Size of Lifejackets

[CRD]

Are all lifejackets the same size?
I'm kitting out a small boat for myself and the grandkids. As there is a 20 stone difference in myself and them I can't believe one size fits all.
It's the automatic inflatable belt type lifejackets I'm looking at.
Crewsaver Crewfit 165N seem good

 

[benjenbav]

Are all lifejackets the same size?
I'm kitting out a small boat for myself and the grandkids. As there is a 20 stone difference in myself and them I can't believe one size fits all.
It's the automatic inflatable belt type lifejackets I'm looking at.
Crewsaver Crewfit 165N seem good

The 'N' number is the amount of buoyancy. Higher is more.

 

[[2068]]

Fat people float better ...
It might be a different story for a bungee cord.

 

[CRD]

Fat people float better ...
It might be a different story for a bungee cord.

Not if you don't swim like me!

 

[[2068]]

Not if you don't swim like me!

Bloop!

The jackets aren’t really sized for body weight, but instead by the conditions they are likely to be used in.
Having said that, I’m a FB, and have a 190N OS lifejacket, a few 180N for the crew, and a couple of smaller ones for pups.
Crewsaver 165N are a good option for general purpose use.

.

 

[grumpy_o_g]

Are all lifejackets the same size?
I'm kitting out a small boat for myself and the grandkids. As there is a 20 stone difference in myself and them I can't believe one size fits all.
It's the automatic inflatable belt type lifejackets I'm looking at.
Crewsaver Crewfit 165N seem good

If it's for your grandkids as well then they'll (the kids that is) need to be at least small adult-sized as well. 5' and not very thin should be OK but I wouldn't use them for someone in their early teens if they were still smallish - the only way to tell is to see if they fit snugly - check that the wearer can't turn round inside the lifejacket if you see what I mean and that the life jacket won't ride up on the wearer when they're in the water (and don't be afraid to try lifting the lad up by the lifejacket as this may well be what you do to get them back on board anyway). If you are concerned then you can get critch straps that run between the legs and stop the jacket riding up in the water. The other thing is that automatic lifejackets can still be set off manually and you know what kids are like. Unfortunately foam jackets just aren't in the same league so it may be easier to accept the risk. Make sure you have re-arming kits onboard though.

Depending on whether you are expecting long periods of immersion you may want to consider a sprayhood - if you're in the water for any length of time, especially if it's cold and not flat calm, then these are literally a life-saver. Also don't forget lights for the lifejacket as even just gloomy days make it even harder to spot someone in the water.

If the grandchildren are still small then Crewsaver and others have specialist products for them - Crewsaver Junior for example.