Lifejacket recommendations

[MikeCC]

Something to bear in mind, Kru have a policy of not providing repacking instructions to customers.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

Lifejackets of any type aren't difficult to repack. Mostly you can follow the folds in the bladder while tucking it in. The newer compact designs are perhaps a little more fiddly, but worth it for improved comfort.

 

[Switch]

I am going to buy myself and SWMBO new lifejackets, mainly because the ones we currently have (the old square KRU ones) aren't that comfortable to wear (especially over just a t shirt on a warm day).

I currently have a shortlist of the following models (don't want to spent any more than £100 each on them), and would value the views of anyone else who's tried these, or has any other model that they find comfortable to wear.

I want auto with harness, and can transfer the lights from the current lifejackets.

Current shortlist is:-

Crewsaver Crewfit 165N Sport

Kru Sport 170

Seago Activ 190

Marine Super Store have deals on the Crewsaver Crewfit 165N Sport @ £67. I’ve just bought two.

 

[Elessar]

Well you can stay confused. There is a simple explanation but this is not a court of law

If a bottle has a manufacturing date, then it stands to reason there is an expiry date at some time in the future.. Otherwise why put a manufacturing date?

I was not putting up for any arguments with anyone. Only making comments based on my own observations .
You can read, or ignore at will. That is your perogative. Some may find my comments of use some may not. To each his own.

Same as for wearing LJ's. but that is not the subject of this thread ( other than how it might relate to comfort), & has been done to death many times before.

There is no expiry date on bottles as others have said. Weigh them and check for rust. If you want to discard good bottles that’s up to you but it’s not fair to encourage others to do based on made up stuff.

 

[Elessar]

A general observation.

To those who haven’t used their life jackets in anger - why not? Jump in at anchor with them on. Fit an expired inflator mechanism from your last service. It will only cost you a bottle then.

An emergency is not the time for your first experience.

And you will learn how to repack it.

 

[Ningaloo]

That is very bad.

Not just because of the high cost of having it repacked at a service centre but much worse is that you could be a long way from one and find yourself without a functioning life jacket until you made port.

But really is any explanation needed? It is simply a matter of folding the bladder and rezipping the case. Something you probably do several times a season when checking anyway. It's not like a liferaft which is vacuum packed.
I have the older (6 years) Kru which is a little bulkier but has a dedicated pocket for PLB. I bought new design Kru (Sport?) last year which are slimmer but no pocket.
I decided to rotate one of my older spares and keep using the older model.
I like Kru as they include crotch strap, light and face mask in the base price which is about half the price of a Spinlock.

 

[Daydream believer]

There is no expiry date on bottles as others have said. Weigh them and check for rust. If you want to discard good bottles that’s up to you but it’s not fair to encourage others to do based on made up stuff.

In my defence I did say that "I could be wrong". It is up to the individual to make their own mind up. I seem to have been berated for expressing an opinion. Albeit qualified.

 

[Poignard]

In my defence I did say that "I could be wrong". It is up to the individual to make their own mind up. I seem to have been berated for expressing an opinion. Albeit qualified.

'Twas ever thus in these forums!

 

[Resolution]

A general observation.

To those who haven’t used their life jackets in anger - why not? Jump in at anchor with them on. Fit an expired inflator mechanism from your last service. It will only cost you a bottle then.

An emergency is not the time for your first experience.

And you will learn how to repack it.

Absolutely right Elessar. Better still, sign up for one of the sea survival courses, use your own l/j, and experience what it is like getting into a liferaft. Massively valuable experience.

 

[Kukri]

Do not get up into the liferaft if you can avoid it. Much better to get down into it. But don’t jump into it.