Horseshoe jacket v's Flotation Jacket

Capt. Clueless

Capt. Clueless

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Currently, I use a Kru horseshoe lifejacket. It is always in the back of my mind as..."supposing it didn't work when needed". (Although I'm not a bad swimmer, in cold conditions and heavily clothed etc.........) It is also fitted with a crotch strap.
Last night, whilst waiting to watch a TV series, I endured a programme called something like the biggest small railway. The name is irrelevant, but as they were working near a river/canal the volunteers were given Flotation jackets to wear and so did Dick Strawbridge (hosting the show). Later some were seen wearing horseshoes (without crotch strap, maybe a slip up by elf & safety). Anyway, it got me thinking......What is best to wear....A horseshoe, that you hope will inflate, or a flotation jacket that you know will work? (Especially to give to guests to your boat). Is there a Pro's & cons for both? I have done a search, but could not find a comparison type thread.
 
Life jackets and flotation devices perform different functions. A life jacket is designed to turn an unconscious casualty face up a flotation device is not. If you are concerned about non inflation of a life jacket then you can wear a LJ with solid flotation blocks, but you may wish to read the MAIB report on the loss of FV Lousia before buying these.
 
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There is no reason to think that a Kru lifejacket will not work, providing of course that you have checked it each year and weighed the gas bottle. I always replace the
gas bottles after 4 years or so even if they look OK and are the correct weight.
When I did my seasafe course in the swimming pool I used an old lifejacket that was about 10 years old. It worked fine.
 
I do a lot of dinghy sailing, I've tested my buoyancy aid a few times.
We have a couple of old BA's on the yacht. Handy for taking the tender to the pub etc.
 
I am a great fan of the buoyancy aid.
https://www.whitworths.com.au/catalogsearch/result/?q=buoyancy+vest
Not such a fan of the inflatable life jacket. The buoyancy vest will keep you afloat from the instant of hitting the water no worries about finding the inflate toggle or remembering to use it. I have experience of auto inflating lJ. The buoyancy vest will not keep your face out of the water if unconscious is the down side. They are however comfortable and warm for long term wearing and provide some padding for bumps to the torso. Especially good for inexperienced visitors. Another advantage is that you can swim and it is easier to climb back on board.
Unfortunately buoyancy vests are not considered Life Jackets for purposes of meeting local requirements to carry LJs. So I carry both but wear the buoyancy vests. of course the foam buoyancy life jackets with flotation behind the head and on chest are eligible as life jackets and will keep you face up if unconscious but are bulky and uncomfortable to wear for a long time.
https://www.whitworths.com.au/hutchwilco-pulsar-lifejacket-pfd-level-100
I do realise the inflatable LJ are most popular with or without crutch strap or auto inflation. olewill
 
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A lot of comments about buoyancy vests, but I understand them to be a different item to a floatation jacket / suit.
I have a full floatation suit for winter sailing, more for its warmth than the fact that it keeps me afloat. I ware a harness clipped on to stop me going in the water, but that's another topic.
 
I rather like my floater coat, Its comfortable and it keeps me warm. The suites are really nice until you need the head. I also have a tendency to prefer a PFD to a life jacket. Comfort again. Also an old manky PFD is unlikely to be swiped. Much cheaper particularly Kid sizes.
I do have a couple of inflatable LJ. I tend to treat them more as harness's.
The advantages of the PFD, floater coat or suit is you are likely to be wearing one. They need no other action.
The disadvantage it is not a LJ. is it may float you face down.
One question with an inflatable is auto or manual? Mine are manual, Get a knock on the head its not going to do much.
Do you remember to check them every year? Not just the cylinder. Inflate it and see if it stays inflated.

So what's best? Depends on how you use it and what you like. I carry both types. For different times and purposes.
Eg crappy day going ashore to the pub or walking the dog, Wear a floater coat tie dingy to dock walk to pub wearing floater coat.
Or nice day, Old Manky PFD. leave in bilge of dingy. Walk to the pub.

Rough day or sailing at night wear my harness which happens to be an inflatable LJ. I have even worn it over a floater coat, Why would I do something so silly. It was cold, wet, windy, offshore and I was putting a reef in.

I do have USCG approved LJ. for all. If they had not come with the boat I wouldn't bother. A real permeant floatation LJ is better than either a PFD or an Inflatable if you ever end up abandoning to the water.
Trying to actually do anything while getting ready to abandon a boat while wearing a traditional USCG approved LJ. not vey easy.

More recently I have worn a dry suite. The heads an issue.
 
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