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Pfd storage

JaccFrost

JaccFrost

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I searched to no avail.  What are you guys doing for pfd storage?  I have (8) type II pfd's. They did not come with a bag and I have always stuffed them under the helm.  I would like a better method, hopefully still under the helm. 


Under seats and changing room (restroom) is pretty much used for other gear and I would like to keep the pfd's clean and as dry as possible. 


Experiences with aftermarket pfd bags or other solutions? 


Boat: 2014 21 SLX
 
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All our orange pfds are under the rt front lounge all nice and neat. They've been there since the boat was new.
 
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Good thread.  I was searching around for pics of how people stored their items, what typically goes under the helm, etc.


Might be kind of tough though, since we all have different configurations and needs.  Such as I will boat from home, and will never really need a large supply of drinks or food.
 
Mine are under the lounge seat just in front of the helm, but if I get caught in rain, they have to be taken out and dried. Several of my under seat compartments get wet if rained on, which is very seldom, since I almost always put the mooring cover on after a cruise.
 
I just have them under the seats. Nothing has been under the helm due to steering fluid leaks. Once this system passes it's probation period I might put them under there to muffle the power assist. That will free some space up under the seats.
 
cwag911 said:
All our orange pfds are under the rt front lounge all nice and neat. They've been there since the boat was new.
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We thought about this as well,  but this is where I store my anchor and bow lines when not in use. We may have to do some reconfiguring. 


We usually board using port side gate and store fenders in the port side seat. 


Still learning best storage locations. 
 
I have 12. I keep them in 2 plastic trash bags, 6 in each. They are kept dry but are easily accessible if needed. I have a huge storage area in the port side rear corner of the boat. I have several neoprene ski vests of various sizes that also qualifies as PFD's. They are kept under the front lounges. 
 
I had ski vests for usage that were stored under the two from loungers. (I think the total was 14. 2-XXL 2-XL 2-L 2-M 2-S and the rest were youth) then I also tossed 2 bags of the less costly bass pro vests in the center toon storage. We had list 25 life jackets of various sized plus the floating seat cushion.
 
I have 10 ,under the seats 
 
I have debated buying actual bags for the pfd's. I like the trash bag idea,  cheap and easy to replace.  We have a couple clear bags that comforters have come in the wife suggested,  maybe we will try that. 
 
We store ours under the seats - some in front, some in back (we have 8 of the orange total and kids have others that they are wearing)- so they are accessible to anyone who might need them. There is still room for some other stuff if needed. We have more if needed but we never have had more that that on the pontoon. 
 
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Lakeliving, I would suggest that you don't store the Pfd"s around the new power assist pump. Those pumps generate quite a bit of heat during operation. Not to mention that heat build up will effect the operation and longevity.Just saying! As far as Pdf storage. We keep 16 orange ones under the front port side seat.They seem to stay dry under the seat.
 
When I made my smartass post, I knew what you meant and actually didn't realize the pdf / pfd deal.  Of course, my Benny is slow like me and only goes about 18 mph WOT.
 
This is the reason that the bumper sticker sh*# happens is on the bumper off my truck. Or I should have gone to bed instead of cruising the internet.LOL
 
When we bought our Benni, the Dealer threw in a "Coast Guard safety kit". It came in a zippered bag and included 5 adult PFDs, flares, compressed air emergency horn, dock lines, emergency throw flotation cushion, a various other "stuff". An anchor with chain and 100' of rope were stowed under one of the seats. So, we have the bag under the helm, and additional PFDs and the throw cushion now reside under the rear seat cushion. We have a 10 adult PFDs, and 6 for kids of various sizes. Everything fits, with tons of room to spare for bucket, hoses, brushes, etc, etc. 


What REALLY enhances our total storage is that we have the helm with the optional sink in it. This makes it at least 50% larger. Other than the extended aft deck, this is one of the best investments we made in the boat. 
 
1Blderbob said:
Lakeliving, I would suggest that you don't store the Pfd"s around the new power assist pump. Those pumps generate quite a bit of heat during operation. Not to mention that heat build up will effect the operation and longevity.Just saying! As far as Pdf storage. We keep 16 orange ones under the front port side seat.They seem to stay dry under the seat.
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I agree 100%.
 
I wasn't planning on wrapping the pump in vests, just a stack next to the door. I thought there would be some heat but not that much. Good to know thanks.
 
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