lifejackets, need advice

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matteolorenzo

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I need to buy 3 auto inflatables lifejackets 150N, any advice? Is it better with or without harness?
I already heave one Baltic auto w/o harness 150N (a gift), anyone know the manufacturer? any good?

<span style="color:blue"> </span> thanks a lot, may the wind be with you!

matteolorenzo <span style="color:blue"> </span>
 
Sorry can't provide you with any positive advice but can positively recommend you DO NOT BUY LALIZAS!!! Auto inflation - my lalizas automatically inflated and it was only a manual jacket! Lalizas didn't give 2 hoots. Seems they believe their product was perfectly designed and couldn't be improved upon. After sales service appalling. STEER WELL CLEAR!

Baltic lifejackets manufactured by Baltic Products in estonia and hungary. website here:
http://www.balticlifejackets.com/company_index.asp?lang=eng
 
Whatever you do, SEAGO sell a CrotchStrap/Hood/Light kit to upgrade your existing. Pretty good value I thought.
 
Agree about crewsaver, a bit pricey but IMHO the best, used I believe by RNLI and other organisations. No premium on safety, although I do have a couple of seago on board, never, thank the lord, had to use either so far, but a crutch strap is important.
Mike
 
NB. Also worth looking at the sort used in light aircraft. Bit pricey, but they make crewsaver look like they came out of a christmas cracker!!
 
Give Cosalt a ring at Portishead nr Bristol

01275 848488 Speak to Kevin. Gives good advice and helpful

We bought Crewsaver 275n auotmatic Hammar crotch/leg straps with harness inbuilt and spray hood. 275 seemed the best choice - brings you face up etc.etc. Also bought industrial fall arrest harnesses clipped on at rear, freedom of movement and £35! if I remember clearly

BOL
 
Seago were the Best Buy in a recent magazine test. Baltic are a good & respected brand. Whichever you buy make sure you get crutch straps. I've also got the combined harness on all my jackets - much neater than buying these separately. Spray hoods are also essential if you are likely to sail in rough weather.
 
Lets hear it for the manual option too....

I can see the argument for auto inflate jackets, but to buck the trend here for a moment as no one has considered the advantage of the manual option. Yes there are some!

First is the fear option, as a cat sailor, the capsize scenario cannot be fully ignored. When a cat goes it is quite a quick flip, if I was wearing and auto jacket inside there is always that fear of being pinned to the ceiling that was once the floor.

Now the more realistic advantages, if for example you get a rope on your prop and you have to get in the water, would you really like to do that without a jacket? With a manual you can wear the jacket and only inflate if you get over tired cold etc and begin struggling....

We always wear jackets in the dinghy. Now dinghies can flip, should you flip in a few feet of water and you jackets go, that is going to cost a minimum of £20.00 for 2 people to re-arm the jackets.

If also you accidentally immerse and the jacket does go off, this might leave you without a jacket for the rest of the trip, ensure while buying jackets you also buy arming kits, it is also a cheaper way to buy as you only have to pay one dangerous goods charge.....


BTW, for decent prices on life jackets, be sure to look at http://www.allgadgets.co.uk/


***Usual disclaimers apply***
 
Yes, that's what I've found. Still got old separate harnesses and lifejackets in the locker; never use them as we always use the combined ones.
 
[ QUOTE ]
crutch strap is vital

[/ QUOTE ]

Well I suppose that if your crutch was made of wood it would make a passable flotation device, and it might be useful if it was strapped to you, but personally I'd recommend a CE marked 150 Newton lifejacket.

OK sorry, I'll get my coat.
 
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