Life Vests & PFD's

[blybly]

Can anyone recommend a good life vest or PFD for cat sailing. I've noticed a few of the inter 20 guys wearing kayak style pfd's and seen pfd's with harness cutouts. Has anyone found the winner? Any reccomendations would be appreciated.

[Matt]

The kayak jackets are for sure the way to go. You need something high to not interfere with the trap hook. Zhyk and a few Euro companies make great cat vests that are small light and very comfortable. They are not USCG type approved (Same as the water ski vests) just CE approved. I have never seen it questioned, but it could be technically is someone wanted to be an asshole.

[Rick]

I agree, the Kokatat MsFit life jacket which is for Kayaking is the way to go. Lots of adjustments for fit, lots of pockets, high waist makes it easy to hook in, it doesn't float up when you're in the water (of course you'll have it zipped up), and they hold up very well. Definitely the most comfortable life jacket I've ever owned. The first ones were still going strong after 8 years, and a Tybee 500 or two, but they're not critter proof. I've got to remember to either eat those power bars I stashed the pockets or remove them. We repurchased the same MsFit model to replace them. Check with Rick Bliss at New England Catamarans. He usually has some in stock. Good luck!