Advice needed on choice of life jacket

[Tideline]

Help needed in working through the large choice of life jackets on offer. Not wishing to look like a boat full of bright orange Oompa Loopas - you know the floatation jackets I mean - I am after some slim-line jackets, suitable for light coastal/estuary/river use. Not intending to use them in anything but calm waters and sunshine I need something effective as you never know what mother nature is going to throw at you.
Crotch strap or not? Is make important, and what outer materials should I be considering? For small boat use, what are your thoughts on automatic over manual inflation?
Thanks.

 

[Skysail]

They will all be made to the same safety specs. They come in shades of red, black or navy blue.... To make sure they are comfortable you have to try them on. Whatever weather you start off in it could be a lot worse later.

Crotch straps are vital to keep you floating at maximum height. It's up to you if you want spray hoods and lights for inshore cruising, but I think automatic has its advantages. When you hit the cold water the shock could render you incapable of pulling a toggle. Personally I like Crewsaver, but Baltic are also good at less cost. IMHO.

 

[powerskipper]

here

Help needed in working through the large choice of life jackets on offer. Not wishing to look like a boat full of bright orange Oompa Loopas - you know the floatation jackets I mean - I am after some slim-line jackets, suitable for light coastal/estuary/river use. Not intending to use them in anything but calm waters and sunshine I need something effective as you never know what mother nature is going to throw at you.
Crotch strap or not? Is make important, and what outer materials should I be considering? For small boat use, what are your thoughts on automatic over manual inflation?
Thanks.

Have a look at this thread.http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=304052

Mite help.

 

[VicS]

Help needed in working through the large choice of life jackets on offer. Not wishing to look like a boat full of bright orange Oompa Loopas - you know the floatation jackets I mean - I am after some slim-line jackets, suitable for light coastal/estuary/river use. Not intending to use them in anything but calm waters and sunshine I need something effective as you never know what mother nature is going to throw at you.
Crotch strap or not? Is make important, and what outer materials should I be considering? For small boat use, what are your thoughts on automatic over manual inflation?
Thanks.

You might find the Compass Regatta 2 in blue are what you are looking for.

Foam rather than inflatable but being only 50 Newton they pretty slim fitting.
I bought one a few years back for the person I sailed with. Like you he did not want to look like an bright orange Oompa Loompa but I was insisting on him wearing an LJ of some sort for the dinghy trip out to the mooring

http://www.compass24.com/web/catalog/shop/technics_boat_personal_safety_lifejackets

If you want more buoyancy without the bulk then it has to be inflatable