Best PFD's

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
40,582
Hi,
What are the best PFD'S for the money?

The one a person will wear.

Near shore jackets

You can get the cheap type II for little money but know one wants to wear them. They are great to keep on board for boats which are large and folks don't normally wear them (cruisers, house boat, pontoon). This meets the CG requirements of one per person aboard

The type III (nylon, foam) jackets are comfortable and most like/use these for the younger kids and for water sports. Many variations in fit to make them even better to wear.

The type IV are the strap type which must be worn to count as a flotation device. They are filled with air when needed and can be activated automatically or manual

So if you can further explain more about your prospective in asking the question, we could get a bit closer

Assuming your not talking about offshore types
 

NYBo

Admiral
Joined
Oct 23, 2008
Messages
7,107
The type IV are the strap type which must be worn to count as a flotation device. They are filled with air when needed and can be activated automatically or manual
Type IV is a throwable device (also required on most boats 16' or longer in addition to the required number of other types). You are thinking of Type III or V inflatables.
 
Top