Life Jacket

[Will Smith]

Brilliant - thanks Dave. Will be sending mine off.

 

[Andrew Boyne]

All depends on how the rucksack is worn, basically you don't want any of the rucksack straps over any part of the inflation chamber. If they are then obviously proper inflation may not take place or even worse only partial inflation of one side will result in trying to keep your face out of the water as you lean to one side.

This type of 150N lifejacket is designed to float you with your feet out in front of you and your head back in case you are unconcious as you hit the water. Having seen and performed a number of tank tests with these lifejackets and rucksacks etc. it was noted that even pretty full rucksacks initially have a large amount of reserve buoyancy especially if all the zips are fully done up. This has the effect of lifting your back more upright which obviously isn't a good thing and may even force you face down into the water if unconcious.

The advice in my industry is not to wear a bag at all but if essential then an over one shoulder carryall with a loose strap is the preferred option so that it can be cast off with relative ease.

Very good post Gavin and worth quoting the whole thing in case the point didn't hit home first time. Think about it chaps. I've seen plenty of roving anglers with roll up unhooking mats strapped to their rucksacks - more buoyancy at the back, exactly where you don't want it! I've used small carryalls for over a decade after slipping down a steep muddy bank on the middle Trent and hurting my back badly after I landed on the contents of my rucksack. A small carryall can be easily discarded if you slip, along with the rod quiver which will hopefully limit any damage to yourself or the fishing gear.

 

[Steve Williams]

I have a Crewsaver 150N and it's about time it was serviced,but looking on their website they say "Allow 28 days for the work to be carried out" This is not acceptable to me !
Can anybody recommend another service agent that offers a better service ?
Or can this work be carried out by myself with replacement service arming kit and be reliable ?
Dave

I've just done mine myself Dave.

I have a Fladen auto inflate one.
It went off in my boat over the spring, so decided to re-arm it.

As it happens the kit should have been changed several years ago

I brought the re-arming kit from Marine warehouse.
It was fairly simple to replace.
I inflated the jacket and left it for 24 hours to make sure it stayed up, then fitted the new kit and re-packed....

I won't leave it quite so long next time....

Steve

 

[David Potter]

I've just done mine myself Dave.

I have a Fladen auto inflate one.
It went off in my boat over the spring, so decided to re-arm it.

As it happens the kit should have been changed several years ago

I brought the re-arming kit from Marine warehouse.
It was fairly simple to replace.
I inflated the jacket and left it for 24 hours to make sure it stayed up, then fitted the new kit and re-packed....

I won't leave it quite so long next time....

Steve

Hi Steve,
I checked mine last night and its a year out of date (Change by 2012) but all looks brand new !
After watching the video the process looks very simple and as you say leave it inflated for 24 hours then replace all parts in the service rearming kit then repack - Job done
Only thing is you have to "Self Certificate" LOL !!!!
Dave

 

[Steve Williams]

Mine was dated 06

As I understand it you...
Pull the self inflate toggle and inflate the jacket (or sit in the bath with it on).
Leave inflated for 24 hours.

Deflate and re fit new arming kit including the little green retaining clip (I have a spare if you need one) gas bottle and auto inflate valve.
Re fold and re pack.

Job's a gud un.....

Steve

 

[Kevin Daly]

I do not see the point of not having one without auto inflate. This is not a fashion accessory it just may save your life. If you do have that accident and fall in there is a chance you may bang your head. Is your mum coming with you to pull the toggle? Another thing that in my book is essential is a crutch strap! Again if you fall and are unconscious you will fall through the back door and you expensive life preserver will be off downstream without you. I have three cos you don’t come out in my boat without one all self-serviced regularly.

 

[David Potter]

I hear what your saying about the crutch strap and when it comes to replacing mine I may well go down that route,but having said that when I put my current crewsaver jacket on and tighten it all up and lock the safety clip it is comfortable to wear all day and does not interfere with whatever fishing I'm doing !
But it's a pain in the backside to get off at the end of the day so I don't think there is any chance of mine coming off !
Dave