Crotch Strap

[MainlySteam]

Us deprived readers out in the colonies have just gotten the September edition of Yachting World a week or so ago. Was an interesting article in the Survival feature by one of the survivors of "Excalibur" after it lost its keel. In it is a photo of the author (one of the 2 survivors), in his wet weather gear, wearing his PFD which doesn't have a crotch strap.

Now the PFD's we use don't have them either, but when I looked at the photo it made me wonder how does one wear ones wet weather gear with a PFD that has a crotch strap without having an entanglement in the skirt of the jacket?

PS Hope you liked the photo of the Challenge 72 on page 71, under storm sails in Cook Strait - my home waters.

John

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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

Mine really don't give a problem, the jacket just closes in around the bottom I guess, as it has never caused concern I have not thought about it. Bit I would not be without them.

<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.topcatsail.co.uk/TC_IrishCruise_2003_00.html>Irish Cruise</A>

 

[Joe_Cole]

It just surprises me that they can be sold without crotch straps. It's a bit like selling a car seat belt and then offering you the buckle as an extra!

Joe

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[Boathook]

I have never had problems with the crotch straps and jacket but then I never pull the straps tight, prefering comfort !

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[Rowana]

Having done the survival course for working on oil platforms, and having jumped int a pool wearing a lifejacket, I most certainly would not be without crotch straps under any circumstances.

I've never had any bother while wearing my oilies, just never notice them.

BTW, when one guy asked the instructor on the survival course how tight the crotch straps should be, was told "About Soprano should do"

Jim

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[BrianJ]

Re: Forget Crotch Strap

My advice would be to go for the " thigh" strap..same idea , but your voice stays the same after use. !!!!!!

The yacht you mentioned was owned by a member of my Club..so I know who y0u are talkng about.. it is so sad.
BrianJ

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[webcraft]

Re: Forget Crotch Strap

Where is it possible to buy retro-fit crotch straps anyway?

- Nick


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[zephyrsailor]

Re: Forget Crotch Strap

there's a place in cowes will make them for you. forget the name of the place now tho. i expect your sail local friendly sail maker would russle some up for you.

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[Peppermint]

Essential kit. On my sea survival course it was obvious that those without crutch straps are restricted in their movement options because they have to hang on to their PFD. One guy, falling back from a failed liferaft entry, had his PFD wedge up around his ears.

I hadn't thought of the straps as conflicting with the oilies.

If your going for the straps get a sprayhood for your PFD as well.

I've said it before but don't expect a 150n PFD to put you on your back. It might and it might not.

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[Twister_Ken]

Retrofits

Crewsaver do them. No doubt other mfrs as well.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.writeforweb.com/twister1>Let's Twist Again</A>

 

[MainlySteam]

Thanks for the responses everyone. Seems one doesn't end up with an entanglement in the crotch area between straps, jacket skirt and anything else that may be dangling. Just saw the photo in YW in a very interesting article and wondered.

Some commented on the straps and sprayhoods, and the following is just my own personal situation and what I feel comfortable with.

Regarding the crotch straps, in the end it gets down to personal like I think. While there was no direct comment on them in the article, the very experienced survivor clearly demonstrated his own practice as being without. I have spent time in the water with chest strap restrained flotation and as long as one is happy with it stabilising with the strap under the armpits I have myself not found it a problem. I can understand others finding it disconcerting. As I sail almost always only with my wife, who loves the boat but health reasons mean I do all the deckwork and she would take quite some time to get back to me if I went over not tied on, I keep my PFD as uncomplicated as possible as an encouragement to always use it and a tether if any risk at all.

Both my heavy weather and normal light jacket are capable of providing face coverage with full enclosure of the mouth and nose area and I rely on the hope that I would be wearing one or the other if the seas were such that protection was needed. There is also some comment on that in the article.

John


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