http://www.paddleswap.com/b.html?l=409 older listing
@Funktion said:
And I have a PFD that I carry at all times but have literally never worn. This is probably frowned upon by the more sensible folks but I genuinely cannot stand having one on. Almost to the point where it ruins my enjoyment. I tried. I can’t like it. It’s like asking someone to hike up a mountain with a rock in their shoe for me.
You rarely need a pfd, but it’s rather like a seat belt. In sudden;y changing conditions where you capsize, it is very difficult to hold onto your kayak, hold onto your paddle, then retrieve and put on the pfd, Find one that fits well. Personally, I won’t kayak with someone not wearing a pfd … well, perhaps on a small pond. Without a pfd you are a danger to yourself and to any who try to rescue you. I don’t know a gentle way to say this.
@rsevenic said:
@Funktion said:
And I have a PFD that I carry at all times but have literally never worn. This is probably frowned upon by the more sensible folks but I genuinely cannot stand having one on. Almost to the point where it ruins my enjoyment. I tried. I can’t like it. It’s like asking someone to hike up a mountain with a rock in their shoe for me.
You rarely need a pfd, but it’s rather like a seat belt. In sudden;y changing conditions where you capsize, it is very difficult to hold onto your kayak, hold onto your paddle, then retrieve and put on the pfd, Find one that fits well. Personally, I won’t kayak with someone not wearing a pfd … well, perhaps on a small pond. Without a pfd you are a danger to yourself and to any who try to rescue you. I don’t know a gentle way to say this.
I totally agree someone without proper gear even cold water protection is a huge liability to me and I say no go.
@Gs96c599@aol.com said:
I truly don’t feel my jacket. But it took a few to find.
Second this. Find one that is so comfortable you forget it is on.
Not fair to people that may be looking for you dead or alive.
pfd…I use a fishing pfd with pockets. Holds knife, camera, phone, whistle, etc. It doesn’t bother me because my “tools” are right where I need them. It doesn’t bother me because…it’s nothing compared to safety gear worn for work in the past. The alternative is a Type 5 pfd, inflatable. It counts as a pfd on Coast Guard and most state inspections if worn. Just don’t poke a hole in it.
There are comfortable PFDs. I have several Astrals and their V-8 model is so light, flexible and well ventilated I barely notice I am wearing it. Others on the forums who own them have concurred on that. Even on hot days I don’t mind wearing it – in fact I have gotten in my car after loading at the takeout and only then realized I still had it on.
You might want to consider looking at the Venture Easky 17 that Medawgone is selling if your budget won’t allow the Scirocco. I have the smaller Easky 15-LV (since I am smaller than you) and love the boat for comfort, speed and handling.
But also consider just biting the bullet and buying the Scirocco that really seems to be the boat for you. Getting hung up on a couple of hundred bucks is false economy, especially for something that will maintain a high resale value (I tend to think of my purchase of boats as “rental” since I am apt to eventually sell them for a substantial percentage of what I paid for them). I have never regretted making the decision to buy the thing that was exactly right for my needs rather than a cheaper “almost”.
I get the sentiment about wearing a PFD and I’m not oblivious about why I should. When I get one that doesn’t feel like duct taping couch cushions around my body I’ll probably wear it. The one I have is just too obstructive to wear imo
A little far but https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/boa/6039205328.html
and https://charleston.craigslist.org/spo/6034140801.html
@Funktion said:
I get the sentiment about wearing a PFD and I’m not oblivious about why I should. When I get one that doesn’t feel like duct taping couch cushions around my body I’ll probably wear it. The one I have is just too obstructive to wear imo
Hope you go PFD shopping soon. Everyone benefits by enthusiastic paddlers setting a good example on the water. 
@DianeCetan said:
A little far but https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/boa/6039205328.html
and https://charleston.craigslist.org/spo/6034140801.html
I got in touch with the guy in Charleston and he still had it but possibly has people coming tomorrow but he’s going to let me know if they flake out. Thanks.
Try to find a place to try on both the Astral V-8 and the Astral Norge (I have the women’s version of that one too and it has soft flexible filling.) They have soft brushed knit and mesh lining. I used to hate PFD’s too when I tried wearing the cheaper hard foam and harsh nylon ones that chafed under my arms and felt like I was trussed up in styrofoam blocks. If there are no stocking outfitters, REI has a very generous return policy so you could order both models from them and return one or both. I think you might be pleasantly surprised by them. They also make an inflatable waist belt, but it is only for mild shallow water use. If you are going to do anything in coastal waters, large windy lakes or major rivers, you really should be wearing a PFD.
https://www.astraldesigns.com/shop/paddlesports/mens&tag=Tour