Which Buoyancy Aid

[windlipper]

Just getting into a bit of dinghy sailing and about to buy buoyancy aids. Been buying life jackets for the big boat for years but have no experience with buoyancy aids. Some of those I've seen are a bit bulky for my liking so I'm looking for the thinnest most comfortable available. Can't seem to find any independent reviews that focus on this aspect.
Also front zip fastening would be preferable.
Any knowledgeable opinions would be appreciated.

 

[William_H]

I think the best approach is to go to a supplier or chandler and try on various sorts. It is your comfort that matters. You will very likely be wearing a wet suit which of course provides a lot of buoyancy in itself. My favourite which I wear on the KB is home made. A vest design it is comfortable and provides warmth. It was made from red coloured fabric that a sail bag was made of. The filling is high density foam as sold for camping sleeping mats. About 8mm thick. It provides plenty of buoyancy and is comfortbale to wear for long periods. Anyway for you just look around. good luck olewill

 

[sailorgirl]

I think the best approach is to go to a supplier or chandler and try on various sorts. It is your comfort that matters.

+1 Also find a canoe shop - kayaking buoyancy aids often have lots of useful pockets

Just ensure it fits well so that if someone hoicks you out by it you aren't left behind - a well fitting waist strap & if possible crotch straps are useful.

S

S

 

[WindermereColvic]

I have a Gill waste-coat type, which is comfortable and sufficiently floaty. It covers most of my back is does help prevent quite a few bruises. However, If i was in the market now I would buy an over the head type with a pocket on the front. I find the other pockets in my sailing kit are often hard to reach, and submerged when i'm in the water, where as the front pockets seem like a much better idea.

 

[blackbeard]

Yes, you will probably come to value a front pocket!

More important: the term "buoyancy aid" implies one to ISO 12402-5 (EN 393) giving a buoyancy (for adults) of 50 newtons (50N).
This is intended for those who can swim and are close to help. If that's you, fine. They have the advantage that, being slim, they don't get in the way much if you are climbing into a boat or righting a capsized dinghy.

There is also a 100N job, also using permanent foam buoyancy, which is now officially called a "lifejacket" - ISO 12402-4 (EN 395) which gives more support and in calm water should (maybe) keep your face above water. It will also get in your way a bit more, but nothing like as much as ISO 12402-3 (EN 396) inflating lifejacket would. This is what you need if you are less confident about being in the water.

 

[lw395]

Look for something that has a pocket, a decent belt and no extraneous straps to catch on things such as the boom, kicker, etc etc.
50N is fine, you will be wearing a wetsuit which adds some buoyancy.
I do not believe crotch straps are practical for dinghy sailing, so I suggest doing up the belt adequately that you will not fall out of your BA.
Other than that, go for a known make with a decent zip, and rinse the salt off regularly.
I have a Crewsaver which was pretty good value and has lasted over 5 years of frequent racing, including a fair few capsizes.
What sort of dinghy?

 

[trapezeartist]

Capsizing a dinghy used to be my specialist subject. I had one of the pull-on vest type buoyancy aids that is tightened by wrapping over two big bits of velcro. Crotch straps were completely unnecessary even when being lobbed into the water from a considerable distance and height.

 

[windlipper]

Thanks for the replies. Live in the midlands so the opportunity to try loads on before buying is limited so will probably be an online purchase , hence the question.
Only interested in cruising not racing therefore I will not be wearing a wet suit, I'll save the capsizes for when I've got it badly wrong!

 

[Seajet]

Thanks for the replies. Live in the midlands so the opportunity to try loads on before buying is limited so will probably be an online purchase , hence the question.
Only interested in cruising not racing therefore I will not be wearing a wet suit, I'll save the capsizes for when I've got it badly wrong!

windlipper,

don't let capsizing turn into a big worry for yourself or crew, a capsize practice by the shore is always worth gold, to both practice techniques and test the boat buoyancy tanks / bags integrity etc.

If it's a trapeze boat - which sounds unlikely - it's an idea to check buoyancy aid & harness compatabilty; anyway Crewsaver have always worked well for me, no crotch straps.