So not to sound silly but

I give up. What is the square bit of plastic sewn on most every PFD for? Seems like an industry standard size and shape. They all seem to have one in various places and angles. The slits seem too small to fit a radio or GPS belt clip through them. Looks like 1 in. webbing might fit through it but nothing I've ever purchased "marine wise" has specifically come with a way to be attached to this square. The D ring next to it is a little more self explanatory.

So.... what is it for?

Isn't it obvious? If you don't know, I'm not going to tell you. (In other words, I have no idea either.)

It is called a "PFD lash tab" and frequently is used for a quick release knife--the knife is intended for emergency situations such as to cut lines you may be tangled in. Here is an example,




Such knives are occasionally carried by sailors, but they are always part of the safety gear of whitewater kayakers.

Keith

_________________
2015 AI 2, 2014 Tandem

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." A. Einstein

"Less is more" Anon

Well see, there I go. That makes sense. Thanks!

Personally I wish someone would make a PDF with webbing on it like the gear/vests we have in the military. That way you could add the type of pockets you wanted, wherever you wanted them. I've yet to find a PDF that was perfect for me. Pockets always seem to be the wrong shape, size, or in the wrong location.

I guess you could say, "Join the world of 1-size fits all." NRS.com has lots of vests. Many people use the NRS c-vest--lots of pockets and loops to attach things. http://www.nrs.com/product/2157/nrs-cvest-mesh-back-pfd

Keith

_________________
2015 AI 2, 2014 Tandem

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." A. Einstein

"Less is more" Anon

I actually have that back ordered from REI. We'll see how it works out.

That is for more than just knives. You can clip on emergency "overboard" lights and/or Eperbs as well.

_________________
Southwest Hobie Island Club
http://www.facebook.com/southwesthic

I have three PFDs, a Trek Ultra for everyday including fishing, a manual "horseshoe" PFD, for simplicity if just sailing around, and my "expedition" type manual inflatable Stormy Lite.

This has no less than six external zippered pockets (four with drainholes, two behind the fabric, plus two internally accessed pockets, and eight cloth loops for attaching equipment externally. This was still not enough for me, so I got the factory to add two horizontal loops on the shoulders to take my VHF and PLB on either shoulder.

This PFD has the bladder inflate >inside< the jacket, so must by definition be quite a loose fit to allow room for the inflated bladder. This translates into an incredibly comfortable fit. However, in order to prevent the jacket going up around the ears when inflated, there are twin thigh straps, which are again very unobtrusive. Here it is as standard.


The company makes all sorts of PFDs for professionals like lifeboat crew, coast guard, harbour pilots etc, so I am very confident about their expertise.. Here is their website
http://www.stormylifejackets.com.au/rec ... -as4758-1/

_________________
Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

Apparently Stormy started when a professional fisherman husband nearly drowned.
He wasn't wearing a life jacket because they are uncomfortable, especially to work in.
So the wife made him a comfortable jacket to work it, which also included inflation.

They have cirtainly come a long way since then.

_________________
Cheers, Brian in South Australia
Tandem Island -

Cool kit.

This is what I was thinking.



Add the self inflation like your vest, and then offer various different pockets. The user can then place them where he wants them on the vest. Can swap out pockets for different "missions" etc.

I have a bag that has this webbing on the exterior as well as interior surfaces. It's the coolest thing I've ever owned. I bought it to use as my aid bag in Iraq but still use it on a daily basis as well as for camping, biking, sailing etc.

Even has an internal space to put foam to make it buoyant.

It's a Kifaru Marauder for those gear hounds out there.
http://store.kifaru.net/marauder-2500ci ... s-p47.aspx