Lifejackets

[Ballast]

Hello,

Can anyone recommend a lifejacket for Offshore use please ?....I'm loooking at either the Crewsaver 275N or the Marinepool 275N but can't find reviews of them anyhere.

Thanks.

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[gjgm]

either here or over on MBC forum theres been some recent threads on lifejackets. Try a search...

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[Shakey]

Personally, I'd be uncomfortable forking out for a lifejacket for use in offshore situations if it didn't have a hood. Just my opinion, I don't know if either of these models has a hood.

<hr width=100% size=1>At the end of the day - Sunset.

 

[Ballast]

Lack of hoods does bother me. I'd prefer the jacket to have one fitted. Do you know of any makes that have them fitted ?

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[LORDNELSON]

There is mention of a new Avon 275 life jacket, in the April 2004 PBO Page 140 which seems interesting.

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[Steve Clayton]

For sailing use most lifejackets don't come with a hood (which IMHO is a must, as are crutch straps - so why aren't crutch straps for most lifejackets a standard item - rant, rant??).

There is a lifejacket much used in helicopters for passengers - costs about £270 and has everything as standard - it's even got a bit of velcro on top of the hood so you stick your light on top of your head - now that's a good idea!

Unfortunately can't remember the manufacturer's name

Steve


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[Shakey]

I know that Crewseeker supplied the Navy with a 275N model with hood a few years ago, but don't know if it ever made it for the commercial market.

It made the jacket very bulky around the neck, and it had a habit of popping open. However, if you fell over the side in rough weather I think a hood is essential.

<hr width=100% size=1>At the end of the day - Sunset.

 

[pandroid]

Crewsaver have a hood as an 'extra'. Costs about a tenner

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[Brian_B]

If you've not already done so, book yourself on a Sea Survival course.
It's a day course, you will get lots of advice and a chance to evaluate how the various makes and sizes for lifejackets work.
Personally, I think the 275N are bulky, even when not inflated, as a result they are less easy to work in and you are less likely to put it on.
Totally agree with comments about crutch straps and spray hoods, essential equipment.

BB

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[Mike2822425]

I agree with Brian do the Sea Survival course. My course was full off "would be aged Raggies, like myself". BUT it had a bonus there was 2 bits of "tasty tottie" who were going to work on a cruise ship (Saga) so they were expected to "know what to do in an emergency". Well Brian I am sure you can well remember "draging" people into the raft, its a problem, but me an my mate Bruce (both up- right citizens) were close up behind "said" tottie when those on board had problems with recovery, but being the good citizens we are (or were) we solved it by my right hand on "left buttock" and Bruce/s left hand "on R" we sort of "shot put" them into the raft.

As a supposed "gentleman" of later years this must stand out as one my most heoric deeds for the femail gender. SHMBO was watching and was not amused, but it was a great evening.

Said "tottie" asked if I was going on a "Saga" cruise they would like to meet again!

If only.


Ps. This had little to do with Life Jackets but do the course its a laugh. I deliberately inflated my C/S275 and ended up looking like a Mitchelin Man BUT was "head up" in the water, also tried a Fladen Survival Suit, Nice and warm but FACE DOWN in the water.

Mike



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[whisper]

Sailing Today did a lifejacket test in August 2003. The Ocean Passage Plus Mk2 was declared "Best Buy" and has crutch straps and spray hood as standard. It may not be 275 newton though - available from Aladdins Cave @ 69.99 for the Auto version.

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[BrianJ]

Steve,
Have you tried the " thigh" straps.. much better ..and your voics stays the same ..!!!!
BrianJ

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[Anthony]

I have the Ocean Passage plus from Aladins cave (add in anohter £20 for light), took it on the sea survival course with me, instructers were impressed with it. has hood and crutch strap.

I contemplated a 275N before I bought it, but I thought they awere a bit to bulky to wear comfortably, and the Ocean passsage held me up ok in the pool with all my wet weather gear on (admitidly no big waves!), spray hood made a huge difference, no way I would a life jacket without one of those now.

Anthony

<hr width=100% size=1>The difference between men and boys, is just the price of their toys...