LOTUS PFD RECALL!!!!

PLEASE READ LINK BELOW!!!


http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=429288#429288

Crap  

My pfd number is on the list.

Here's the recall notice on the Lotus site:

http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/patagonia.go?assetid=7574

To avoid possible safety hazard: PLEASE RETURN THESE VESTS for a FULL REFUND or for replacement with a comparable product.

I emailed them and asked what model pfd is the "comparable product".

I don't own one of the affected vests, but can't say that I'd be worried even if I did.


<crotchety geezer kayak dude rant mode>

You'd be better off with one of the recalled vests that only had 15.49999 lbs of floatation and carry nothing on it, than a big high float vest and carry all the "Emergency gear" that some fishermen carry on their vests. While carrying all that equipment on the vest may make it handy in an emergency, it is also a good way to turn a vest that normally has lots of bouyancy, into one with not so much. It is also a good way to make your remounts a lot tougher, as all that gear makes it more difficult to get back on a boat.

</crotchety geezer kayak dude rant mode>

Scott

as all that gear makes it more difficult to get back on a boat.

despite all the my saftey equiptment on my PFD - I can still perform self-rescue with no problems at all  I made sure myself 

Thanks for the heads up Mooch.

man that suck! i was planning to buy a lotus pdf. Now I might start looking at another brand.

Little more info I called Lotus and they said most people were replacing it with the Lola or Lolita and Turn around time would be about 2 weeks, but they said they are getting thousands right now. they stopped making the Mildwater and might reconfigure it.

They also said that the Coast Guard has a list of PFDs that are not certified so you risking a ticket if you continue to use it.

You would think that the would set up an exchange program at their dealers so we wouldn't have any down time.

oddly enough, my Lotus PFD's lot number is not on the list. Anyway, I have a spare PFD  (XL) if anyone needs to borrow one until you get your replacement.

Joel you might want to give them a call and double check the guy I talked to seemed to think it was a design problem not just a fill issue.

Joel you might want to give them a call and double check the guy I talked to seemed to think it was a design problem not just a fill issue.

will do - thanks!

I got a reply from the Lotus folks:

Hi,

The two comparable PFD's to the Mildwater would be the Locean (style #
L1031).  The Locean is a high performance touring PFD for smaller torsos. Or
the Rio Grande (style # L1011).  The Rio Grande is a classic front-zip,
two-pocket touring PFD.  Please let us know if you have any other questions.

Have a good day!

Nikki
Patagonia Customer Service