Quote:
Originally Posted by Razorbill RIBs
Is anyone here using foam jackets?
Am considering (still undecided) going foam.... Bit fed up with the high (IMO) gas servicing costs and storage isn't an issue.
As regular boaters I guess we all appreciate the compact gas inflate units, but I'm often surprised at how many passengers seem nervous about whether the jackets will do there thing in an emergency 
Question is..... What foam jackets are you using (if any)? 
Well also need lights / to add lights.... |
Does servicing mean you send them off to someone and get them back tested? Would that still need done with foam ones?
If all that needs replaced is the cartridge its less than £10 each. I realise that mounts up if you have 3 boats, 12 seats each and need spares and kiddy sizes etc.
The risk assessment for a foam needs to be different... ...there are basically two scenarios where a passenger ends up in the water. One where the crew are on the boat and coming back to retrieve and one where the whole boat is flipped out. The whole boat with foam the crew can remind them to inflate manually. The individual case will possibly forget to inflate. Add to that you need to consider if everyone can inflate it. Yes they have 50N of bouyancy but if that was sufficient you'd just supply bouyancy aids?
I used foam LJs as a kid (stupid school insurance!) before moving to BA's and then now BA / Gas Auto. I HATED LJs - they got damp and stored damp and mildewy. You had to put your head into a mildewey hole. YUCK. In the end I bought a crewsaver one that was 50N like a BA but with bladder for mouth inflation to 150N, but was a waistcoat style. Don't think they still do it. It was simillar to the Crewsaver Harvester but without the gas bit, with a mouth bit instead.
Can you take the lights off your current ones? But how are the lights activated, Protected etc. Suspect you'll get a lot more light failures...
Alca Torda
Razorbill
Tystie
