GL: Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Vest

[John & Judy Gill]

Ken,

Before starting the Great Loop in 2003, we purchased a pair of
SOSuspenders (manual).  We like them very much and purchased a second
pair.  We choose the manual version because several skippers told us
that in foul weather, the automatic version might self inflate if
they got too wet.

We are also USPS Vessesl Safety Check Examiners and learned recently
that the U.S. Coast Guard has purchased 10,000 SOSuspenders for VSC
Examiners to wear when doing vessel examinations (to set a good
example and encourage boaters to wear their life jackets when
underway).  Again, the manual type.

They are very comfortable to wear because there is no bulk on the
back and only two 4 inch wide strips that by about 1-1/2  or 1-3/4
inches thick in the front.

The only downside to the manual version is that you will have to be
conscious after falling overboard to be able to pull the cord to
inflate them.

West Marine and other marine catalog stores sell them at ca. $150.00
each.

John and Judy Gill
Two Js V
Sassafras Harbor Marina, Georgetown, MD
AGLCA Loopers

Email:  <twojscom at quadnet.net>
Website:  <http://homepage.mac.com/twojscom/GreatLoop/>



On Apr 7, 2008, at 4:41 PM, Ken Tucknott wrote:

> Hello All,
>
> We are getting ready for the up coming boating season, and am in
> need of some
> advise from the enlightened masses.  We want to purchase inflatable
> life vest
> to be used with both the mother boat, and the dinghy.  We would
> like to get
> the type that inflate automatically, & manual.  We are not
> committed to any
> one brand, just looking for info. from anyone who uses these types
> giving pros
> & cons.  Also where would be a good place to purchase.  We hope to
> start the
> Loop next season, and that will be our main focus for the next
> couple of
> years, with a trip or two to the Bahamas'.  As always any, and all
> info. will
> be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks to everyone,
>
> Ken & Judy Tucknott
> Trista Gray
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