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PFD for Islands (TI and AI)
http://www.hobie.com/au/en/forums/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=56711		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  hjdca [ Sat Jan 09, 2016 9:44 am ]
Post subject:  PFD for Islands (TI and AI)
Hello Sailors, I just finished my newest PFD and I thought I would share. The pockets and loops are in perfect places on the Hobie inflatable PFD. I used the loops on the top right shoulder to attached the Cobra VHF belt clip. It is a perfect spot. I used the other loop for a Hobie retractable lease and attached a Iphone dry case. The bottom of the dry case has a nozzle with a cover to use a suction bulb to generate vacuum in the case. This cover can go through the bottom D ring on the PFD and easily secure the bottom of the dry case --- so it does not move around. To take pics or use the Iphone, you just unhook the nozzle cover from the bottom D ring and then you have to cool retractable leash on the phone. The Rescueme PLB1 fits perfectly in the bottom of the left side pocket of the PFD, and I just leashed it to the zipper. In the second pic, you can see that I added the Rescueme mount to the manual inflator and the rubber strap keeps it tight. This way I can snap mount the PLB1 after activation. The Hobie vest velcro barely closes with the mount, but, you can get it to close. There is also a leashed orange marine whistle. I also have a leashed Fox sailing knife in the pocket. Anyway, for what it's worth, I really like this new setup. It gives me a lot of freedom and I have everything I need. Happy Sailing ! :D

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Author:  PeteCress [ Tue Jan 19, 2016 11:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: PFD for Islands (TI and AI)
hjdca wrote:
...my newest PFD ... I really like this new setup. It gives me a lot of freedom and I have everything I need...
Have you tried it out in deep water, manually inflated ?

After trying that with mine (different brand...) and finding it more like a ring around my neck than a PFD, I wound up adding crotch straps.
Author:  vetgam [ Tue Jan 19, 2016 12:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: PFD for Islands (TI and AI)
Pete where did you find the crotch straps. Are the universal?
Author:  PeteCress [ Tue Jan 19, 2016 1:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: PFD for Islands (TI and AI)
vetgam wrote:
Pete where did you find the crotch straps. Are the universal?
Sewing machine, 1.5" webbing, snap-connectors + D-rings...... and a few hours work...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CD ... ge_o06_s00
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231227173079?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT
https://picasaweb.google.com/1081497986 ... 6120472834

All probably technically illegal....
Author:  tonystott [ Tue Jan 19, 2016 3:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: PFD for Islands (TI and AI)
PeteCress wrote:
vetgam wrote:
Pete where did you find the crotch straps. Are the universal?
Sewing machine, 1.5" webbing, snap-connectors + D-rings...... and a few hours work...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CD ... ge_o06_s00
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231227173079?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT
https://picasaweb.google.com/1081497986 ... 6120472834

All probably technically illegal....

I seriously doubt that Pete, in fact, I would like to see PFDs WITHOUT crotch straps declared technically illegal!
Author:  PeteCress [ Tue Jan 19, 2016 5:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: PFD for Islands (TI and AI)
tonystott wrote:
I seriously doubt that Pete, in fact, I would like to see PFDs WITHOUT crotch straps declared technically illegal!
I was thinking in terms of modifying a PFD rendering it technically no longer in compliance with it's rating.

Seems logical - almost manditory... you have a bunch of specs, user fools around with the device...now it's out of spec.

I'm with you thinking negative thoughts about PFDs without crotch straps. I put them on my solid/foam PFD too after finding out that it would slip up and over my head just like *that* if I raised my arms beyond a certain point in deep water.
Author:  tonystott [ Wed Jan 20, 2016 5:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: PFD for Islands (TI and AI)
The overwhelming bonus of fitting crotch straps is that you no longer need to have the PFD cinched up tight to stop it riding up in the water. So you get a huge comfort advantage when you are NOT in the water, ie the vast majority of time.
Author:  hawk232 [ Wed Jan 20, 2016 6:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: PFD for Islands (TI and AI)
hard to beat a spinlock deckvest lite for comfort! they are a little pricey but MAN... you really forget you have it on. I have used generic inflatables like above for years and this thing is a whole different animal. comes with crotch strap too.

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Author:  hawk232 [ Wed Jan 20, 2016 6:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: PFD for Islands (TI and AI)
I am also sorry that I have helped further the sidetracking of this thread. Your vest looks very nicely outfitted, probably the most thought and effort that you have ever put into stuff that you hope to never use right?!?!?!
Author:  hjdca [ Sat Jan 23, 2016 12:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: PFD for Islands (TI and AI)
hawk232 wrote:
I am also sorry that I have helped further the sidetracking of this thread. Your vest looks very nicely outfitted, probably the most thought and effort that you have ever put into stuff that you hope to never use right?!?!?!


lol, I actually like yours much better ! the shape and design looks awesome. :shock:
Author:  PeteCress [ Sat Jan 23, 2016 12:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: PFD for Islands (TI and AI)
hawk232 wrote:
Image
Are those zippers running around the edge of the PFD ?
Author:  hawk232 [ Sat Jan 23, 2016 5:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: PFD for Islands (TI and AI)
yes. under the flap is an "open" area of zipper. when the vest inflates is splits the zipper and comes out. after deflation you roll the vest up, stuff it back in and zip it up.
Author:  PeteCress [ Sun Jan 24, 2016 6:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: PFD for Islands (TI and AI)
hawk232 wrote:
yes. under the flap is an "open" area of zipper. when the vest inflates is splits the zipper and comes out. after deflation you roll the vest up, stuff it back in and zip it up.
And for manual inflation, you just un-zip it ? Or does it not do manual ?
Author:  hawk232 [ Sun Jan 24, 2016 6:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: PFD for Islands (TI and AI)
manual as in pull a cord or manual as in use your mouth? you can not blow it up manually as purchased but they sell a kit to convert it.

there is a yellow handle that is tucked in real neat just under the black flap that says spinlock (just to the right of the knot on my hat line). give er a yank and its inflated.
Author:  PeteCress [ Sun Jan 24, 2016 6:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: PFD for Islands (TI and AI)
hawk232 wrote:
manual as in pull a cord or manual as in use your mouth? you can not blow it up manually as purchased but they sell a kit to convert it.
As in "Use your mouth".

In the pix, it looks like you are not using the crotch strap.

My recommendation would be to get the manual kit, inflate it while you are in deep water, and then decide whether you want to use the crotch strap or not...... In the case of mine, it was like having a a ring around my neck instead of a PFD until I added a crotch strap..... Also, as another member observed, a crotch strap allows you to wear the PFD looser/more comfortably and still have it function as intended in the water.
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