Lifejackets: Now and then

by Tom Stewart, Fox's Marine & Country 26 Mar 2016 15:11 GMT 26 March 2016

LIFEJACKETS NOW AND THEN

Since Captain Ward of the RNLI first donned his cork flotation vest in 1854, lifejackets have evolved largely to improve the wearer’s safety. In recent years they have also been redesigned with comfort and practicality at the forefront of the designer’s mind. The RNLI’s “Useless unless worn” campaign has done a lot to change the attitude of yachtsmen and more sailors wear lifejackets than ever before. If you are not up to date with the modern lifejacket it is probably time to reacquaint yourself. At Fox’s, we are regularly kept up to date by all the major manufacturers so if you need more information please ask a member of our team.

Comfort
Modern lifejacket designs have been re-shaped to hold the Jacket away from the back of the neck. Easily adjusted waist belts mean that one jacket can fit all sizes of adult. Integral Webbing Harness Loops mean that a separate (bulky) harness is no longer necessary and the use of webbing saves weight and damage to the wearer and the boat.

How much flotation do I need?
150 Newtons of buoyancy is the standard and is adequate for most of us most of the time. Bigger people do not need more buoyancy as they tend to carry more natural buoyancy of their own! The 275 Newton lifejackets were developed for industrial use to make up for heavy layers of clothing and to provide more turning force. So if your sailing is going to be extreme they might be a good option. The downside is the extra weight of the jacket and cylinder. If it is likely to put you off wearing it then it renders it useless.

Hamar, Auto or Manual inflation?
Manual inflation means you need to pull a cord when you fall in. This is fine if you are conscious and not panicking. Auto inflation is the most common type. Essentially there is a disc of paper which, when wet enough gives way allowing the mechanism to fire and inflate the jacket. The downside can be that people who get repeatedly wet such as fore deck hands on race boats, sportsboat sailors and offshore rib users are prone to accidental firings. Hamar inflation relies on water pressure so the chances of accidental inflation are scarce.

SAVE THE DATE!
Fox’s Open Weekend - 13 to 15 May 2016 1000-1600 daily
Fox’s annual Open Weekend is a great opportunity to visit the Fox’s yard, see work in progress in the workshops and get advice on your own boating requirements. There will be free lifejacket checks and advice on liferafts from Ocean Safety, free flare disposal when you purchase new flares, and special offers throughout the store at Fox’s Marine & Country, so put the dates in your diary now – we look forward to seeing you!

YOU COULD WIN A £50 VOUCHER IN OUR MONTHLY PRIZE DRAW!
Each month we give away a £50 voucher to four of our customers to spend in store. Just make at least one purchase by midnight on 31 March.