PFD recommendations

Hello !!!
Getting an old H-16 together, my wife and I, rank noobs!, will be doing our first cat sailing this spring..looking for a good recommendation for an inexpensive first PFD/harness....which works good for you? My wife is normal size, a womans medium, I am a big guy, 6', 250+, 50" chest, 40" waist...I am having a hard time finding anything that seems comfortable.

Well, hope to hear some good advice !!!
Thanks

Another noob question...I on't plan on hangin on the wire much, but ould like to get the wife hangin out there !!! hahahaha
Do you wear the trap harness under your PFD or over the PFD?
The pics in the catalogs look like you wear it under, but that seems like it would interfere with the closing of the PFD?

ANy suggestions?
Thanks

Check out ebay auction# 200140148168 I have one like it and its awesome.

I've found the Hobie short profile very to be very comfortable retails for about $80 bucks

The Hobie convertible harness is the only way to go for traps! I never use the shoulder straps but love the added back support the large seat offers over the skippers harness, runs about $140 and your local dealer should have some laying around

_________________
Brad Stephens
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I would echo Brad's recommendations...just got a Hobie convertible harness and short PFD myself, and love it! I believe the Hobie PFDs are made by Stohlquist. My wife got a Stohlquist womens PFD (more specific to female anatomy) and really likes it. It is just as short as the Hobie models and looks all but identical. I would suggest that you buy something of good quality and comfort rather than just something cheap, you will use them for a long time and there is nothing that kills the fun of sailing like an uncomfortable harness!

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Arie
H 16 107568

Any of the Stohlquist Wedge or Wedge-E vests work great. Made by Hobie sailors for Hobie sailors. They're high cut so you can get to your harness hook more easily. They're not super cheap, but they're comfortable and durable.

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Sail Revolution
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I've been wearing the Wedge since I went to the 18 Worlds in Melbourne back in 04/05. Since then I bought the Kitty for both my wife and my daughter. We all really like the Stolhquist products. I have also found his drysuit products to be an outstanding value and very functional.

Stephen
H-18

I have been a diehard Stohlquist user for over 10 years now and will probably buy the same for replacement. That being said, I would highly recommend that you find a West Marine or similar type store and try on the various types of vests and get something comfortable that won't hinder your sailing. I have heard too many stories of wives/girlfriends that hate sailing because it's too uncomfortable. If you can, find some local Hobie sailors and try on their pfd's with harness and maybe you'll find something that will work for both of you.

i try on session is definately a good idea when, i bought my new one for my wife she tried on everything in jeremys shop till she was happy. but now i know she won't sink no matter how hard i flip us.

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Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
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I know this is the Hobie forum and I am a big promoter of Hobie but Zhik makes a pretty nice PFD.Light, thin very few straps or buckels.

Also the Hobie life jacket that most of the guys from Australia were wearing at the worlds look pretty slick.Not sure if you can get them here in N.A.

I just learnt how to post a picture neat

I don't know if sizing would be an issue but I have an Astral Norge PFD and love it. The flotation is really soft in the chest and conforms well. It's also very compact. Has a pocket, and seperate fleece lined handwarmer slots

For racing, the IHCA rules say that the PFD must be approved by the national authority - in the US, that is the Coast Guard.

I think the Zhik PFD is actually a "bouyancy aid" and not Coast Guard approved. (It's European CE approved).

Check the label before someone decides to improve their score at your expense.

From the Zhik website

"Approved to European CE standard EN 393 50 N so it can be raced everywhere."


Did not seem to be an issue at the Nationals (as per the photos) several sailors were wearing them

From the Zhik add, on Layline web site,


Description:
Slick PFD made for racing fast. No extra unnecessary straps and buckles. Once you have this PFD set to the correct comfort tension you have just the one buckle plus zip side entry. Set and forget.

Back of PFD doesn't ride up and get caught on the boom as you duck under. No more capsizing between tacks because you got caught on something.

Comes in cool grey or black to match the Zhik styling.

Approved to European CE standard EN 393 50 N. (equivilent to a Type III PFD, however at this time it is NOT USCG approved)

Sounds cool, and I've seen them being used. But...

_________________
Mike Hensel
'86 Hobie 18, '93 Hobie 14, '80 Hobie 14(restso in progress)
Wind in your sails, water in your shoes, great day!

From the IHCA General Class Rules:


Mike M., does your Zhik have a label like this?:


If it doesn't, then techincally, it ain't Kosher.