Life Jacket Choice

[salad]

I am shopping at the moment for essential gear.

In terms of lifejacket, I know I will want one with a harness on, but do I require the Hammer inflation method, or will automatic (pellet) suffice for sailing? I suspect I need the submersion variant due to the possibility of spray. I need this to last me a good decade. Assume 40ft vessel offshore, not ocean but maybe channel crossing or biscay (which is technically ocean..but you know what I mean). 150n+

Sorry for all the questions lately.

 

[Tranona]

Most common are 175N jackets with built in harness, lights and hoods/face covering. Many brands and styles to choose from but the most important thing is comfortable fit and easy to put on. in terms of saving your life there is virtually nothing to choose between the various offerings so as you will never need to find out (well almost) whether they work it is key to make sure you are comfortable and there is no resistance to putting them on.

No substitute for visiting a big chandlers (or Southampton boat show) and trying on different types. Personally very happy with my middle of the road Seagos, but as you might have gathered I am a middle of the road person!

 

[ylop]

I am shopping at the moment for essential gear.

the school will provide LJ. Some may even prefer/insist you use theirs (as they know it’s been serviced etc).

In terms of lifejacket, I know I will want one with a harness on, but do I require the Hammer inflation method, or will automatic (pellet) suffice for sailing?

I’ve never owned a Hamar. My rate of accidental inflation seems to be less that the expiry of traditional auto inflators. I have triggered them through spray but only when trying really hard! If you get that wet in cockpit of a 40’er something has gone badly wrong! I suppose if you had to go upfront in big waves you might trigger one, but even then it’s never been one wave it’s been an onslaught for an hour or more.

I need this to last me a good decade.

I’ve never bought a LJ with a timescale in mind. If you are the type to wear it all the time and sail as much as you hope 10 yrs will be scruffy.

Assume 40ft vessel offshore, not ocean but maybe channel crossing or biscay (which is technically ocean..but you know what I mean). 150n+

if I was in conditions where I really thought I should have a hamar I’d be dressed in a way that id also need 275N!

As you seem the cautious type for biscay etc you’d definitely be thinking spray hoods, lights, possibly personal AIS. For a normal Saturday off Largs or Lymington that might be just more stuff to service/maintain.

 

[pandos]

I have always used a basic crewsaver or similar non hammer auto inflate version and have never had an accidental inflation or any issues.

This year I bought a more sophisticated one with hood light etc..I wore it once so far and I find it very heavy, I am recovering from surgery and have not yet regained all of my strength but even still I think it will be tiresome to wear...

One think I like about it is the zippered pocket on the front for a PLB..

I would suggest as Tranona has that you try before you buy, if you intend to spend anymore than 60 or 70 quid.

.https://www.wetsuitoutlet.ie/2022-crewsaver-ergofit-190n-offshore-auto-harness-light-hood-lifejacket-9125bkap-p-15659.html

 

[KompetentKrew]

Before I started sailing I thought the Hammar ones must be the best - then I read here that they're overrated; I think someone actually described them as pain in the ass, and twice the price to rearm if you do use it.

I only have a couple of years experience, but the only time I have had a lifejacket go off accidentally was carelessly dropping it in a marina trolley which had an inch or so of water in the bottom. I've been in rain and spray plenty of times.

You want a Spinlock Deckvest - I didn't think lifejackets were noticeable or bulky until I tried one, and it put all others to shame. I don't see how a 6D is better than the 5D - you might be able to get the latter (which is what I have) old stock.

 

[zulloboy]

One think I like about it is the zippered pocket on the front for a PLB

That feature attracted me too, but do be be aware that zippers can jam. This happened to mine, and I can only imagine how awful it would have been had I only discovered this when I really needed to trigger the PLB..............

Crewsaver changed the zipper from the previous alloy (as on mine) to plastic a few years ago, but plastic zippers can be jammed by salts too. They used to proudly tout this feature for beacon storage in their product blurb, but deleted that to reflect the risk, and started recommending against such use.

Cheers, Graeme

 

[Refueler]

Please make sure of one thing before all else :

Crotch or lower straps to stop LJ riding up when you jump into the water etc. But choose which straps carefully ...
The straps that came with my LJ's were awkward as they slipped down the leg when seated. On standing - the leg was caught. I therefore modified to avoid that - easy job ...

Here is the original strap ... which goes round one leg as a single hanging loop ......

I modified to make it fixed to rear section of waist band and then clip to font, this made it secure and does not ride up / down ... you can stand up / sit down .. move as you need ..

Many people have drowned from LJ's over the years from them riding up and literally putting head underwater. Its why LJ instructors labour the point of crossing arms across chest when jumping in.

Obviously whether Auto-inflate or Manual is a matter of personal choice ... auto is good if person is not conscious .. or panicking ...
I have manual and auto ... If I wear one - then I choose manual ... after experiencing trying to swim with a full lifejacket during training outside Plymouth breakwater in January .... its bl***y hard going !!

 

[Stemar]

Cheaper LJs don't have a separate cover - just a reinforced bladder (could use one of those myself ), so may be more prone to damage. That apart, you want a built-in spray hood and a crotch strap; the ones with a strap for each leg grab each leg and hinder you when you're moving around, in my experience. You'll also want a light, but that can be an add-on.

As for the rest, it's down to comfort and ease of putting on and off - if it's awkward to get on, you won't bother, and we should be treating our LJs the same way we do the seat belts in our car. Also worth remembering that the most likely time to need it is getting in and out of your dinghy!

 

[pandos]

That feature attracted me too, but do be be aware that zippers can jam. This happened to mine, and I can only imagine how awful it would have been had I only discovered this when I really needed to trigger the PLB..............

Crewsaver changed the zipper from the previous alloy (as on mine) to plastic a few years ago, but plastic zippers can be jammed by salts too. They used to proudly tout this feature for beacon storage in their product blurb, but deleted that to reflect the risk, and started recommending against such use.

Cheers, Graeme

That's interesting. I had not seen the pocket in any blurb and only found it by accident.

 

[salad]

I saw this one which seems to tick all the boxes, but it does look a bit bulky. Can see myself sweating buckets in it.

https://crewsaver.com/uk/9326/leisure/lifejackets/16708/ErgoFit190N

This doesn't seem too dissimilar to choosing motorbike kit. The problem is, if I get all the protective gear on, I get hot. When I'm hot I sweat, when I sweat I can't concentrate, resulting in a more dangerous scenario than no kit at all. Careful balance needed.

I'll look around with your suggestions in mind. Thank you.

 

[Hacker]

I’ve got one of those. Very comfortable fit for me and I like the waistcoat type fit. However, as others have said you really need to try them out. My partner found that LJ and the Seago ones to be very uncomfortable. She ended up with a Kru sport version. As others have said crutch straps are vital and so are deployable hoods IMO.

 

[Hermit]

I got my son a Team-O lifejacket. Really comfortable and seems well made - just can't find any stock anywhere....

 

[Graham376]

We have a couple of auto Spinlock deckvests with hoods, lights, crotch straps etc. for use on board but the ones we keep in the tender seat bag are just basic manual ones as the capsules don't like damp.

 

[Refueler]

Its an interesting subject as there are so ma ny variations out there now.

My main boat is registered with Latvian Auth. for 5 persons, not that you'd ever want so many on board. 3 is a comfortable max. So I have 3 compact XM inflatable jackets, 1 of which is auto but 'pellet' is dud now - so its reverted to manual. To cover the Lat req'ts I have to have 5 LJ's ... so the other two are bouyancy aid jackets.

I lent those bouyancy aids out and it appears I never got them back. So not so long ago - I was trying to find same to replace. The simple jacket is no more .... but what I did find are Fishermans bouyancy jackets .... similar weight / style / N .. but with pockets ... brilliant ! eBay is actually full of them ... I plan to get a few ....

 

[KompetentKrew]

We have a couple of auto Spinlock deckvests with hoods, lights, crotch straps etc. for use on board but the ones we keep in the tender seat bag are just basic manual ones as the capsules don't like damp.

Anyone in the Solent area who wants basic cheap lifejackets for the tender etc, there's a bloke called Andy Murray at Saxon Wharf who sells 1-year-old ones for not much money. I believe it's www.southamptonboatcharter.co.uk

 

[MattS]

I recently went through this decision process to get a lifejacket for a passage from the UK down across Biscay to Portugal. I am naturally risk averse, so I went for belt and braces.

I got the Crewsaver Ergofit+ 190N https://crewsaver.com/uk/products/16708/ErgoFit190N

I wanted a little extra buoyancy over the standard 175N, as I'm tall and heavy, and would be even heavier when in soaking wet full oilskins. It has two crotch straps, which can be a little annoying if you don't adjust the length correctly. It had space inside the jacket for additional safety devices, and a sculpted shape to make it sit a bit better. Also an easy push-to-secure clip for the harness.

It's got a good shape to it - only minor complaint is that I sometimes find it has slipped slightly forward and is putting a bit more pressure across the back of my neck. I just nudge it backwards a bit. I think you might find the Spinlocks have the edge on comfort here, but I didn't personally find it significant.

Within it, I have additionally fitted an Ocean Signal PLB1, a MOB1 AIS beacon, and a MOB Lifesaver rope. They all fit within the jacket itself. The MOB1 will activate automatically. The PLB will be presented on top of the inflated bladder for you to activate manually. The MOB Lifesaver rope is also attached to the bladder on the opposite side of the jacket. I had my install checked by the Crewsaver service centre, and they were very comfortable with it. Having the extra equipment inside it does add a bit to the weight, compared to my almost unnoticeable Crewsaver Crewfit 180N jackets, which we tend to use for river sailing. I can't say I've ever found myself thinking about the fit or the weight for more than a couple of seconds when wearing it. I will admit that in the hot weather down towards the Med, I did notice that my body got warm where the jacket was against my body.

Most importantly, it is comfortable enough for me that I don't think twice about donning it before going out on the boat, which many have said is the most important 'feature' of any lifejacket.

Hope that's some useful first hand experience to consider.

 

[peteK]

But a boat first it may come with them.

 

[Daverw]

I saw this one which seems to tick all the boxes, but it does look a bit bulky. Can see myself sweating buckets in it.

https://crewsaver.com/uk/9326/leisure/lifejackets/16708/ErgoFit190N

This doesn't seem too dissimilar to choosing motorbike kit. The problem is, if I get all the protective gear on, I get hot. When I'm hot I sweat, when I sweat I can't concentrate, resulting in a more dangerous scenario than no kit at all. Careful balance needed.

I'll look around with your suggestions in mind. Thank you.

This is what I’ve had for the last 4 years, very comfortable and more compact than it looks, I find it fits around back of neck better than others I tried

 

[salad]

Think I'll order a Crewsaver and give it a fit test but I can only do that once I've got some oils. Nothing ever fits me, so this should be interesting!

 

[Plum]

Interestingly, regarding size the RNLI website says "The only limiting factor can be the length of the waist/chest belt, which can vary between makes. Because of their buoyancy, all adults, regardless of their size, have a net weight of about 5kg when immersed in water. You do not need a lifejacket or buoyancy aid with more buoyancy just because you're big."

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk