Can of worms: Prepare to be opened....

[sparky216]

I didn't even tell you about the time, my "buddy" ran over me with the boat, the prop chopped my board up and missed my feet by about 1/2 inch...

Good lord.......guess I need to retire the water wings and get a life vest!!

[Tequilasun]

I didn't even tell you about the time, my "buddy" ran over me with the boat, the prop chopped my board up and missed my feet by about 1/2 inch...

Maybe you should take up chess.

[Lucky 275]

Maybe you should take up chess.

As you can tell, I'm not smart enuff for chess, but maybe checkers.

[sparky216]

As you can tell, I'm not smart enuff for chess, but maybe checkers.

Dude that would be enough to get me to reconsider wakeboarding, I have NEVER EVER had a close call like that in over 20 years of boating....wow

[Lucky 275]

I liked wakeboarding enough to get new more responsible friends.

That was 12 years ago, but it still gives me chills to think about it.

[Domsz06]

I have two NCGA vests, the Oneil Vapor and the Nevin SWAT. I love them both and wear them both when boarding. The swat likes to come unzipped on hard crashes so if I'm doing crazy stuff I tend not to wear it. The Vapor keeps me afloat just fine, and even when I have knocked myself out it still floated me.

When I got pulled over for having too many people in my boat they didn't even look to see what was approved what wasn't. Heck they didn't even make me take the five pack of orange vests that I had still in the plastic out, we just threw them to the front of the boat It all depends on the people. Also, my Vapor and Swat the writing that says it's NUSCGA has worn off, so how are they going to know they are or are not, unless they just assume. I have put on some USCGA one's that are pretty think now adays, so you just can't look at them.

The NUSCGA one's are so much more comfy and let you move in them. yeah they may not be as safe for bigger people, but like I said mine keep me and my bro both afloat and we weigh 155 and 165 both around 5'11 and 5'10 so what's it matter to me.

I know you can argue this way and that, but I'll wear them until I have an experience not too. I just got a Bern Helmet coming that I'll start wearing as well, that will help ease the pain some as well


here is a bit of info on the PFD's from a web site

"There are five categories of Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices. Each of the five categories provide different flotation and body positioning specifications. Types I and II PFDs are full- and half-length vests designed to turn an unconscious person from a face-down position to a vertical or slightly head-back position floating in the water. These vests are usually big and bulky. A type IH PFD, most commonly used in recreational activities, is also a buoyant vest or jacket. This type is designed to keep a conscious person afloat in a vertical or slightly head-back position. This type comes in many styles and is the most comfortable. A further difference in the I, II, and III types is that the specific degree of buoyancy required increases from type III to type I. Throwable devices such as a ring buoy or the buoyant cushion typically used by boaters as a cushion for sitting are considered Type IV. Type V PFDs are special-purpose devices for aircraft pilots who fly over water, rafters, and ferryboat pilots."


here is a lot more info!!

"PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices)
Inflatable Life Jackets
After more than a decade of debate and study, the USCG has finally approved a number of inflatable PFDs from several manufacturers. USCG-approved manual inflatables have been available for several years. Nine models of manual/automatic inflatables were approved by the USCG during the summer of 2007. These PFDs are approved only when worn. When worn, they can be counted as part of your USCG-required equipment.

What makes inflatables significantly different from inherently buoyant vests, such as those filled with foam, is comfort. They are lightweight, provide more buoyancy, and tend to be much cooler when worn in hot weather. However, inflatables are not for everyone. They are not recommended for children. Also, they are more expensive and require maintenance. Inflatables contain a CO2 cartridge that inflates the vest. Manual/automatic models can be inflated manually with a ripcord, and also inflate automatically
upon contact with water; the manual models require the wearer to pull a ripcord to activate inflation.
This cartridge must be properly installed and replaced with a new one after the vest has been inflated. The new standards require indicators that show whether the CO2 cartridge is properly installed and ready for use.


The newer manual/automatic inflatables are very different from earlier, unapproved models. Each includes an extra CO2 cylinder and cap in an inside pocket. This lets you rearm it immediately if you accidentally inflate the vest. The included kit rearms it as a manual model, meaning it can be reinflated by pulling the ripcord. This is intended for emergency use only. We also recommend having a complete rearming kit onboard for each inflatable, which will allow you to rearm them completely as manual/automatics. The newer vests have been designed to make rearming simpler, and include detailed written and illustrated rearming instructions.

When inflated, the inflatable PFDs provide greater buoyancy than traditional jackets and do a better job keeping a man-overboard’s (MOB) head out of the water, especially important when the person is unconscious. They also contain an oral inflation tube so a MOB can maintain buoyancy for an extended period of time. Manual inflatables are usually classified as Type III PFDs. Manual/automatic inflatables are classified as a Type V, with Type II or Type III performance.

In the only large-scale nationwide field testing of inflatables, the BoatU.S. Foundation conducted a three-year study that involved 520 volunteer boaters using eight different models on the market from 1990-93. The majority of boaters using the devices in all types of boating and waterways said they liked the wearability of inflatables and would choose one in an emergency over a traditional life jacket. Participants overwhelmingly liked inflatables because they were more comfortable. And even though this study is over 10 years old, our customers tell us our findings still hold true.


What Type of Life Saving Device is Right for You?
More than 12 years of extensive research and testing have earned the BoatU.S. Foundation a national reputation as a leader in PFD (Personal Flotation Device) safety. The "Foundation Findings" series of consumer tests has reported in depth on USCG-approved, inflatable, and children's PFDs. The information below is based on these reports, copies of which are free upon request from the BoatU.S. Foundation.





There's no such thing as the perfect life jacket, although the ideal PFD is one that you will wear. It should be comfortable, provide a secure fit, and offer maximum freedom of movement. All PFDs have advantages and disadvantages. You should consider the type of boating you do and your boating area, the temperature of the water, the probability of quick rescue, and whether or not you are going to wear the PFD every time you board your boat.


U.S. Coast Guard-Approved PFDs
A “USCG-Approved” label on a PFD doesn't mean "guaranteed to save your life." It means the PFD meets a minimum testing standard in calm water. It is exactly that, a minimum, and not a guarantee of the PFD's performance as a lifesaving device.

If you boat in calm, protected waters, a more comfortable, less buoyant Type II or Type III may suffice. Boaters in supervised activities like dinghy racing or those who water ski or day sail where there is a high probability of immediate rescue can also consider Type II or III PFDs. Type IIIs do not provide adequate flotation for many overboard situations, and it is dangerous for you to rely on them for lifesaving performance beyond their design capabilities.


In rough water, the more buoyancy, the better. Of all the Coast Guard-approved life jackets we tested, only the Type I, with 22 lbs. minimum buoyancy, was adequate for rough water. It is also the only one that will turn an unconscious wearer face up most of the time in any weather condition. A Type II or III (with only about 15 lbs. of buoyancy) isn’t likely to do that.

The newly approved inflatable PFDs are another comfortable way to meet the USCG requirements. Manual inflatable PFDs are classified as USCG Type IIIs, while Type Vs (24-35 lbs. of buoyancy) are automatic inflatable PFDs. Type Vs must be worn at all times to meet USCG guidelines. Check buoyancy rating before buying to ensure you are meeting USCG requirements.


If you have a big boat with plenty of storage and you are among the 80%+ of boaters who simply refuse to wear a life jacket, then buy a Type I and/or a Coast Guardapproved inflatable vest. The Type I PFD is the most buoyant of the current Coast Guard-approved types and it will do more than other types to keep your head and mouth above water. If you boat in open water, where there's a chance of adverse wind and water conditions, and/or cold water, a Type I is the only Coast Guardapproved PFD to consider. But a life jacket must be worn in order to work!

Many boaters compromise between the wearability of the Type III and the superior buoyancy of the Type I, opting instead for the least expensive Type II. Carrying Type IIs for everyone aboard meets the minimum Coast Guard requirement, but Type IIs do not have adequate buoyancy in many situations and are poor at keeping your head above water because they cannot be snugged up for a good fit. Remember, you get what you pay for. "

web site for all the goodies on the second article

http://www.boatus.com/boattech/pfd.htm

[empty_boat]

Great thread...we always go with CGA approved. I have been told that the main difference is that a CGA vest will roll you over with your face up..non CGA can let you float face down. (When knocked out) I was talking to a few of the pro riders at a meeting and commented on the fact that they were wearing vests..for a while no one did.. and they commented on losing a good friend and rider to a freak accident. So now almost all of them wear them. Quite a few wear helmets too.

[Domsz06]

Great thread...we always go with CGA approved. I have been told that the main difference is that a CGA vest will roll you over with your face up..non CGA can let you float face down. (When knocked out) I was talking to a few of the pro riders at a meeting and commented on the fact that they were wearing vests..for a while no one did.. and they commented on losing a good friend and rider to a freak accident. So now almost all of them wear them. Quite a few wear helmets too.

that's somewhat true. A class four or five will not roll you over, only class 1 and 2 do that, least I'm pretty sure based on what the article said.

[dcsnowwake]

I use NCGA vests, i love the mobility of it. I started off with a CGA, but switched as I felt i was too restricted.
on the potomac some of the coast guard will look close, but i always have enough cga vests for everyone. so if i get stopped not a big deal. now if im riding and get stopped, i just hope, but hey i know the laws, so its my fault and wont argue.

[Domsz06]

nicely put Dcsnowwake

[Lucky 275]

I use NCGA vests, i love the mobility of it. I started off with a CGA, but switched as I felt i was too restricted.
on the potomac some of the coast guard will look close, but i always have enough cga vests for everyone. so if i get stopped not a big deal. now if im riding and get stopped, i just hope, but hey i know the laws, so its my fault and wont argue.

Do you have to have a CGA to ride, or just have one in the boat?

[lba_dillon]

I use NCGA vests, i love the mobility of it. I started off with a CGA, but switched as I felt i was too restricted.
on the potomac some of the coast guard will look close, but i always have enough cga vests for everyone. so if i get stopped not a big deal. now if im riding and get stopped, i just hope, but hey i know the laws, so its my fault and wont argue.

Totally right..............You get caught you pay the price.....but to be honest I've boarded @ plenty of different lakes and rivers and never been stopped..........now I am not saying that it won't ever happen...but I think the chances are few.

[Domsz06]

i would seriously doubt you get stopped while boarding for a vest check, unless your doing something stupid!! The way I understand it is that you have to have a vest while IN THE WATER. Now certain people read that exactly that way, while in the water, so therefore you don't need anything out of the water, catch my drift. Every state is different and you just have to see what the officer says. Some states state while being pulled, so that way if your surfing you don't need one. Each to his own, and just either have the law book with you, or be one good talker

[Lucky 275]

The reason I ask, is that is the law in TN.

Skiers must wear an adequate and effective life preserver, buoyant vest or life belt. If the device worn is not Coast Guard approved, then an approved device for the skier must be on board the towing vessel.

[lba_dillon]

I liked wakeboarding enough to get new more responsible friends.

That was 12 years ago, but it still gives me chills to think about it.

That would do more then give me chills....................I believe my trunks would be getting filled!