Lifejackets

[Stemar]

It seems like it's time for new, as our old ones are a6 years old. Still serviceable, as proved when on got dropped into the water bringing it off the boat, but...

Our old ones were 150 Newtons, but is there any advantage in more buoyancy? I'm 84kg and, while it would be indiscrete to give Milady's secrets away, she's considerably less than that.

Any other thoughts on what and where to buy?

 

[Boathook]

Is there a requirement to replace them every 6 years ?
If heavily used possibly, but earlier this year I binned some really old avon lifejackets. I used some old cartridges and set them off. No problems with them and material still good. They still went in the bin as not comfortable to wear and no crutch strap.

 

[LadyInBed]

If no physical ware and tear and bladder in good nick why replace?
If the cylinder is showing rust or below weight, that can be replaced.
I would definitely replace the auto inflate after 6 years if fitted.

 

[Plum]

It seems like it's time for new, as our old ones are a6 years old. Still serviceable, as proved when on got dropped into the water bringing it off the boat, but...

Our old ones were 150 Newtons, but is there any advantage in more buoyancy? I'm 84kg and, while it would be indiscrete to give Milady's secrets away, she's considerably less than that.

Any other thoughts on what and where to buy?

There is very little difference in a persons buoyancy whether they weigh 50kg or 80kg out of the water so as long as it fits correctly, choose the Newton rating dependent on the situation (river kayaking vs ocean sailing) anything more than 180N and the LJ starts to get rather bulky and heavy to wear. When my wife and I bought new ones recently our main consideration was comfort and weight in normal use on board and how easy to put on and adjust and chose two different make/models even though this meant two different rearming kits. Go to a chandlers that has the largest range and try them on. We went to a Force 4 and they were very happy to alow us to try their range.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[SaltIre]

There is very little difference in a persons buoyancy whether they weigh 50kg or 80kg out of the water so as long as itfits correctly, choose the Newton rating dependent on the situation (river kayaking vs ocean sailing)

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

Should one not wear a buoyancy aid river kayaking and a lifejacket ocean sailing?

 

[Plum]

Should one not wear a buoyancy aid river kayaking and a lifejacket ocean sailing?

Of course, but I was just trying to compare newton rating choices with different types of watersports.

 

[RJJ]

It seems like it's time for new, as our old ones are a6 years old. Still serviceable, as proved when on got dropped into the water bringing it off the boat, but...

Our old ones were 150 Newtons, but is there any advantage in more buoyancy? I'm 84kg and, while it would be indiscrete to give Milady's secrets away, she's considerably less than that.

Any other thoughts on what and where to buy?

Hello, we have been very happy with seago active 185n. Never tested in anger. Sent you a PM.

 

[Mister E]

For me Comfort is the most important part. I would go to as many places that sell them and try on as many as possible.
As you a in the Solent area you should find a few.
I am not so worried about the newton's as I have never plans to go more than 12 miles from land.

 

[Stemar]

Oops I've no idea how I mistyped A6 when I meant 15 years, and worn a lot, though they still look fine

 

[Sandy]

Mine get binned after seven years. Having just done the RYA Sea Survival Course the current thinking is 150 is fine. Personally, I prefer more buoyancy.

Find one that is comfy and has a spray hood.

 

[Daverw]

I understood 5hat the higher buoyancy are more related to users that have heavy clothing / work ware not body weight

 

[SaltIre]

Best lifejacket: 13 top choices that could save your life

 

[Boathook]

Mine get binned after seven years. Having just done the RYA Sea Survival Course the current thinking is 150 is fine. Personally, I prefer more buoyancy.

Find one that is comfy and has a spray hood.

Agree about getting one that is comfortable. with spray hood and light. More likely to wear if comfortable.

 

[Gsailor]

Post 11 is correct.

On oil rigs with tool belts more newtons are required.

For 'normal' sailing conditions a lj with too much buoyancy will be cumbersome and may stop you being able to use your arms to swim (even backwards).

 

[PetiteFleur]

A week ago, I serviced all my lifejackets - four junior/toddler and eight adult. The oldest was 10 yrs old and the newest one yr old. Carefully inspected thoroughly, all passed successfully, staying fully blown up for a week. Ten automatic, one manual and one toddler.
Last year one failed miserably, the seams leaking in several places - 5yrs old.

 

[LadyInBed]

Should one not wear a buoyancy aid river kayaking and a lifejacket ocean sailing?

Personal flotation device (PFD) appears to be used as the generic name these days.

 

[thinwater]

Interesting. Multiple post saying...

1. Get one with a spray hood
2. Get one with a light
3. [on other threads] Attach a PLB and radio
4. Must have crotch straps
5. More likely to wear if comfortable

Seems like 1-4 conflict a good bit with 5. Just sayin", it's starting to sound like a combat vest.

 

[penfold]

Anything actually wrong with them? Inspect the webbing for fraying, loose stitching etc, inflate and check for acute leaks with soapy water and chronic leaks by leaving inflated for 24hrs. replace out of date inflator bobbins, check the cylinder and replace if rusty; that's all that happens when they're done by the professionals.

 

[john_morris_uk]

Interesting. Multiple post saying...

1. Get one with a spray hood
2. Get one with a light
3. [on other threads] Attach a PLB and radio
4. Must have crotch straps
5. More likely to wear if comfortable

Seems like 1-4 conflict a good bit with 5. Just sayin", it's starting to sound like a combat vest.

I don’t think there need be any conflict. Our Spinlock 6D’s have AIS beacons and PLB’s, crutch straps, lights, hoods etc and are very comfortable. They’re not cheap though and I try not to think how much each one was…!

 

[Stemar]

Anything actually wrong with them? Inspect the webbing for fraying, loose stitching etc, inflate and check for acute leaks with soapy water and chronic leaks by leaving inflated for 24hrs. replace out of date inflator bobbins, check the cylinder and replace if rusty; that's all that happens when they're done by the professionals.

I've done this every year. They still pass, but the bladder on the one I've got open is starting to look a bit tired. Probably still good for years, but I really don't want to be proved wrong on that.

Current jackets have all but 3 on the list.