Life jackets recommendations

MagicalArmchair

MagicalArmchair

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Looking to buy a new set of life jackets that will make them easier to wear without getting flipping hooked up on the stanchions etc. (to encourage skipper and crew to actually put them on - we are rather slack...). What do you recommend?

These look great value: http://www.marinesuperstore.com/item/99416683/sigma-150n-automatic-lifejacket-with-harness

Or, I do rather like the look of these: http://www.marinesuperstore.com/item/99436599/crewsaver-crewfit-165n-sport-lifejacket

Any other suggestions? Preferably want to stay under or around £100 per jacket.
 
I like the Kru Sport Pro, it's more "waistcoaty" rather than the traditional horse-collar shape. But really, you need to go to a shop that sells a selection (or a boat show!) and try them on. I went to Force 4 all set to buy the Spinlock Deckvest as I liked the look of it and the features, but I didn't find it comfortable at all and I came home with the Kru. Other people will be the other way round.

Pete
 
prv said:
I like the Kru Sport Pro, it's more "waistcoaty" rather than the traditional horse-collar shape. But really, you need to go to a shop that sells a selection (or a boat show!) and try them on. I went to Force 4 all set to buy the Spinlock Deckvest as I liked the look of it and the features, but I didn't find it comfortable at all and I came home with the Kru. Other people will be the other way round.

Pete
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+ 1. SWMBO and I are (unsurprisingly) quite different in body shape, and so we used the Southampton Boatshow to try on lots of different jackets. I liked the Kru Sport Pro, she preferred a Seago Olympic Plus, and there's a good chance you would find something different more comfortable.

I would recommend that whatever jackets you buy, you get ones with crotch straps, lights and integral spray hoods (based on using lifejackets in the pool as part of the RYA Sea Survival course, and the Oil Industry's Offshore Survival course). I personally don't like Hammar inflation, (I'm not the bow man on a racing machine!), and I'd recommend you read up on the different inflation mechanisms so you can make an informed choice.
 
andrewbroadbent said:
I would recommend that whatever jackets you buy, you get ones with crotch straps, lights and integral spray hoods [...] I personally don't like Hammar inflation
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One of the Kru Sport Pro features I particularly like is the built-in sprayhood. Far better than the separate item in a pouch on the Crewsaver jackets we have for guests. You just pull two straps located roughly over your collarbones, and it bursts out of a pocket across your shoulders and goes over your head.

However, oddly, the Kru doesn't come with a light. Force 4 suggested I buy the tiny UML light with the dangly sensor, and it clipped very neatly to the designated place on the jacket. They ought to include these.

I have no problem with Hammar inflators in use, but they are expensive to maintain. The guest Crewsavers have them, and four new units this winter added up to a fair whack. The UML inflators on the Kru and the child's Crewsaver are about a third of the price.

Pete
 
I also tried many lifejackets and found the Kru Sport Pro the most comfortable.I have a nerve problem in my neck and many of the lifejackets were too heavy on my neck.
I have had mine for 7 years now.I have replaced the gas bottles which are reasonably priced .
 
I am replacing mine with the new Crewsaver 165's which are very comfortable and have auto and harness options but it depends on what your boating needs may be ? The new compacts are ideal for summer crewing and visitors.
I also have two Ergofit ocean which come with lights, straps and hood and do not impede working on deck; they are used when solo or for longer journeys.
Would suggest you try some on to find what suits and fits you, some folks like spinlock / Kru . Crewsaver etc but it is very much personal taste and designs vary significantly. They should all do the same job, some of course do it better than others
 
Look for one with zip fasteners rather than Velcro, they're much easier to repack. Built in Spray hood and light are a must for offshore use. But try one on before you buy. I've found the 180kn ones are much heavier so don't get one if you don't need that amount of buoyancy. I bought my new one at Southampton boat show after talking to the guys on the RNLI stand.
 
I wouldn't bother with Spinlock - I had a problem with a new one (of a pair) that I bought in 2008/9 and tried several times to call them and then I emailed them, but they never had the common courtesy to respond.....
 
The Seago Olympic comes with everything built in, light, harness, spray hood, crutch Straps and comes in under £100. has to be worth a look. I bought 4 but like all these things you and your crew need to be comfortable in it.

Yoda
 
yoda said:
The Seago Olympic comes with everything built in, light, harness, spray hood, crutch Straps and comes in under

I to have four of these very comfortable I paid £89 each for them 180N. I have seen one used as crew member slipped on deck and fell in, inflated in about 2 nano seconds. I do not allow anyone to sail on any of the boats I skipper unless they are wearing a life jacket it's what I was brought up with. You don't know you are wearing them they do not restrict crew in any way when working on deck.
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Just to add a diferent argument for consideration. The question is why does OP want lifejackets. If it is to meet regulatory or even moral obligations then infatable seems to be the way the marine world is going.
I however much prefer the buoyancy vest type as used by dinghy sailors. These provide warmth in the wind, last forever, but mostly do not need to be infalted. They are working as soon as you hit th the water.
Just finished a little adult KB saing school last weekend.(Sat mornings) The week before one of the participants went overboard. The wind was very gusty and the boat type a high performance (light) 27fter was not really suitable for training in that there was no reefing facility. (They are raced like a dinghy) There was a sudden gust, boat heeled and he went overboard. No lifelines. Funny we had talked about MOB drill and intended to practice. In class they joked about real or imaginary.
Anyway this guy was fished out of the (warm) water. With nothing but a red face. He was wearing a manual infaltable LJ but clean forgot to inflate it. (or he did not know how to do so). Meanwhile the bunch on my little boat at the end of the lesson had forgotten they were wearing buoyancy vests. I had to remind them to take them off. They provide warmth and padding against bumps and are really nice to wear when the wind comes up. Not so good when it is hot but then you don't need them so much. All participants said they were good swimmers.
So I wonder about the value of infatable LJ if they are not auto infalting. Compared to my old but serviceable buoyancy vests. Yes I do carry infatables to meet regulatory requirments and offer them to participants. But I wear a buoyancy vest. olewill
 
Good points from down under as usual.

Harness first (ideally, but not always practicable).

I wear an auto-inflating when I sail solo (in case knocked overboard -no tether- and unconscious)

I wear a manual inflating when I am with others (so if I go in I don't waste an expensive auto re-arm kit)

I started off with a £19.99 Compass (when they first hit the UK market) foam life jacket (not buoyancy aid) - very bulky.

I have a challenger 275 N interlock (given to me) for when I have bulky heavy clothing or tools on. http://www.safety-marine.co.uk/prod...n-solas-twin-chamber-automatic-lifejacket.htm

It is very uncomfortable inflated (chokes you) and uncomfortable when no inflated too - I don't wear it much, it is in mint condition.

All a very difficult (or time consuming) decision really.

Good luck
 
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