Clipping my VHF and PLB to a lifejacket

[Old Harry]

Hello all, I have a KRU lifejacket, with my hand held VHF and PLB attached at the front. I have tested this placement with the jacket inflated and these items are covered up and not easy to access when inflated, but my reasoning is that I'd rather have them with me in the water and a bit tricky to get at, than have them on the boat as I watch her sail away. No doubt someone will have an opinion about that. The pic below shows the arrangement.

View attachment 93250

Anyway. I need a new lifejacket as this one is a little long in the tooth. I am struggling to find one that would allow a similar placement. What do other people do with their VHF and PLBs? By definition going overboard is not expected, and having these two devices on my person at all times is critical. I've looked for supplementary belts etc. There are pouches that go on the side of a lifejacket, but I fear these will be somewhat obstructive to movement.

Very interested to hear if anyone has other solutions?

G

Clip your sell to the boat first

 

[lw395]

Crewsaver LJ and mount the PLB and HH in a more sensible way.

 

[V1701]

Can anyone give any help to find a lifejacket that I can attach my VHF and PLB to? That was my original post, not a request for a discussion on clipping on and all the opinions that come with it, or for the merits of PLB vs VHF vs mobile phones etc. If I had mentioned how to use my anchor then obviously I expect a huge amount of opinions!

Sorry that's my fault...

 

[Tintin]

.

 

[Catalina36]

Plan B. Don't fall in. I've tried both methods and I recommend Plan B.

 

[Tintin]

Sorry that's my fault...

You're a very naughty boy.

 

[Venus1]

Can anyone give any help to find a lifejacket that I can attach my VHF and PLB to? That was my original post, not a request for a discussion on clipping on and all the opinions that come with it, or for the merits of PLB vs VHF vs mobile phones etc. If I had mentioned how to use my anchor then obviously I expect a huge amount of opinions!

I am with you!
Clipping on, not falling overboard etc are definitely preferred for all of us.
But I think your question is still valid, and one that I have grappled with myself.
To be clipped on, to the weather side, 100% of the time is a big ask..
I like to have VHF, PLB etc on my person when sailing solo, but am troubled by accessing them when the LJ inflates.
Sometimes I wear a standard (non inflatable) LJ simply because VHF and PLB can be fitted in a more accessible way. (I know that won’t give me the same head floatation.) (Also coastal sailing, usually with other vessels in sight)
So a +1 from me regarding your original question

 

[William_H]

The OP has got the right idea in considering stowage of his PLB and VHF with the LJ inflated. So first thing to do for anyone is to inflated the LJ then consider stowage. Use an air compressor. Do the annual test at the same time. It may be ok to stow inside under bladder. (against the chest) My thinking is that the best place might be down low under the bladder. (at the waist) While this will be under water when in use it should be reasonably accessible. But really the test will be while wearing the LJ inflated. ol'will

 

[Tintin]

One thing to consider, as you pimp your life jacket so it looks like some sort of action man vest, is that at the height of your head above the water surface when you are in it the VHF range is very much reduced.

I spend a lot of time each winter living in a ski resort. It is invariably the Brits that wear radios prominently on the outside of their ski kit, with the extension mic, and god knows what else hanging off them, as they imitate the patrol staff. The french find it so funny too.

For sure a PLB is worth wearing, as is a multitool and knife if solo. The spin lock pouch is my recommendation.