New Member - Channel Islands

[sbenest]

Hi,
I have just joined. I am based in Jersey in the Channel Islands. I have spent the last 45 years sailing, racing and generally enjoying the sport. I also work in the industry and wonder why the use of inflatable life jackets seems to be predominantly in Europe. It seems to me that most of you over in the States use what we tend to call Buoyancy Aids. Since these are much more uncomfotable I wondered why?

Simon

[stevensc]

Probably people are afraid they will inflate when not needed or not inflate in an emergency. I have no idea if that reasoning is justified or not I have read of the auto ones inflating when not needed the inflator trigger getting wet, I have never heard of one not inflating when needed but it probably has happened for some raeson
I have a few co2 inflatableson board but just use them for short dinghy trips maunal (pull type) inflators on them.
Good luck
Steve

[Stillraining]

We on the left Coast seem to pretty much go for the inflatables from what I'v seen.

Welcome aboard

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Simon.
I never bought an inflatable pfd due to their cost.
I suppose it was an irrational "penny-wise/pound foolish" non-decision (inertia), that allowed me to continue with what I had, ignoring a better & costlier newer technology.
I've spent a lifetime battling my inate "cheapness", striving to replace it with a value (vs cost) system.
Some of us, sometimes including I, cannot transcend the idea of a (false) "good deal".
I've long suspected that it was easier to sell quality & value outside of North America.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Simon,
I had a discussion with sailing friends and a West Marine sailsperson one time and if I were to buy an inflatable I'd opt for an automatically inflatable PFD because if you were wearing an inflatable that was manually operated and you were tossed or knocked in the water you may not be conscious enough to inflate it. Since I get wet frequently and wearing an automatic inflatable might cause me to keep recharging it at $20 to $40 each time. Too expensive! So, I opt for the old buoyancy aids but more often don't wear one unless I leave the bay. When I leave the bay I wear a tether most the time.
regards,

[anglooff]

Welcome onboard Simon,

Being a true Scot (short arms plus deep pockets) I have an inflatable but any guest or crew has traditional... what you term Buoyancy aid... I shall buy a few more, but getting them here is prohibitive costwise.

Anyway where in the Channel islands are you located Jersy,Guernsey or Sark. I assume one of the former. We have a few CF members located there.

Best Regards

Alan

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by sbenest

Hi,
It seems to me that most of you over in the States use what we tend to call Buoyancy Aids. Since these are much more uncomfotable I wondered why?

Simon

Learn something new every day. Well, maybe not every day...........