PFD types

I have collected several life vests over the years for jetskiing or waterskiing etc that I also use for sailing. They seem to be designed primarily for impact sports though. That is to say they are longer in the torso with two or more belts, straps and buckles. Now that I am doing more sailing and less of the other impact sports I think I need a different product. There don't seem to be too many PFDs offered specifically for beachcat sailing although I see Hobie sells a version of a Stohlquist vest. Stohlquist seems to target kayakers and such. Are PFDs for paddle sports the obvious choice? Most seem to be short in length and close fitting with large armholes for maneuverability which would seem to be ideal for cat sailing. Are there any cons to paddle vests...durability, weak zippers, riding up? I'm looking for overall comfort and less interference while trapping out. I really hate vests that ride up and choke you in the water. The Stearns, O'Brien and Connelly I currently have keep me afloat but all are nearly impossible to swim in.

I love my Hobie / Stohlquist life jacket. Stays put and is verry comfortable. Doesn't get in the way of the trap ball or hook. These are the nicest for sailing in my opinion.

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Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
[email protected]
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/

Are you using the short-profile or the high-back Hobie vest?

Its the short one Straps over the top and its great even when you in the water trying to get the boat back up.
Hobie short-profile vest part # s614xx

_________________
Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
[email protected]
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/

I found these Stearns jackets here and they are very comfortable

http://www.kodiakoutback.com/detail.aspx?ID=786

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Brooks

Yeah I saw that one on Amazon at a really discounted price. I thought about ordering it but the neck looks pretty high in the front. I was also put off by the side pads under the arms. I'm trying to get away from that type of hindrance of arm movement. Side pads are one of the things that make some vests very hard to swim in. None of the paddle vests seem to have side pads for obvious reasons. The inside of your arms would be blistered from chafing after a day of paddling.