life jackets

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littlebookworm

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I want to replace the bright orange, bulky life jackets I have on board for guests. My wife and I wear automatic-inflating vests which are very comfortable, but expensive. I looked at West Marine's site and on ebay and have seen type III vests for anywhere between $9 and $90. I don't want to be cheap where safety is involved, but don't feel like throwing out money on overpriced items. I boat on Long Island Sound, which is usually fairly calm but which can get choppy in a strong wind. (Hopefully, I'm not on the Sound when that happens.) I do not go out onto the ocean. Any recommendations for comfortable, safe life vests? Thanks, Hy
 
The thing is those bulky life vests have a self-righting capability to keep the user face up. You could go with a vest, like is used with Jet-Skis, but they aren't self-righting. I'd stick with the bulky ones - they are safer. You could also go with offshore, but they are surely going to be over you $99 limit for anything good. Maybe you should wait for next spring when there are sales?
 
I am biased. I had auto-inflate vests for all aboard. ( Not kids, who got the "big" fluffy types )

Guests will wear a comfortable device. They will balk at bulky, "unfashionable" types. And, those who complain most are usually those who would most benefit from keeping one on.

YMMV, but it worked for me.

( I also carried a few "standard" Type I vests for when the weather turned snotty and crew were likely to be in a constant splash/stream of water. This circumvented the issue of unexpected inflation. )
 
Life jackets (Personal Floatation Devices - PFDs) come in various designs/sizes for various purposes. Type I and Type II, offshore and near shore, respectively, are designed for longer periods in the water, and are self righting - good for emergencies when rescue may take some time. As Stephen points out, Type III's are not self-righting, and thus would be preferred when rescue would occur rather quickly (think of an injured water skier - the boat should be there to get them rather quickly). Those who work around the water (e.g., Deckhands, construction workers) usually wear Type III's as those devices provide for the most mobility, while providing a proven level of safety.

Inflatable PFDs provide the most mobility (the new "belt" style are great), but rely on a gas cylinder to operate - and rely on an inflatable chamber, which could be punctured (a few of the reasons those who work on the water usually use the more positive design of a standard Type III over inflatables).

Regardless of what you choose, get the right sizes, and GET A BRIGHT COLOR. Visibility in the water is a critical part of being seen by other boaters, and getting rescued. Think, Orange is the new Black!
 
USCG requires crews to wear life jackets at all times aboard boats. Rules for the public are different and there's a wrinkle: inflatables must be WORN to "count" but the I II III only need to be "Readily Accessible". So for you, Hy , if you want comfortable, Go for trim Orange inflatables!! They come with a requirement to actually wear them... they require routine servicing so include source and price of the kits in your shopping.
 
quote:
Originally posted by j-d

USCG requires crews to wear life jackets at all times aboard boats. Rules for the public are different and there's a wrinkle: inflatables must be WORN to "count" but the I II III only need to be "Readily Accessible". So for you, Hy , if you want comfortable, Go for trim Orange inflatables!! They come with a requirement to actually wear them... they require routine servicing so include source and price of the kits in your shopping.

Click to expand...


Most newer inflatables I've been seeing lately are also type approved as Type III PFD's.
 
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