Manual, automatic or hydrostatic lifejacket?

Most of the points (very useful ones) in that other thread refer to singlehanding. The issues are very different if when (if) you fall in, there is still someone on the boat to fish you out again. In that case, an automatic lifejacket seems sensible, because it will keep you afloat for long enough for them to get back to you or call the lifeboat etc, even if you are unconscious.

If you usually sail with someone else, then, I'd go for automatic, hydrostatic release.

The same applies, though, about not falling in in the first place.
 
Thank you Allan. However, the question is mainly which type of lifejackets works better rather than ability to survive and good planning.
I prefer the classic foam lifejackets due to simplicity but are just to bulky to use them. So, if I was going to buy one of the inflated which one to be? Could an automatic inflate because of spray coming into the boat? Do hydrostatic worth the money they cost? Answers to questions like these I am trying to find.
 
I must admit having used ordinary auto ones I have only seen them fire when under water and there have been times when I have got pretty wet
 
A difficult question to answer with any degree of certainty I think. The manual type has the advantage that inflation is controlled by the wearer, so in theory might be more reliable, but that doesn't help if you go over the side unconscious...
 
We have opted for Hamar release automatic ones. For those who say manual is better, all the automatic lifejackets I have seen, have a manual inflation pull cord, as well as oral inflation options. Best of both worlds, and the only time I have seen a Hamar one go off by accident was when the toggle got caught in a guard rail...
 
I'm glad you thought the other thread was useful. After reading the comments on there and giving it a lot of thought, I have bought an automatic one and a manual one. If you are not going sail single handed I would stick with auto. I prefer hydrostatic but I have not see a tablet one go off accidently so don't see a problem with them. I always ensure the manual pull tucked up inside.
 
For what its worth, I organised a liferaft / survival course at our local RAF Station pool , we had to jump into the pool wearing our own lifejackets, upright the liferaft and climb into it. We were all aboard the raft (six person), it had taken us about ten minutes, suddenly there was a loud hissing sound, it was a friends automatic lifejacket inflating after 10 minutes immersed in water. I personally go for manual after that.
Willie
 
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suddenly there was a loud hissing sound, it was a friends automatic lifejacket inflating after 10 minutes immersed in water. I personally go for manual after that.

[/ QUOTE ] I don't understand your logic. All automatic lifejackets have a manual inflate toggle AS WELL as the automatic function. If there is a chance of me going overboard and I'm unconcious, then I'd rather have the lifejacket go off automatically than not at all. Even if occasionally the automatic function fails, its still better odds than a manual non inflated one round my neck.
 
The advantage of a manual life jacket is that if you fall in and dont need/want it to inflate it wont.

Have you ever tryed to swim in an inflated lifejacket????
Its next to impossible.

Also the hammer is much better and worth the money as it requires pressure to set off not damp. whereas the standard autos can be set off getting a soaking from spray.
 
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The advantage of a manual life jacket is that if you fall in and dont need/want it to inflate it wont.

Have you ever tryed to swim in an inflated lifejacket????
Its next to impossible.

Also the hammer is much better and worth the money as it requires pressure to set off not damp. whereas the standard autos can be set off getting a soaking from spray.

[/ QUOTE ]If you go on a sea-survival course you will be taught how to swim in an inflated life-jacket. (Basically you do a sort of 'reverse butterfly - surpisingly effective)

I can't imagine a time when I go in the water and NOT want my lifejacket to inflate. Can you describe such a situation?

If you read my previous post, you will see that we use Hamar auto lifejackets for the reasons you mention.
 
my SWMBO's auto fired last week coming up the alderney race in some rough conditions. A rouge wave set it off.... i was quite funny at the time and nice to know they do work.
 
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I can't imagine a time when I go in the water and NOT want my lifejacket to inflate. Can you describe such a situation?

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Every time I've ever been in the sea or water of any kind I haven't wanted an inflated LJ!
 
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I can't imagine a time when I go in the water and NOT want my lifejacket to inflate. Can you describe such a situation?

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Every time I've ever been in the sea or water of any kind I haven't wanted an inflated LJ!

[/ QUOTE ]Tom, you are being very silly.

If you wish to interpret 'go in' as 'going for a swim' then it reflects on you. I suspect it was obvious to most people that I meant "I can't imagine a time when I fall overboard accidently and NOT want my lifejacket to inflate?"

Why the repeated jibes at my posts?
 
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