What Life Jacket?

[Jason Johnson]

Saftey has always been a great concern. On a diff boat site I was scolded for wearing a ski vest while driving my Alli. So what do I wear? A lifeline racing vest? On weekends, joy riding? What do I do? 80mph max.

[silverbullet02]

I just ordered EZ FIT from SRP. Looks like a good deal and a good jacket. http://www.securityrace.com/lifejackets/srplifejackets.html


Brian

[stroker smoker]

yea the lifelines to me are not very comfy but i got chunked with a ski vest and some of the straps broke i got a hi speed bass boat vest from bass pro its not bad to wear has neck suport and leg straps havnt hade to test it yet and dont want to

[vnemous]

Reynolds Marine carries the Mercury jackets for $79.00, Just went up $10.00. Doesnt look to bad for just a day of cruizing. Has leg straps and neck collar. Loop for kill switch also. I think Im gonna get a couple for my passengers.
http://i39.tinypic.com/1zqa90k.jpg

[RNM018]

Reynolds Marine carries the Mercury jackets for $79.00, Just went up $10.00. Doesnt look to bad for just a day of cruizing. Has leg straps and neck collar. Loop for kill switch also. I think Im gonna get a couple for my passengers.
http://i39.tinypic.com/1zqa90k.jpg

I've got this same jacket in omc colors . It's a fair jacket , but I would preffer to see at least a poker run vest ,if not better . Just keep in mind ,Comfort is the most important part of a jacket . If it's not comfortable ,you are less likely to put it on .

Rich Martin 018:thumbsup:

[Riverratt]

You are better off with a Lifeline or SRP but I don't care what anybody says any jacket is better than nothing. At least you have a chance of floating until help gets there.

[stroker smoker]

Reynolds Marine carries the Mercury jackets for $79.00, Just went up $10.00. Doesnt look to bad for just a day of cruizing. Has leg straps and neck collar. Loop for kill switch also. I think Im gonna get a couple for my passengers.
http://i39.tinypic.com/1zqa90k.jpg
thats the one that the straps pull out the side but they mite have caut the side of the boat but it did the job i was glad for it when all i had to do was float until some one came and got me

[patchesII]

go to lifelines website and look at em. they make some nice "poker run" jackets. the full race jacket is not their only one.

[vnemous]

THis is my Lifeline starte jacket. Model 160. THey go for $325 and I got it on sale at christmas for $260. I think the problem is a lot of guys dont have $1200 to buy at least 4 of these. So I thought the Merc jacket could be a good compromise. Not that my passengers are any less important.

http://i40.tinypic.com/309okrq.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/ixa2wo.jpg

[K-Dawg]

I have the same lifeline starter. It is a little hot in the summer. But, I guess they all are.

[patchesII]

yeah thats the one i was taking about. those are good looking jackets. i understand about the lack of funds for a boat full of those. a normal bass pro jacket would work in my boat for passengers, i won't run one very hard at all with a passenger

[BigRedAlli]

Are the Lifeline starter jackets coast guard aproved? I know the race jacket's aren't for some reason.



.

[stroker smoker]

THis is my Lifeline starte jacket. Model 160. THey go for $325 and I got it on sale at christmas for $260. I think the problem is a lot of guys dont have $1200 to buy at least 4 of these. So I thought the Merc jacket could be a good compromise. Not that my passengers are any less important.

http://i40.tinypic.com/309okrq.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/ixa2wo.jpg:thumbsup:thanks im going to look into one of these the ones i had was a old bulkey race vest thats slim :D

the top of your tool box looks like mine

[SFRacing]

you guys will spend $350 bucks on a prop hoping to pick up 1mph, but not on a good jacket that will save your life?

buy the lifeline starter.

[twogees]

^^ good point.

[mrcrsr]

i think this whole thing is a little ridiculous, as said previously, people will spend all sorts of coin on there motors and props and are unwilling to spend the money on the CORRECT life vest!! i guess your lives aren't worth as much as the engine hanging off the back of the boat!!!

[Jason Johnson]

you guys will spend $350 bucks on a prop hoping to pick up 1mph, but not on a good jacket that will save your life?

buy the lifeline starter.
and mrsrcr - You too can stop right now, this is my tread and it aint going that way. The only thing that was said was that it's hard to buy 4.

We will now focus on the original question. Race jackets are a have too at a race. Do us high performances boaters need them for the weekend? Stay on topic please. If not a race jacket, which I don't think is quite appropriat for casual little burst on the weekend, then what. If the gereal consensus is a race jacket, I'll wear one too. But I do believe that something is better than my ski vest.

[twogees]

if you crash at 80+, i dont think it matters if your on your weekend burst or a real race. your body nor your boat will know the difference between the two. wear the one approved for what you intend to do.

[Kevinpmac]

I like this one for weekend play in the under 90 mph speed range. It is labeled as "high impact" for use up to 100 MPH:

http://www.mustangsurvival.com/products/product.php?id=460

<a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/2e0n4si.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

[mrcrsr]

it has nothing to do w/ race, it has to do w/ the speed your boat is travelling!!! i can understand the expense of buying 4, so if you can't afford it then don't go fast w/ passengers in the boat!! noone is trying to cut you down, but safety is paramount over anything else

[mrcrsr]

I like this one for weekend play in the under 90 mph speed range. It is labeled as "high impact" for use up to 100 MPH:

http://www.mustangsurvival.com/products/product.php?id=460

http://i41.tinypic.com/2e0n4si.jpg (http://tinypic.com)
nice! what is the pricing?

[mrcrsr]

and mrsrcr - You too can stop right now, this is my tread and it aint going that way. The only thing that was said was that it's hard to buy 4.

We will now focus on the original question. Race jackets are a have too at a race. Do us high performances boaters need them for the weekend? Stay on topic please. If not a race jacket, which I don't think is quite appropriat for casual little burst on the weekend, then what. If the gereal consensus is a race jacket, I'll wear one too. But I do believe that something is better than my ski vest.
are you that silly??? i guess in your mind accidents only happen at races(where there is a full rescue crew waiting)

[Mark75H]

I like this one for weekend play in the under 90 mph speed range. It is labeled as "high impact" for use up to 100 MPH:


But doesn't look like it has leg straps to keep it on you if you enter feet first. A jacket doesn't work if it isn't on you when you are out of the boat.

40 mph is generally enough to pop you out of a non-leg strap jacket

[Phil's other half...Sue.]

Wow...I remember saying jacket's are expensive but not thinking they were probably the least expensive out of everything else that was purchased for the boat but are the most important, good thoughts:thumbsup:.

[max200]

and mrsrcr - You too can stop right now, this is my tread and it aint going that way. The only thing that was said was that it's hard to buy 4.

We will now focus on the original question. Race jackets are a have too at a race. Do us high performances boaters need them for the weekend? Stay on topic please. If not a race jacket, which I don't think is quite appropriat for casual little burst on the weekend, then what. If the gereal consensus is a race jacket, I'll wear one too. But I do believe that something is better than my ski vest. Jason nobody is trying to step on your thread but mrcrsr is correct!! and I'll give you a good reason. suppose you are just out for a cruise and here comes a guy with a boat full of dupont girls thinking he's got something for ya! most of us are gonna hit the foot pedal faster than a leg spasm and probably push it a little further than usual but you may have better self control than me! I know they are expensive but well worth it and leg straps are a must.

[SFRacing]

and mrsrcr - You too can stop right now, this is my tread and it aint going that way. The only thing that was said was that it's hard to buy 4.

We will now focus on the original question. Race jackets are a have too at a race. Do us high performances boaters need them for the weekend? Stay on topic please. If not a race jacket, which I don't think is quite appropriat for casual little burst on the weekend, then what. If the gereal consensus is a race jacket, I'll wear one too. But I do believe that something is better than my ski vest.

I assume by quoting me and commenting to mrscr you are telling both of us to stop right now...

who said the thread should go away? Are you too stupid to realize that suggesting a quality vest even if it is more expensive IS ON TOPIC? What should i stop, trying to convince you that there is no short cut when it comes to safety? That cheap ski vests tear off EVEN WHEN YOU ARE NOT RACING? that lifeline and srp are designed to float you face up no matter how you enter the water because even a super genious like yourself can get knocked out gettting thrown? That the cheaper jackets can come up over your head?

Suit yourself, darwin will take care of idiots like you. Get some water wings and put some ping pong balls in your pockets, your invincable and there should be some good $$$ savings with the wings and balls over a good vest. :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Jason Johnson]

Yes I am STUPID, I, ME, MY DAMM self, I ASKED FOR A BETTER JACKET, I DID NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT PRICE, I WANT A BETTER JACKET THAN MY SKI VEST, YEA I AM THE STUPID ONE. YEP THAT'S ME OL STUPID, NEVER BEEN IN MY BOAT WITH OUT A JACKET, NOT EVEN TO PUT IT ON THE TRAILER, YEA I WANT A BETTER JACKET, I CAN SPEND 1200.00, DON'T HAVE ROOM FOR FOUR BUT I CAN SPEND THE MONEY.

NOW ANSWER THE QUESTION, RACE JACKET OR IS SOMETHING ELSE SUITABLE FOR WHAT WE DO

AND DON'T INVITE ME TO RIDE WITH YALL, I'M TOO STUPID.

I'LL PUT IN A GOOD WORD FOR YALL AT ********************, YALL WILL FIT RIGHT IN.

[stroker smoker]

jason i am going to get the lifeline starter on page 1 for playin on the river im gona keep the bass pro one for fishing because the back is ribed it fits the ally seats well you wana talk stupid im guilty of not wearing one at all scratching the century mark that wont happen again

[realfast]

FYI,

The Test drivers at Mercury Racing, wear Lifeline's CompVest PN 170 in Orange.

[kcline]

Anybody have web address for reynolds racing, or link to there site.
Could not get thru on www.reynoldsracing.net (http://www.reynoldsracing.net)
ty

[WATERWINGS]

I like this one for weekend play in the under 90 mph speed range. It is labeled as "high impact" for use up to 100 MPH:

http://www.mustangsurvival.com/products/product.php?id=460

<a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/2e0n4si.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>



How much is that one?

[Phil's other half...Sue.]

My personal opinion is this...If someone is blasting in a boat at speed, everyone needs to be wearing protective gear. If someone is out casual on a boat with friends and family not out blasting around, I don't think there is a need for those lifeline jackets, most people can't afford to go out and buy 4 lifeline or security jackets. If you are blasting at SPEED and have passengers, everyone in your boat needs protective gear, you are in a boat with no protection...you all need to have your protective gear on (when you are going at speed) which includes a helmet, leg straps are a must, hi collar, impact material foam front and back, kill switch and most of all you must be measured so the jacket fits you properly. At speed if you don't have the right gear on, your jacket will be ripped right off your back and you will sink in a split second. If you are in an accident most of the damage is usually from the chest up. Phil's neck was broken and his chest was crushed, the jacket he had on was only a blanket. Had he survived he would have been paralyzed and brain dead, they said his cord to his brain was severed and it would have been very painful with NO chance of quality of life. God knew he could never live like that so he took him.The hardest part for me was knowing how badly he was injured, I still to this day can't handle thinking about it. I will never forget Jimmy telling me these words, baby girl his eyes were wide open and I kept telling him come on Popi I have to take you home to Sue, Jimmy never got over that and I believe he was so badly traumatized by Phil's death that it caused his own. Growing up we always had a boat, we had no need for protective gear other than a life jacket for each person on the boat, we weren't allowed out without one, none of us kids were allowed walking on deck or fooling around when the boat was moving. We always had a cabin cruiser so top speed was maybe 40. I posted a video on my thread to show how a lifeline or security jacket can save your life....it is worth watching. Common sense is the best sense anyone can have...powerboat, enjoy, but do it safety, please. I still can't believe what happened to Tony and the fact that he still has not been found is so very upsetting...I pray everyday for him and his family.

[NATHAN HOLT]

Mustang Survival Mv5600-xxl-or High Impact Sar ... $112.75 - The Twister Group Mustang Survival High Impact SAR Vest: XXL - Red ... $171.32 - BoatersWorld.com Mustang High Impact Sar Vest XXL $113.71 - Hodges Marine

[stokernick]

no leg straps,no good!

[mrcrsr]

no leg straps,no good!exactly, i didn't realize!!

[THE HOGG]

So wich is the better jacket, the srp ez fit or the lifeline starter?

[mrcrsr]

why don't we do a price comparison/speed rating/comfort of life jackets?

[Mark75H]

What is comfortable to one is likely uncomfortable to at least some, I don't think it would matter unless EVERYONE said a particular jacket was uncomfortable.

You could compare the other factors, but I bet they come out close

[Phil's other half...Sue.]

Security Race Products are a little less expensive than Lifeline and just as good, I read on another thread that Lifeline was giving a discount so that should wipe out the higher cost ask Mike (Venomous). Make sure you take your measurement's they will tell you how.

[Jason Johnson]

My full race lifeline is on the way

[lckytrbl]

i hate to veer off abit,but how come ive never seen an advertisement for any of the mentioned safety gear here on the board?as important as jackets are it would seem that mercury or someone else would be promoting em.ill admit i dont own an appropriate vest,maybe because they arent as easily obtained as cheap ski jackets.im in the market for a couple lifelines and would like to try one on before dropping the coin.

[Corona Mike]

I've had several LifeLines and now have a Security. It's a little more confortable...to me...than the LifeLines are (It's Not quite as bulky) saying that, there are a couple of things to consider, #1 I don't beleave Race Jackets like the LifeLine and Security, are Coast Guard Approved! Strange they will approve a $8.50 May West orange floating POS and not a $500.00 Race Jacket! #2 I boat in Florida...Kind Of Warm Here! After about 20-min. in the Security, I'd hope to fall out of the boat! As long as you arn't racing or pushing the boat to the limit, a good bass-type vest with leg straps which is Coast Guard approved should be enough. Just My $.02:cheers:

[Jason Johnson]

I posted this on a diff site. A suggestion was made. Wear the lifeline, carry a CGA vest in the boat as a token.

[twogees]

i hate to veer off abit,but how come ive never seen an advertisement for any of the mentioned safety gear here on the board?as important as jackets are it would seem that mercury or someone else would be promoting em.
:confused:i was wondering the same thing when searching for one for myself

[Mark75H]

Because they are made on a very low profit margin. Advertising adds the the price.

Ditto for the Coast Guard certification ... it costs something like $5,000 per year ... divided among the 50 to 100 jackets a year ... no one would be able to afford them

[Li'l Toy]

with my size, I am tight in the seat already. I have been doing no jacket under 70, wear the ski vest over 70 most of the time. The two recent deaths have straightened me out. As soon as I get over a rocky job issue, I am ordering a Lifeline Starter for me. Both of my sons have Lifelines already, they are the people most likely to be in the boat with me at 10/10ths.

When I raced long ago, I wore a Lifeline because it would almost always right an unconscious driver and the much more comfortable and popular Gentex would do it about 50% of the time. It seems like the newer Lifelines are much more comfortable--mine was over 4" thick in the front, canvas.

I did find one jacket other than the Mercury Jacket from Reynolds Racing that has leg straps. (I wonder if the jacket from Reynolds is truely a Mercury product?--I would expect to see it all over the place if it was.)

The one I found is from Stearns. It is their Trophy Series 4185. They make NO comment about impact resistance (ie, "100 mph jacket"), but I can't see any jacket being good for 70+ w/o leg straps. It is a dark colored kind of bass boat jacket, but they also make a bright orange one with reflective tape and the whole bit they call the search and rescue 4185. Stearns says $95.99 on their webiste; Ebest Source has the black one for $69.95 w/free shipping, and there may be better deals out there.

I did look for an automatically inflatable jacket with leg straps. That was purely on the principle that I would be more likely to wear it--I am less worried about Kevlar and the like where I am not running next to anothr boat at 85. It turns out that Security makes one, but manually inflatable. I don't get it--the idea of a jacket is that you don't drown if you can't help yourself. I guess maybe it is good for escaping from a cockpit of an enclosed ocean racer, but with our boats I want the thing to work with no input from me.

I am thinking of buying two or three of these 4185s as my passenger jackets, and going to everybody always having a jacket on.

[mrcrsr]

i'm in the same position, looking to buy something for my wife and son, i don't get stupid when they're in the boat, but i'd at least like something that covers them up to 85 mph, and its hard, my son is 12, and constantly outgrowing stuff

[THE HOGG]

I HAD THE "MERCURY" JACKETS FROM REYNOLDS AND I THOUGHT THEY WERE NICE. UN FORTUNATELY SO DID THE SQUIRRELS!!!! THEY ATE MY DAMN JACKETS UP AND HAD BABY'S IN THEM!!!:eek: NEEDLESS TO SAY I PUT THE BABIES ON THE BARBIE:D:D BUT NOW IM KINDA NERVOUS ABOUT THE PLASTIC CLASPS ON THE LEG STRAPS. IT APPEARS THAT THE LIFLINE STARTERS ARE THE SAME WAY, ARE THEY? ID RATHER BUY FROM SOMEONE HERE THAT OFFERS A DISCOUNT BUT WOULD LIKE TO GET THE BETTER JACKET, IF THERE IS ONE. DECISIONS DECISIONS.

[Phil's other half...Sue.]

Cudo's to Lifeline Jackets
http://forums.screamandfly.com/forums/showthread.php?t=185204


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just in case some of you are not aware Kent at lifeline lifejackets gives 15% off of there jackets to S&F members. got mine today. Not preaching! but after R&R I would like to see more of us wearing them.




Here is the thread on the discount....

[rob245]

This thread should be attached to the ACCIDENT thread. He was a pro. Just goes to show anything can happen at any speed. Just my 2 cents. Prayers sent.

[DavidW]

I don't post often but I have noticed from looking at these sad accident posts that there is a pattern of people coming out of these accidents with there lives when wearing a life jackets and not surviving without one. I am by no means a expert or professional but I see a strong pattern. I am convinced that when you are thrown from a boat you are not usually injured bad enough to die but quite often you are not in good enough condition to swim and keep afloat. Without a life jacket a lot of people are probably drowning when otherwise they would have been fine. There is no doubt that lifeline is the way to go but if you don't have one for whatever reason at least wear some kind of vest so at least you give yourelf a chance. One time years ago water skiing too fast I took a bad spill and smacked the water hard. I had no serious injuries but was stunned so bad I almost was unable to turn myself face up so I could breath before the boat got back to me. That was a real eye opener. I was probably going 45-50 mph.

[vnemous]

IT APPEARS THAT THE LIFLINE STARTERS ARE THE SAME WAY, ARE THEY?

All the clasps on the Lifeline are plastic but they dont feel cheezy if you know what I mean

[Lanceonthelake]

I've had several LifeLines and now have a Security. It's a little more confortable...to me...than the LifeLines are (It's Not quite as bulky) saying that, there are a couple of things to consider, #1 I don't beleave Race Jackets like the LifeLine and Security, are Coast Guard Approved! Strange they will approve a $8.50 May West orange floating POS and not a $500.00 Race Jacket! #2 I boat in Florida...Kind Of Warm Here! After about 20-min. in the Security, I'd hope to fall out of the boat! As long as you arn't racing or pushing the boat to the limit, a good bass-type vest with leg straps which is Coast Guard approved should be enough. Just My $.02:cheers:

Agreed.. It is stated on the Lifeline website that the race jackets are NOT coast guard approved, that being said I don't believe most law enforcement knowingly or unknowingly will cite you or question the certification of your jacket IF you are wearing it. I really think they would cite you for wearing one of those orange neck-wraps at speed. I have seen more than a fair share of people being ejected from their boat at speed, some by themselves, and some with passengers. I have also seen the end result of being ejected with a quality jacket and an inferior jacket. Remember that when you get ejected, you don't leave the boat in perfect form, you might even go thru the side or the front of the boat. This is where I believe the more expensive jackets prevail with impact material in crucial areas.

[Fish]

its true, the life lines are not certified but my understanding is the actual reason (besides the expense of the certification) is that each change to a jacket requires a seperate certification and lifeline offers many different options including color choices. I keep some cheap certified ones in the boat in case i get an officer who wants to give me a hard time, but given the few people boating that actually wear lifejackets on the water, i believe it gives you points if you know what i mean when a law enforcement officer sees a boater actually wearing a jacket while on the water.

Davidw, you are correct IMHO about the difference it makes when thrown from a boat wearing a jacket vs. not, but a little off on not being injured when thrown IMHO. I have seen enough accidents over the years and seen what the boat/deck looks like after. More often than not, the driver (and presumably passengers) go through at least part of the boat when thrown. one of the worst things that can happen is getting knocked unconscious which can happen going through part of the boat, hitting the water wrong, part of the boat or equipment hitting you after you are in the water... where lifeline and SRP set themselves apart is that they WILL float you with your face out of the water no matter how you enter the water; you can still breath even if knocked out.

Seeing hank go over at 140+ wearing a lifeline and walk away with bruises was an eye opener; Seeing Joe go over and had Sarge not been passing by the other way and react so quickly to grab Joe who was already under the water after his ski vest shredded on impact was an eye opener; spending over an hour in the water searching for Dave (who was not wearing a jacket )and not being able to find his body and knowing after the first 10 minutes or so we were probably moving from a rescue to a recovery was a tragic eye opener... i have too many more stories, there is no guarantee that a jacket will save your life, but no one can convince me from personal experience that it does not dramatically increase your odds of living to boat another day.

just my $.02, from a second generation lifeline wearer.

[realfast]

From Dave Weidman,

i was involved in a high speed accident on the hudson river thursday the 21st. it was an 110 mph stuff. just want to thank everyone at lifeline jackets for the great life jacket. this is what happened, i was racing my STV boat then hit a roller and stuffed the boat. i was under water and unconcious, the jacket floated me face up where i was pulled out of the water by the guy i was racing. this is a link to the new article on channel 13, Albany, NY. also, ive lost my boat. it hasnt been recovered yet, but thank god im still here. my name is Dave Weidman i am a scream and fly magazine member, and again i would like to thank you guys at lifeline and so would my family. you deffinately saved me!

http://wnyt.com/article/stories/s551889.shtml?cat=300 (http://wnyt.com/article/stories/s551889.shtml?cat=300)

[frogII]

I know I'll get slaughtered on this one;

At what speed would everyone consider a lifeline or srp a MUST

I know the average run of the mill sports vests are rated at 50 mph

is there a happy medium for us boaters that will most likely never see 80+ ( unless riding with one of you folks )

IE: a good vest w/leg straps , collar , and is coast guard approved

Thanks for all the good safety input.........

[Viper GTs]

I bought Lifelines now that I have a Twin engine Skater!!! They are a must...Al

[frogII]

Just got off the phone with sterns jacket company...
model # 4185 Trophy series
-- impact rating @ 50mph -- ( why would you have leg straps and a collar )
but is - coast guard approved -- yes
>
any thoughts on this ,
>
would still like to get two lower cost jackets for a not soo crazy fast boat ,
any recomendations ?????
Thanks

[thinback]

There was a Coast Guard waiver that APBA or Security or Life Line put out about 10 years ago for the life jackets. I had a stack of them in my racing trailer for years. I don't have any left but they kept us out of trouble when we were testing on the river. Most of the natural resource police left us alone but there was always one the would be a real pain and check us everytime. If you search around on the other racing web sites you may find it. I'll check in my shop to see if I may have one.

[Mark75H]

The waiver only applies while racing at a sanctioned event

[thinback]

Sam it's Bill Znaniec, I got checked a few times testing and DNR never blinked a eye when I showed the paper, it's better than nothing.

[Mark75H]

Bill I forgot you returned from hibernation. Thanks for the pics from Sharptown ... looks like it will be great next year.

Is there really an active exemption for SRP and Lifeline outside of sanctioned racing ... and legally in MD "testing for an upcoming sanctioned event"


And ... will you make it to Roanoke Rapids to race later this month?

[thinback]

It's been so long sam I'm not sure about the exemption. We had a dnr guy that lived on my parents creek who would stop us regularly testing. I would show him the waiver he would leave us alone.

I've been fighting knee problems since I stopped in 04. I went to worlds
in the fall and was itching to race again. I had my left knee rebuilt....acl on May 8. I'm back to a good year away. My dad died in February, it would be really hard to race with out him. I would like to get back in to something..... I like the 125's Your welcome for the photo's

[Li'l Toy]

Your info from Stearns sure is dissappointing. I guess my first thought is, do they only "rate" it that way to avoid us dirty rotten lawyers?

My second thought is that it is still better than a regular jacket.

Third thought--I am tempted to call Reynolds and ask them if there is any rating on their "Mercury" jackets. I am really curious about them--they look like ordinary ski jackets with leg straps. And I wonder how a product can only be available from one dealer. Do they make them? Is it a supply of new ten year old jackets no longer produced?

[Mark75H]

Sorry to hear about your Dad.

I like the 125's too. I'm very tempted to sell off some stuff and get one.

[frogII]

li'l toy

Your info from Stearns sure is dissappointing. I guess my first thought is, do they only "rate" it that way to avoid us dirty rotten lawyers?
My second thought is that it is still better than a regular jacket. :iagree:

Agreed , it would be a lot better than a regular jacket

My guess is they want to protect themselves from any high speed use

wish I could find someone local that stocks these to look them over closely and get a good fit

[Mr. Demeanor]

Been doing some research on a life jacket for the new boat. I cam across the Mustang 100mph jacket at Defender for $80. Just a heads up but West Marine also carries this jacket and will price match Defenders online prices. Might be a good option if you want to try one on. It seems like a good choice for medium performance levels. A good canvas shop should be able to add leg straps at a reasonable price. I also wonder about the collar on a jacket like this. Is that designed for actual neck injury protection or just added flotation for your head. I don't see where a collar like that could provide much protection from injury????
With the speeds PWC's are reaching, I was surprised I cannot find some high speed rated jackets geared toward that market. It seems to be the Mustang or jump all the way up to the Lifeline style.
The problem here is Florida is that you really have a hard time tolerating a big life vest without literally getting heat exhaustion in the summer.

[plasterer tim]

Basically what do you value your life at?

My brother died at less than 80mph with an inferior hutchwilco jacket (didnt have adequate rib cage protection) i for one could have done with out the heart ache of burying him,

a reputable jacket like lifeline or record costs more tha 100 bucks for a reason, just my experiences if you blokes cant see the value maybe you should ask your families to throw in for next birthday and remember the helmet too

[plasterer tim]

Just reading backwards again and saw sue posted that she spent the $ to buy a lifeline, she has seen the worst of this go fast world, thats my point we dont realise how quick or how hard these things bite
tim

[john lamon]

Reynolds Marine carries the Mercury jackets for $79.00, Just went up $10.00. Doesnt look to bad for just a day of cruizing. Has leg straps and neck collar. Loop for kill switch also. I think Im gonna get a couple for my passengers.
http://i39.tinypic.com/1zqa90k.jpg

I bought two of these exact jackets from my merc dealer back in 01', I found them very comfortable and they are still in good shape but I went to the same dealer in 07' to try and by a couple more and he said they were discontinued so I would think that if some one is selling them still they are either a knock off or really old stock.

[Mr. Demeanor]

Basically what do you value your life at?

My brother died at less than 80mph with an inferior hutchwilco jacket (didnt have adequate rib cage protection) i for one could have done with out the heart ache of burying him,

a reputable jacket like lifeline or record costs more tha 100 bucks for a reason, just my experiences if you blokes cant see the value maybe you should ask your families to throw in for next birthday and remember the helmet too

I just wanted to throw out info on what I found that appears to be a good option for some people depending on their performance and budget.
If I take my wife for a dinner cruise then we dont need and I wouldnt want to be wearing a full race life jacket but this looks better than a ski vest. Being CG approved it would also make a good backup/guest jacket that will keep you legal. I can see where they have their place. The best life jacket is the one that gets worn. Its all personal decision and I respect that. You had a horrible experience and I respect that as well.

If anyone is looking for a used Lifeline medium size there is one on Ebay right now for $250.
http://cgi.ebay.com/LIFELINE-RACING-LIFE-JACKET-SIZE-MED-40-to-42-VGC_W0QQitemZ320468109098QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_2?hash=item4a9d63472a

[twogees]

^you can buy a brand new one that up to date and personally sized , for 40 dollars more direct from lifeline.

I dont think any one carries those merc jackets anymore.
anything that has to do w/ safety, i dont think i would buy the "knock off" version. just my 2c.

[1 Tuff 69]

I have some pretty tight seats in my boat and the life line 160 starter fits me very comfortably , give them your measurements and purchase 1 , I have no problem wearing it every time I go out , I plan to order another for my wife, I'd like to get 1 for my dog too , wouldn't that be cool !

[plasterer tim]

Thats not as funny as it seems if lifeline put their logo on a dog jacket id get one for my mutt, she already has the fugglies
(eye goggles designed for dogs), she loves cruisin sittin in the passengers seat tongue out

[twogees]

^^yea we have some too:D!...we call em doggles:p