Re: [Paddlewise] When in Rome do..

From: Joe Pylka <pylka_at_castle.net>
Date: Tue, 10 Aug 1999 10:49:37 -0400
>I thought I heard somewhere that these were not Coastguard approved for
>kayaking.
    USCG Type Approves different PFDs in different categories.  It does not
explicitly limit useage to any particular kind of vessel.  So far as I can
tell, kayaks or canoes are of no importance to them.  Individual states tend
to accept the USCG recommendations at face value.  A few, such as PA  now
allow inflatable pfds for such uses as waterskiing.
>
>Also, I think they would be easily puntured by oyster, barnacles, etc.
thus
>rendering them useless.  Are they multi-chambered?  That would help.
        That's one of my great concerns about them.  Add also sharp rocks
and logs in fast-moving water.  Then how about a dud co2 charge?
        USCG considerations are predicated on the user being on something
like a cabin cruiser or larger sailboat.  Their regulations state that a pfd
must be accessible within 30 seconds.  --Not worn, just nearby.  This is
unrealistic for a smaller boat such as a kayak.  I suspect that the USCG
mindset is for deeper water as well, where oysters won't be (barnacles on
the hull, maybe).

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Received on Tue Aug 10 1999 - 07:49:31 PDT

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