seven front pockets and has a number of strap sizes to make sure it fits every body type. But, if you’re going to be fishing at night, keep in mind that this flotation device doesn’t have any reflective material. This flotation is incredibly durable and stands up to rough surf.
Pros:
- Incredible storage and pockets for bait and tackle
- Extremely durable
Cons:
- Although this personal flotation device has a number of adjustable straps, some people have problems with it riding up on their torsos
Rating: 4/5
Conclusion
Don’t be a statistic and keep yourself safe while on the water. Make sure to keep your flotation devices from being worn out by storing them in cool, dry places and keeping them out of direct sunlight. Also, choose a flotation device that is both comfortable and durable.