Lifejackets..... for fat people

[BogMonster]

First day of the summer today and (ahem) I note that because I prepared well for a hard winter, the lifejacket that has been a tight fit since I bought it is now in danger of restricting oxygen and circulation when I wear it with an (ahem) extremely thickly padded flotation suit

So, can you buy any sort of an extension harness for fat people? Google found some in the States with completely the wrong fitting but that was all. It's a bog standard Hammar jacket from lifejackets.co.uk with a square of stainless steel on each end of the main retaining strap, you swivel one sideways and push it through the other and then it can't pull back through. Not sure if they all use the same concept or not. What would be ideal is the same arrangement on the end of about 3-4 inches of webbing.

Do the 'offshore' 275N jackets that are designed to be worn over foul weather clothing / survival suits generally have bigger straps? I think in the long term that would be a better bet - and it's something I have been thinking about for a while anyway but I need a more immediate solution.

[paintman]

Anywhere on the Islands that sells them?
Speak to other boat users, see what they've got & try theirs on over your clothing?

[jambo]

Can you not scarify a webbing on an old jacket to make extension.


Sent from my iPhone using RIB Net

[BogMonster]

Most of 'em are thinner than me. I'd thought about chopping up an old LJ - if I could get a pair of buckles I could make one - but I don't have an old LJ to hand.

I may have a solution anyway as I'd emailed the supplier and their reply suggests that they might be able to help...

[ShinyShoe]

If not then Stainless Direct on fleabay sell 3 bar stainless buckles that might do what you need...

[jeffstevens763@g]

old rucksack straps ?
or mountaineers stuff they have webbing with a crab on each end.
also you can buy clip buckles from diving shops and thread webbing through so in effect you have a loop which is adjustable and clips together they use them on buoyancy compensation vests about 50 mm wide or smaller.

cheers

look on lomo watersports

[markmullen]

In terms of size of new ones, I wear a 46/48 inch suit jacket and wear the middle of the sizes of Spinlock Deckvest and still have plenty of adjustment left, and they do a bigger size than that.

[Chris]

Tractor Inner Tube and some Gaffa Tape ?

(I'm allowed to say this as I am also built for comfort not speed)

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by Chris

Tractor Inner Tube and some Gaffa Tape ?

(I'm allowed to say this as I am also built for comfort not speed)

Me too I like loads of xxxxxx in front or the L

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by BogMonster

So, can you buy any sort of an extension harness for fat people?

It's a bog standard Hammar jacket from lifejackets.co.uk with a square of stainless steel on each end of the main retaining strap, you swivel one sideways and push it through the other and then it can't pull back through.

Can't you have a sheet metal guy make up new clasps, and use it as an extension to lengthen the straps that way? Or, with some nylon thread and a heavy duty sewing machine, add to the existing straps? (On that note, a decent sailmaker could do it by hand in an hour. Probably a lot less. It would take me considerably longer, and it would come out looking ugly, but it would work.)

jky

[Poly]

Originally Posted by jyasaki

Can't you have a sheet metal guy make up new clasps, and use it as an extension to lengthen the straps that way? Or, with some nylon thread and a heavy duty sewing machine, add to the existing straps? (On that note, a decent sailmaker could do it by hand in an hour. Probably a lot less. It would take me considerably longer, and it would come out looking ugly, but it would work.)

jky

A bit of rope would probably give a bodge, but to my mind there is something intuitively wrong with modifying a lifejacket. Unless the manufacturer supplies an extension strap I'd be concerned that the bladder would no longer be held in the right position to be effective.

Now the oil industry guys in Aberdeen aren't known for their svelt physique, so I'd guess it's the same out your way. Perhaps they could assist with your "procurement"? Or if I recall you did some work on a commercial vessel, who presumably have to accommodate your stature - could that PPE be borrowed whilst weight watchers set up their Falkland branch a delivery arrives?

[ShinyShoe]

The oil industry guys are to be on a weight / size limit in the future as some of the chubbers larger gentlemen struggle to exit the helicopter if it ditches...

[SPR]

Contact Keith or Wendy @ SeaSafe they will help you out - tell her Scott from SPR recommended. They manufacture Lifejackets in house ...


www.firstaidatsea.co.uk
www.SPRmarine.co.uk

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by Poly

but to my mind there is something intuitively wrong with modifying a lifejacket. Unless the manufacturer supplies an extension strap I'd be concerned that the bladder would no longer be held in the right position to be effective.

The other way to look at that is that without an extension, the jacket is likely to remain unused. I agree that it's not an ideal method, but it is a solution. And given Bog's remote location (he is still in the Falklands, isn't he?), a turnkey factory solution may be a problem.

jky

[BogMonster]

Thanks all. I am still waiting for a reply from Marine Warehouse who supplied the original, so I'll see what that turns up first.

[BogMonster]

Well, pleased to say that Marine Warehouse (Lifejackets by mail order from Marine Warehouse Ltd - Marine Warehouse Ltd) who supplied them in 2010 have been really helpful. They have sourced an appropriate item despite it not being a stock item, and are posting it to me. Top service - quick response to emails and very helpful - I know where I will be buying a 275N from in due course