Sprayhood - how to attach to lifejacket?

[Robert Wilson]

Crewsaver sprayhood comes with detailed instructions on how to refold/repack but not how to attach/wear. It comes neatly folded in a little pouch for attaching to "any lifejacket".

Assuming the clear plastic screen is worn infront of the face (ok, not being funny!) how is the elastic strap with two "armholes?" fitted/worn?
Presumably it stows in the pouch until needed/in the water but I can't see anyway of putting it on.

Anybody have any idea?

 

[prv]

The pouch attaches to the waist belt.

In the water, you put the top part over your head and then hook the elastic under the bottom of the inflated bladder.

I'm not a huge fan of Crewsaver's approach here - just about acceptable as a retro-fit, but for new jackets they really ought to have something built in. Even if the pouch stayed near the front I suspect it could be very hard to get at in the water, with an inflated bladder, especially wearing several layers of clothing and oilies on top. But quite often when I see people wearing these, the pouch has slipped down/round the belt until it's somewhere behind their back. No chance.

My Kru Sport Pro (older model, not current one) has the sprayhood built in, in a compartment across the shoulders. A pair of straps are velcroed onto the front of the bladder, and by pulling these forward and down, the hood comes out of the pack and over your head in one movement.

Pete

 

[Robert Wilson]

The pouch attaches to the waist belt.

In the water, you put the top part over your head and then hook the elastic under the bottom of the inflated bladder.

I'm not a huge fan of Crewsaver's approach here - just about acceptable as a retro-fit, but for new jackets they really ought to have something built in. Even if the pouch stayed near the front I suspect it could be very hard to get at in the water, with an inflated bladder, especially wearing several layers of clothing and oilies on top. But quite often when I see people wearing these, the pouch has slipped down/round the belt until it's somewhere behind their back. No chance.

My Kru Sport Pro (older model, not current one) has the sprayhood built in, in a compartment across the shoulders. A pair of straps are velcroed onto the front of the bladder, and by pulling these forward and down, the hood comes out of the pack and over your head in one movement.

Pete

Thanks for that Pete. And I now know what to do , if ever needed.
Having just tested inflating said lifejacket (prior to servicing etc) I see what you mean by the above comments.
By the way, I now qualify for membership of the RNLI Falsetto Boys Choir - the crotch strap seemed to shorten by at least half a metre!!!!

:eek-new::eek-new::eek-new::eek-new:

 

[ghostlymoron]

I bought new lifejackets last year and took advice from the RLNI at the show. The new LJs have built in sprayhood and light - I wouldn't like to wrestle with a separate one in a belt pouch if using it in earnest. All authorities agree that these accessories are vital for use at sea so why are inferior models still sold?

 

[Robert Wilson]

I bought new lifejackets last year and took advice from the RLNI at the show. The new LJs have built in sprayhood and light - I wouldn't like to wrestle with a separate one in a belt pouch if using it in earnest. All authorities agree that these accessories are vital for use at sea so why are inferior models still sold?

I suppose it's better to have a basic/cheap (?) entry model for those who need encouraging to wear lifejackets even though in some very basic enjoyment of the water there is very little chance of them ever needing lights, hoods etc.
Then, as they progress to "wilder" boating they can upgrade.