The Great Life Jacket Debate

[gn7]

I guess no one wants to touch the "makes it easier to recover the bodies" typical response to life jackets.

I'll go there.
Off the top of my head, Tony Scarlota at Ming, Paul Fitzgerald at Parker, Jim Bandelin at Long Beach, and I am guessing, possibly Andrew Games at Havasu, could potentially no longer be us if they weren't wearing jackets.

Ski racers fall at 100 plus all the time. Its not the speed that kills you, its usually the boat.

Granted, these crashes occurred at races where jackets are required. My point is, you don't have to be dead for "easier" recovery to be a benefit that could potentially save you life.

Imagine getting an autopsy report on a loved one that said the cause if death was drowning.

Yeah, Tony is under there



No, Fitz isn't checking the steering gear

[Singleton]

My boat rules are
- kids under 16 have to wear jackets when engine is running
- adults (everyone over 16) wears them if I am planning on going over 60

[HB Vic]

My boat rules are
- kids under 16 have to wear jackets when engine is running
- adults (everyone over 16) wears them if I am planning on going over 60

I thought about that but my problem is if the waters decent there's a good chance I'll press the pedal harder and harder. My boat doesn't even start to act right until it hits 70+. So I don't think that will work in my case.

My only thought is right now all I have are lifelines. And we usually only wear them for poker runs. They are not comfortable, and they're bulky. I may step down to a regular boating jacket for running the river and lakes and keep the Lifelines for the PR's.

[Singleton]

I thought about that but my problem is if the waters decent there's a good chance I'll press the pedal harder and harder. My boat doesn't even start to act right until it hits 70+. So I don't think that will work in my case.

My only thought is right now all I have are lifelines. And we usually only wear them for poker runs. They are not comfortable, and they're bulky. I may step down to a regular boating jacket for running the river and lakes and keep the Lifelines for the PR's.

I have been known not to follow the rules on my boat, but I am trying to get better at it.

[CampbellCarl]

So what are options size? comfort? Inflatable? Stylish? For example, Lifelines aren't USCG approved. So, what on your boat? Orange Walmart specials are in my boat right now.

[HB Vic]

So what are options size? comfort? Inflatable? Stylish? For example, Lifelines aren't USCG approved. So, what on your boat? Orange Walmart specials are in my boat right now.

Probably looking for comfort at this point.


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[djunkie]

I thought about that but my problem is if the waters decent there's a good chance I'll press the pedal harder and harder. My boat doesn't even start to act right until it hits 70+. So I don't think that will work in my case.

My only thought is right now all I have are lifelines. And we usually only wear them for poker runs. They are not comfortable, and they're bulky. I may step down to a regular boating jacket for running the river and lakes and keep the Lifelines for the PR's.

I'd wear the lifelines. In the event of a crash at last they'll float you face up if you're knocked unconscious.

As for me. No jackets required. If you wanna wear them I'll supply you with one. But I don't require it unless you're a child. But my boat isn't exactly fast so to me not a big deal.

[Paul65K]

I thought about that but my problem is if the waters decent there's a good chance I'll press the pedal harder and harder. My boat doesn't even start to act right until it hits 70+. So I don't think that will work in my case.

My only thought is right now all I have are lifelines. And we usually only wear them for poker runs. They are not comfortable, and they're bulky. I may step down to a regular boating jacket for running the river and lakes and keep the Lifelines for the PR's.

Don't you have to carry other CG approved life jackets anyhow.......When I was looking at Lifelines on-line the other day I saw that they do not carry USCG approvals.....wouldn't you be at risk with only those during a "Safety inspection"??

Don't get me wrong.....I'm not trying to stir up anything I was just wondering as I was flabbergasted when I read this on the website when I was contemplating buying one.

I hope I am completely wrong cuz I have never heard a bad thing about Lifelines but I'm asking an honest question here.

[Havasuing]

Although the Lifeline jackets are the best on the market IMO, they are not U.S. Coast Guard approved (an issue of high cost of certification and relatively low production volume) it can be a problem if stopped for a 'safety' check on-the-water by law enforcement (better have some of those attractive orange horse-collar ones on-board just to be safe). Also, don't assume that your 'race' jacket or your 'high-performance sport' jacket will automatically turn and float you face-up in case of a bad accident -- it may not. Although they are designed for that purpose, body type, height, weight, clothing, driving suit, etc. may prevent that from happening. The only way to know for sure is to head to the nearest swimming pool, buckle-up and take a full speed running leap (try it several times with several different entry positions). Once you hit the water, go limp (no cheating). If you're not floating on your back, face-up in thirty seconds, that jacket needs to go back to the manufacturer and have them modify the flotation material (if you take pictures or a short video of your swimming pool trials, it will help get the problem solved). Remember, if the jacket has leg straps, those should be very loose so the jacket can ride-up around your neck and under your chin for more support where you need it.

[boat411]

I posted this on your FB as well. I'm willing to bet it gets deleted.

Vic (HotBoat), I know you heard about the accident at Folsom Lake that claimed the lives of our friends two weeks ago. Your thread and comments about life vests is not only poor timing but shows that you and your website have no class and will do anything to get views.