The 5 Best Buoyancy Aids For Dinghy Sailing – Reviews & Buying Guide

man laser sailing wearing a PFD

Table of Contents

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Are you looking for the best US coastguard-approved PFD for dinghy sailing and laser sailing? Then you’re in luck. In this article, we at WindyHQ have made it our sole responsibility to bring to you a selection of the best PFDs based on thorough research. 

We know many of you worry about how restrictive regular life jackets are compared to buoyancy aids; however, since the laws governing laser racing haven’t been annulled yet, let’s make do with what is accepted. 

 

Product Image Product Name Key Features Star Rating Buy Now
Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Laser Sailing Life Jacket
  1. The Solas grade material used is reflective
  2. This PFD is a type III life jacket
  3. The total weight of the PFD is 1.7lbs
  4. Nylon materials include the 200 deniers ripstop and oxford
Check Price & Reviews
Onyx MoveVent Curve Laser Sailing Vest
  1. The floatation device is made from synthetic materials
  2. It weighs 1.2lbs
  3. Available colors are blue and yellow
Check Price & Reviews
Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket (PFD)
  1. This is a Type III PFD
  2. It is made from ripstop material
  3.  This item weighs 1.64lbs
  4. It features a front zip entry
Check Price & Reviews
NRS Vapor PFD For Sailing
  1. It has 16.5lbs of buoyancy
  2. Included in the design are reflective piping
  3. Users get a huge chest zipper that opens a large pocket
  4. It comes with a lash tab for keeping your knife
  5. This PFD features four side buckles and two shoulder adjustment straps.
Check Price & Reviews
Astral PFD Life Jacket for Laser Sailing
  1. It has a recorded buoyancy rating of 16.4lbs.
  2. It comprises a 200 x 400 Denier Ripstop Nylon shell 
  3. Users get Denier 200 Denier Lightweight Nylon liner
  4. It comes with PolyPro webbing zippers with self-locking teeth by Vislon
Check Price & Reviews

 

 

So, here are the best PFDs for dinghy sailing today

 

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Laser Sailing Life Jacket – Most Comfortable

 

Taking the front row and opening the show, we have the Onyx MoveVent dynamic laser sailing life jacket. It’s a one-of-a-kind PFD designed to keep you cool, comfortable, and in control during sailing. 

 

 

How is this possible, you ask? The shoulder adjustments are embedded with comfortable comfort pads made of neoprene. Furthermore, it has mesh features in the lower back, zippered pockets in front, making it fully functional. 

We also found that durability is guaranteed since the material used to make this floatation device is a heavy-duty nylon fabric. In addition, you’ll never have to worry about drowning as the foam used to make this PFD is a lightweight and soft floatation foam.

 

Key Features

  • The Solas grade material used is reflective
  • This PFD is a type III life jacket
  • The total weight of the PFD is 1.7lbs
  • Nylon materials include the 200 deniers ripstop and oxford

 

 

Onyx MoveVent Curve Laser Sailing Vest – Best Anti-Corrosion

 

Next on the list and still from the Onyx brand is the Onyx MoveVent curve PFD for dinghy sailing. 

 

 

This US coastguard-approved sailing vest is designed for water sports and guarantees that you never have to worry about corrosion affecting the zippers or restrictions that might keep you from attaining full range of motion in your arms; all of which is possible since it features roomy handholes, slim shoulder straps, and side adjustments points. 

 

You’ll also be able to stay cool and comfortable with its front and back mesh inserts.

 

Key Features

  • The floatation device is made from synthetic materials
  • It weighs 1.2lbs
  • Available colors are blue and yellow

 

 

Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket (PFD) – Best Personalized Sizing

 

Made from ripstop material, allow us to present the Stohlquist edge life jacket to you. This PFD is designed to fit a wide range of users perfectly. This is achieved by including adjustable shoulders and a graded sizing that guarantees every foam used is cut to match your body type and size. 

 

 

Securing this PFD tight to your body is also possible using the four-side pulls and front waist buckle. You’ll also be able to say goodbye to restricted arm movement and discomfort as this PFD comes with wider armholes than most, a soft premium foam, and a mini-ripstop nylon casing.

 

Key Features

  • This is a Type III PFD
  • It is made from ripstop material
  • This item weighs 1.64lbs
  • It features a front zip entry

 

 

NRS Vapor PFD For Sailing Best Reflective

 

For folks looking for a PFD that will deliver 16.5lbs of floatation, here is one device you can trust; its name is the NRS PFD. With the NRS vapor PFD, you can be sure that you’ll never have to worry about hypothermia as it packs a warm hand pouch and soft foams that wrap and mold to the body.

 


 

You’ll also find that this sailing PFD in no way inhibits performance as it features an action-cut design and is lightweight.

 

Key Features

  • It has 16.5lbs of buoyancy
  • Included in the design are reflective piping
  • Users get a huge chest zipper that opens a large pocket
  • It comes with a lash tab for keeping your knife
  • This PFD features four side buckles and two shoulder adjustment straps.

 

 

Astral PFD Life Jacket for Laser Sailing – Best Eco-Friendly

 

The Astral bluejacket PFD is the best for dinghy sailing enthusiasts who know that taking care of the earth is crucial. It’s made from toxic PVC-free materials and guarantees you a safe sporting experience every time you wear it. 

 

This Astral brand knows how crucial comfort, fitting, and durability can be when making safety jackets for sailing. This product is durable but lightweight, adjustable while retaining functionality. 

Finally, putting it on and taking it off will be a no-stress affair since it features adjustable side release buckles.

 

Key Features

  • It has a recorded buoyancy rating of 16.4lbs.
  • It comprises a 200 x 400 Denier Ripstop Nylon shell 
  • Users get Denier 200 Denier Lightweight Nylon liner
  • It comes with PolyPro webbing zippers with self-locking teeth by Vislon

 

 

Buying Guide – How to Choose a Laser Sailing PFD

 

As you can see from the review section above, we’ve described and reviewed the best dinghy sailing and laser sailing PFDs; now, it’s time to educate you on how to choose a  PFD that will suit your needs.

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dinghy Sailing PFD

 

Here are crucial things to consider; they will help you choose the best PFD.

 

PFD Type

 

There are several PFD types; this includes type I, II, III, IV, and V. For dinghy sailing, the USCG recommended PFD is the type III PFDs. These PFDs allow better freedom of movement than the other types. 

However, they are somewhat bulkier than unapproved buoyancy aids, which several defaulting sailors prefer to use. 

Buoyancy aids, although better in terms of comfort and freedom of movement might not be enough to keep your head out of the water, which means they offer 11lbs of floatation, which isn’t up to the 15lbs of buoyancy recommended by the USCG

 

PFD Size and Fitting

 

Next on the list of factors to consider is the size and fitting of the PFD. 

Measuring your chest size is the best way to ensure that you end up with the right size fitting. To do this, measure the circumference of your chest from its widest point. Also, if you are shopping online, check the manufacturer’s size guide.

Also, remember that your weight won’t matter when you are in the water, so remember to check your chest size. If it’s too small, it won’t keep you afloat, and if it is too big, it will cover up the face.

To ensure that your PFD is the right fit, it will feel snug and comfortable. Also, remember that many straps on your PFD is a good sign. Customizing the fitting will also be easy. 

Lastly, women would be better off with women-designed PFDs instead of unisex.

 

Buoyancy Rating of the PFD

 

To remain afloat in the event of drowning, your PFD has to meet the official buoyancy rating recommended for the intended water activity. For dinghy sailing, the recommended PFD buoyancy rating is 50N. So, you would not be wrong to choose a PFD with a buoyancy rating of 50-99N.

 

Other Factors to Consider

 

Some other crucial factors to consider include the color of the PFD; it’s important you choose a bright color to help with visibility. Also, consider the jacket style; vest-style PFDs are the best for dinghy sailing. 

 

two people wearing pfd laser sailing

 

Lastly, don’t forget to ensure that the PFD is comfortable; this way, you’ll be able to wear it for an extended period.

 

Features to Look out for When choosing a PFD

 

In addition to the factors to consider, here are some features that need to be present in your PFD for you to have a pleasant sailing experience.

 

Manual or Automatic

 

To be clear, this is not a choice of whether to choose an automatic or manual PFD. Automatic PFDs that inflate once submerged in water are the obvious choice. Not to mention that they are also the recommended type for sailing small dinghies such as lasers. So, ensure you confirm that the PFD is automatic and not manual. 

 

Maximum freeboard

 

To be on the safe, the coast guard states that the maximum freeboard for dinghy sailing should be 3 inches, meaning the distance from the water to your mouth while you sail should be 3 inches.

 

Hypothermia Proofing

 

In addition to the features above, ensure that the life jacket or floatation device has insulating properties that will keep you warm while you wait for rescuers to come to your aid.

 

USCG Stamp of Approval

 

This is the most crucial, check for USCG type III stamp of approval on the PFD before you proceed to purchase it. With this stamp present, you can put most of your worries about the safety of the PFD to rest.

 

Other features to Look out for

 

Some other essential features you need to look out for include reflective tapes that aid with visibility and allow rescuers to sight you easily in low light conditions. Built-in vents are also necessary. They help to keep the wearer cool. Pockets and tabs are also nice to have features.

 

FAQs 

 

Q: What are the five different types of PFDs?

A: PFDs are grouped into five broad categories by the USCG; type I-V. The type 1 PFDs are perfect for rough waters where rescue might not come easily. They are found on commercial sailing vessels. Next is the type II, which is recommended for calm inland water. Type III follows; typical examples are the products reviewed in this article. They allow for free movement and are perfect for most water sports. We also have type IV, which is thrown when a person is drowning. Finally, the type V, which are special PFDs and are intended for specific activities as directed by the manufacturer.

 

Q: What is the best PFD for Laser sailing?

A: The best PFD for laser sailing are PFDs in the type III category. All the products reviewed above belong to this category.

 

Q: What is the best PFD for rough waters?

A: When sailing in rough waters, type I PFDs are the best. They can keep you afloat and face upwards.

 

man laser sailing wearing pfd

 

Q: What is the difference between a buoyancy aid and a life jacket?

A: Although used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between a PFD and a life jacket. PFDs are designed to be comfortable, allow freedom of arm movement, and keep the wearer safe. On the other hand, life jackets are designed to keep the wearer afloat. Consideration as to comfort and freedom of arm movement may or may not be considered by the manufacturer. Comfort is not the priority here.

 

Q: Can you drown while wearing a life jacket?

A: The truth is that a life jacket will not make you drown-proof. It only increases your chances of survival greatly. If you fail to wear the life jacket properly or in scenarios where the water is rough, the chances of the life jacket keeping you afloat is quite slim.

 

 

Final Verdict 

 

Now that you have the right information on the best buoyancy aid for dinghy sailing, your next adventure should be your best yet. Remember, safety is the priority whenever you are performing any water activity.

Bill
Bill

Bill is an ISA Sailing & Powerboating Instructor in Ireland. He writes about all things sailing.

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