Which bouancy aid should I get

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mariog

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I need to buy a bouyancy aid as doing a lot of bow work while racing I need to be flexible. Am thinking of a commercial one of 275N not 150 to make up for the weight of wet foulies if I get a dip, also needs to have a light, but still undecided on which type of inflation. any advise and experience is welcome
 
Buy an auto inflation with hamer action trigger that works on water presure rather than disolving tablet with integral harness and crutch straps as there is likley to be a considerable amount of the wet stuff over the bow and by the way its a life jacket rather than bouyancy aid. buoyancy aid preferable for dinghy racing as dinghy racers spend considerable time in the water and life jackets are bulky once activated. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
 
Endorse all above comments......
Over heard this conversation in a Falmouth chandlers - group of "yachties" buying life jackets, talking to sales person:
"I don't want an auto gas one. We race to the max and the cockpit is often full of water when we get get big green ones over the stern. Wouldn't do for the thing to be always going off!" I couldn't resist chipping in, "So who's going to pull your inflation toggle when you get knocked out by the boom and you go over because you're not tied on?" All I got was a long stare down a long nose. What a bunch of tw**s!
 
Try a 275 before you buy. They are a lot heavier and bulkier than a 150. Once inflated, they are huge. If that's what you want, then fine. They are after all supposed to keep you alive but a huge life jacket can impede your ability to get into a liferaft for instance. BTW I do have a 275 myself, but then I don't normally carry a liferaft.

If your jacket is fitted with crotch straps as most good ones are - WEAR THEM. Just try a jacket in the water without & you'll immediately see why they're there. Without them a 275 will certainly cause a problem by riding up.

Above all whatever you buy, if you're getting wet then undo the cover and wash down well and dry well after every use. Any salt water inside the cover will cause problems if left. Aslo check the cannister is screwed in periodically. They can come undone.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I couldn't resist chipping in, "So who's going to pull your inflation toggle when you get knocked out by the boom and you go over because you're not tied on?" All I got was a long stare down a long nose. What a bunch of tw**s!

[/ QUOTE ]

Not everyone has your needs, I made a choice based upon mine, which meant I did not buy auto jackets.

One of my fears is being pinned to the floor if the worst happens and I was wearing my jacket in the saloon.

We also wear jackets in the tender, if I fell in and was able to get out and into the dinghy I would not want the jacket to go off, what a waste.

The chances of being knocked out by the boom on a smallish cat with a small boom is very unlikely. Also, as the mast is mounted on the saloon roof of a centre cockpit then it is highly unlikely that a head could come into contact due to the levels around the boat.

I like the idea that I can wear my jacket in the water if I need to clear a fouled propeller. Yes you can disable an auto, but it is not as easy.

Though, I have just got a 50N buoyancy aid for swimming (and prop clearing) I am amazed how much buoyancy it gives, as tested in the hot tub.

I guess I am a tw*t now as I specifically shopped for non-automatic jackets, or maybe I have managed to open your mind with a jammy just a wee bit /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
Thabnks for all your comment folks. Then it seems that the 150N is the better option as it will float me even with my full foulies including the middle layer (which get really heavy when wet) and boots on. But still undecided yet on the type of inflation mechanism.
 
For God's sake you're missing the point. I was referring to that particular bunch of folk and their attitude, not making sweeping generalisations! They were ignorant and trying to make an impression to the salesman and anyone who would listen. If they really did "race to the max" (and who says that in a chandlers?) then they stand a good chance of getting hit by a boom. And given their attitude it would not have surprised me if they did not tie on when "on the max!"
 
fair enough...

I just get a little hot n bovvrd when people think you are wrong because you are or have differing needs. I often read on here that "I Should" buy auto jackets, I should not go to sea without a liferaft etc etc

I should not bite, but I have made decisions based upon a lot of thought and compromise, it is not as some here think based on finance, well, not all of it.
 
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