Buoyancy aid for boat handling - advice please

[Mikael]

As the title suggests I am after a buoyancy aid I can wear when boat handling.

Any brands to avoid? Where should I buy etc

Don't need super fancy just a good comfortable fit (I am 5'11'' slim build) that won't auto inflate due to normal spray and allows me to move freely on the RHIB.

Cheers
Mikael

[Firthy]

If it's inflating then it's normally a lifejacket rather than buoyancy aid. You can get solid buoyancy aids and lifejackets though.

Buy one with a manual inflation system if you are expecting to get wet. Disadvantage being it won't auto-inflate if you are unconscious and fall in.

Normally powered by a 60g CO2 capsule. They vary from the lighter ones 150Nish with single chamber, to the offshore 275N ones with twin cylinders for redundancy.

If need the paperwork trail buy a new one from any retailer. If not, then eBay works. Can always buy a spare cartridge, deploy it sometime when out on boat to test it works and then repack and swap cartridge.

I'd suggest in a rib you don't want anything too bulky and if not doing anything in large sea states smaller one would do. Would get in way less also. You can pick up a new one in Decathalon for about £50.

[Tens]

It might be a bit too bulky for you but these floatation jackets are the biz. Very hard wearing and waterproof (use them on the croft when it's peeing down), has a good hood and pockets. Need to remember to tie the waist strap nice and tight if relying on the jacket for buoyancy.
https://www.gaelforcemarine.co.uk/en...C2/m-4917.aspx

[Spirit of Guernsey]

A normal automatic life jacket won't inflate with spray. I have had plenty of drenchings without it firing.

[fibre]

I’ve had a Baltic jacket for about 20 years. It’s tested every few years and it’s still going - although it is now showing its age.

I’ve just bought a new spin lock deck vest and it’s a revelation, so much more comfortable and a much more secure feel.

If I was looking for something to wear for a few hours at a time, I would buy another Baltic, but for all day use the spin lock wins every time. My spin lock was through the RYA - well worth investigating as it was a major discount.

[Chrisch]

Auto inflate lifejackets generally need an immersion to go off - they work on pressure IFAIK. They are designed for us in full spray or driving rain on a boat. By far the best choice of protection when boat handling.

[Stuart Keasley]

Auto inflate lifejackets generally need an immersion to go off - they work on pressure IFAIK. They are designed for us in full spray or driving rain on a boat. By far the best choice of protection when boat handling.

Some auto inflate systems have pills/barriers that dissolve on water. This Web site gives a little more info

http://www.sailingproshop.com/lifejacket.aspx

I've only ever used that dissolving pill variety, never had an issue although it was always a worry.

Edit : reading further, seems like the HAMMAR system would be a good choice if you want auto inflate that won't activate if you get a drenching.

https://crewsaver.com/uk/lifejackets...ked-questions/

[Paulo]

Auto inflate jackets have a little salt canister. When wet enough, the salt desolves allowing the mechanism to arm.

If you have an auto inflate jacket and decide you would prefer a manual one, simply unscrew the salt canister.

Really surprised you could be in a club so long and not have a life jacket though. Do you not wear one every time you are on a RIB?

[Chrisch]

...
Edit : reading further, seems like the HAMMAR system would be a good choice if you want auto inflate that won't activate if you get a drenching.

That's the one I have and have had for 15 years or so without any issues. The CO2 needs replacement every so often but I haven't got round to it yet...

[Mikael]

Auto inflate jackets have a little salt canister. When wet enough, the salt desolves allowing the mechanism to arm.

If you have an auto inflate jacket and decide you would prefer a manual one, simply unscrew the salt canister.

Really surprised you could be in a club so long and not have a life jacket though. Do you not wear one every time you are on a RIB?

We just zip up our drysuit before leaving the harbour