Best inflatable life vest?

M

Midwest Jeff

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 22, 2023
Messages
62
Fluid Motion Model
C-28
Non-Fluid Motion Model
Looking to buy R27
We would like to invest in good quality inflatable life vests. Please let me know some good choices that you have experience with. Thanks
 
On our sailboat we always used Spinlock Deckvest Lite. They arent cheap and they arent USCG approved (have to keep some generic orange ones aboard) but they are BY FAR the most comfortable ones I have ever worn.

I have also used Mustang Survival (for work) and several generic "budget" inflatables.
 
I have four Spinlock deckvest lite for my boat. Wear them all the time when cruising. I can borrow two more from friend if I need six.
 
Remember when looking at inflatable life vest that there are two very different kinds.
1. Manual inflation only where you need to pull something to activate. Good if you occasionally get in the water but don’t want it to inflate unless needed.
2. Automatic inflation that’s water activated. Good if you are worried that you might not be able to pull something after entering the water. Not good if you get wet but don’t really need the vest to inflate.
I have a Mustang HIT auto inflate vest and the Admiral has a West Marine Offshore auto inflate vest. We also have a couple of Onyx M-16 manual waist belt inflatables for stand up paddle board use.
 
I have manual inflatables (actually hybrid) for the dinghy.
I have automatic for the boat. There are two types, those that inflate when they get wet and those that inflate based on water pressure--that's the Mustang HIT.
I have the wet inflation, but when it comes time for new ones I'll go with the HIT.
As far as quality, I like the Mustangs over the West Marine variety.
 
Thanks for the info. We have looked at mustang. Have not heard of Spinlock. So my next question is, manual or automatic? Thanks
 
Automatic.... can't do manual when you have a medical emergency or bang your head.
 
I use a waterski type vest. I use an inflatable on the boat. Too easy to have the inflatable pop in a non life-threatening situation.
 
Another factor to consider is the Coast Guard approval level of the life jacket. Many inflatable jackets are USCG approved as Type V, which do not count as a life jacket unless they're actually being worn. Most manual inflatables are classed as Type V, so if you have those stowed during a USCG inspection, you could be cited. Yes, best practice is to always wear a life jacket on a boat but we know that doesn't happen on all boats at all times.

Be sure to check the label or the specs for the type-classification. We use Mustang Hydrostatic (HIT) automatic jackets rated at Level II. Mustang markets the same jacket but with two D-rings sewn on the front harness intended for sailing tethers. The two jackets look nearly identical but the addition of the two D-rings makes that jacket a Type-5.
 
The USCG changed the way it classifies life jackets as of January 6, 2025. The Type I - V is out. However, to your main point, as far as I can tell, an inflatable has to be worn to be counted as a life jacket. It also has to be serviceable. Too many details to write here. A Google search will provide specifics.
 
I've been wearing Mustang for almost 40 years, since my first float coat, and have had great success with a variety of their products. Hence, I'm loyal to the brand and not entirely objective. I am wearing this one myself: https://mustangsurvival.com/collect...th-sailing-harness-auto-hydrostatic-md3184-02

A big factor to consider is how easily you can unpack and pack the vest. Unlike the standard PFDs, inflatables must be regularly serviced and checked, so you need to familiarize yourself with the components. Mustang has videos how to deal with their inflatables.
 
Last edited:
Todd Tugnut said:
The USCG changed the way it classifies life jackets as of January 6, 2025. The Type I - V is out. However, to your main point, as far as I can tell, an inflatable has to be worn to be counted as a life jacket. It also has to be serviceable. Too many details to write here. A Google search will provide specifics.
Click to expand...
Wow, it’s a complete USCG revision of the rules. My Mustang Survival HIT is rated at 38 pounds of buoyancy and would be a Level 150 under the new rules but would only count towards the one per person rule if worn.
blog.dockwa.com

New U.S. Coast Guard Life Jacket Rules for 2025: What Boaters Need to Know

Discover the new U.S. Coast Guard life jacket classifications effective January 6, 2025. Learn about updated performance levels, inventory requirements, and when to wear each type for maximum safety and compliance.
blog.dockwa.com blog.dockwa.com
 
Last edited:
I agree that the transition to the harmonized PFD standards are detailed and complex, but the new regs will not preclude the manufacture or use of the previous system of "Type-X"-classification PFDs. The old system will be in use for many years. As it stands now, inflatable PFDs labled as Type V must be worn to count as a PFD. Type I-III inflatable PFDs can be stowed readily available and still satisfy the requirement. If in doubt, check the label on the PFD; it will indicate if the PFD must be worn or not.
 
scross said:
Wow, it’s a complete USCG revision of the rules. My Mustang Survival HIT is rated at 38 pounds of buoyancy and would be a Level 150 under the new rules but would only count towards the one per person rule if worn.
blog.dockwa.com

New U.S. Coast Guard Life Jacket Rules for 2025: What Boaters Need to Know

Discover the new U.S. Coast Guard life jacket classifications effective January 6, 2025. Learn about updated performance levels, inventory requirements, and when to wear each type for maximum safety and compliance.
blog.dockwa.com blog.dockwa.com
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link. That's the best explanation of the new vs. old system that I've seen so far.
 
Ok. Is it a big deal that it's not USCG approved if you have plenty of other approved flotation devices onboard?
 
Midwest Jeff said:
Ok. Is it a big deal that it's not USCG approved if you have plenty of other approved flotation devices onboard?
Click to expand...
Not at all. You are just required to have one USCG approved per person on the boat. As long as you have that covered, what you are actually wearing is irrelevant. I have also found that wearing a PFD at all just about assures you will not be pulled over for an inspection, making the requirements irrelevant!😀
 
hawk232 said:
Not at all. You are just required to have one USCG approved per person on the boat. As long as you have that covered, what you are actually wearing is irrelevant. I have also found that wearing a PFD at all just about assures you will not be pulled over for an inspection, making the requirements irrelevant!😀
Click to expand...
Life jackets save lives.
 
It may be a moot point. According to west marine the spin lock lite ii is such approved
 
gswearin said:
It may be a moot point. According to west marine the spin lock lite ii is such approved
Click to expand...
Interesting! Admittedly, my data is from when I purchased mine, about 8 years ago. If they are USCG approved now, the whole conversation is moot!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

  • Tugnuts.com is the community hub for Ranger Tug, Cutwater, and Solara owners. Since its inception in 2008, the Tugnuts forum has grown into an active and thriving community of more than 9,000 members. It serves as both a meeting place for the best boating community online, and an invaluable archive of information.

  • User menu
Back
Top