Life jackets, Buoyancy Aids, PFD's............

Samz9090 · 28 February 2010, 14:02

Whats the best sort of PFD to have while using my sib? I plan to ringo, snorkel, fish etc. Am I better off getting a manual life jacket or a buoyancy aid?

Thanks.

chewy · 28 February 2010, 14:03

From a previous thread it seemed that a auto lifejacket was best best for use in the SIB and a buoyancy aid for using doughnuts, skiing etc.

Samz9090 · 28 February 2010, 14:23

I was thinking that, perhaps I should just wear both? haha. Anyone recommend a decent make to go for?

chewy · 28 February 2010, 14:33

I like crewsaver.

Paul Cannell · 28 February 2010, 15:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samz9090

I was thinking that, perhaps I should just wear both? haha. Anyone recommend a decent make to go for?

Yak / Crewsaver BA's are good, Yak's have pockets.

http://www.crewsaver.co.uk/Crewsaver/Home/index.html

m chappelow · 28 February 2010, 15:39

Depnds how rough you are ,,if you are going to tiptoe about bording from a jetty or marina and not hoping to get too wet go for an auto lifejacket but if your going to do a lot of beaching or wading about exploring go for a bouyancy aid or a manual lifejacket ,,,, what ever you get,, try to get them fitted with crutch straps ,,,i personally use both foam and manual inflation lifejackets depends what i am doing ,

Samz9090 · 28 February 2010, 17:47

Im going to be getting wet for sure so a manual inflation is a definate. Looks like i'll have to get both.

One more question, Why is boating so expensive?!

chewy · 28 February 2010, 17:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samz9090

Im going to be getting wet for sure so a manual inflation is a definate. Looks like i'll have to get both.

One more question, Why is boating so expensive?!

Because we're mugs and pay the prices!

I personally use a manual inflation too but it seemed most were using auto's.

Samz9090 · 28 February 2010, 18:06

Yeah I think manual is the way forward for me. I don't fancy spending £15 for a re-arming pack everytime it inflates!

m chappelow · 28 February 2010, 18:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samz9090

Yeah I think manual is the way forward for me. I don't fancy spending £15 for a re-arming pack everytime it inflates!

aaahhhh but you would think different if you were selling them ,,,lol

Samz9090 · 28 February 2010, 18:41

I most certainly would!

Poly · 28 February 2010, 18:55

depending where / how you are using it I would just go for the bouyancy aid.

m chappelow · 28 February 2010, 19:49

i agree with polwart they also offer a bit of protection unlike the inflatable stole types that can get holed or torn or even wear out on the fold creases,,and you dont have to keep checking to see if the cylinder is still screwed in or servicable,,,on my hard fishing boat i use the auto/stole type if i am fishing /pulling pots as they are not as bulky , but in my sib i use the air/foam ones,that dont take all that much room up i even at times fish wearing one ,,if i am wading about on a rocky beach or i drop off the end of the slip when recovering the boat ,,theres ample bouyancy with just the inherantfoam ,i can inflate by mouth to make it more bouyant if needed but never ever had to ,it just get a hose down and hung up to dry after use ,,,whichever you decide upon main thing is it fits proper and has a crutch strap.