What life jackets are people running at high speeds?

[resqu-u]

I use an SRP with leg straps, neck support, and impact panels in the sides.. If you come out you want the most protection possible. Flying Coast Guard search and rescue for the last 11 years has proven time and again that being over prepared is better than being under! Keep a comfy one for cruising with the family and put the protection on when your gonna get in it. It's money well spent on Lifeline or SRP.

[Markus]

Lifeline + helmet

Saved my life once.

[rgsauger]

I will be getting ballistic shorts this year as well. And ones that fit over "Depends" for my passengers.

LOL!!!Classic!!!

[rgsauger]

I use an SRP with leg straps, neck support, and impact panels in the sides.. If you come out you want the most protection possible. Flying Coast Guard search and rescue for the last 11 years has proven time and again that being over prepared is better than being under! Keep a comfy one for cruising with the family and put the protection on when your gonna get in it. It's money well spent on Lifeline or SRP.

Point taken! Thanks.

[mariawhitetrash]

I don't know if you can get them in the US but I use a Hutchwilco Race jacket, and I have another for my passenger. They have collars that buckle around your thighs to hold the jacket down instead of nut crusher straps, a built in back support, and are fully UIM certified for offshore racing. I also wear a Bell karting helmet that I had painted pearlescent orange, because landing badly and hitting my head scares the crap out of me! We have to wear both when racing, but I'm yet to drive my boat at all without them, not worth the risk. I'm not usually a health and safety kind of guy, but it helps encourage you to wear it when it looks cool! haha

[Mr. Demeanor]

On a more budget conscious level for every day boating, still being rated for 100mph, and being CG approved, Mustang Survival has some offerings. The SAR series also is impact rated.
http://www.leisurepro.com/1/4/mustan...sar-vest-large

I have the Accel 100 which is also rated for 100mph. I know one of our members has the same jacket and added leg straps to it.
http://www.amazon.com/Mustang-Surviv.../dp/B0076ICYT4

Just remember to carry a CG approved jacket in the boat if you are using a Life Line. They are not CG approved even though they are superior jackets. You could get a ticket for just having one of those.

[rev.ronnie]

Just remember to carry a CG approved jacket in the boat if you are using a Life Line. They are not CG approved even though they are superior jackets. You could get a ticket for just having one of those.

One of the guys out here challanged that in court up here and won. He got the ticket and the fought it.

I wouldn't waste the time though. Easier to carry an extra. You're required to have a "throwable" too.

[pointer]

Had a surprise this past summer - not boating but waterskiing. My wife and kids had bought me a brand name neoprene ski vest for fathers day. Had a chance to try it out in July - at about 34 MPH on a 60' rope. First time I had skied in a few years and sometimes my brain forgets how old my body is. I was cutting harder than I should have been (at least in the first 10 mins....) and lost my edge crossing the wake. The landing by all accounts was spectacular, arms, legs and spray. When I finally surfaced the zipper on that fancy jacket had unzipped down to the waist buckle. I expected better from the jacket and admission for the next one from the spectators.
I was probably doing mid 40s. Food for thought.

pointer

[mach351]

If my boat gets on plane, my lifeline is on. We are all the same...may say "I'm just going to take it easy" but if someone pulls up next to you, you're not gunna say "hey let's stop so I can put my jacket on" your gunna floor it.

[2.5_stoker]

If my boat gets on plane, my lifeline is on. We are all the same...may say "I'm just going to take it easy" but if someone pulls up next to you, you're not gunna say "hey let's stop so I can put my jacket on" your gunna floor it.

wheres the "like" button when ya need it...im guilty of not wearing a jacket all of the time and have come into this exact situation...

[transomstand]

If my boat gets on plane, my lifeline is on. We are all the same...may say "I'm just going to take it easy" but if someone pulls up next to you, you're not gunna say "hey let's stop so I can put my jacket on" your gunna floor it.

Words to live by

[Sonik]

I bought the 160 sport vests initially as they were more "affordable" than the 170......(not that I'm trying to put a price on my safety but we all have our financial limitations). The 160's are a great entry level jacket with leg straps and neck flotation, and aren't as uncomfortable as the 170 (important to me early on....at the time since I was only running ~80mph). BUT, I will be buying a 170 this year as the power/mph have both increased and, naturally, want the best jacket I can get my hands on.

I agree with Machs statement as well.....my jacket goes on no matter how hot, miserable, or distracted I am.....whether its just a cruise or top end rip. I make the wife do the same and she openly hates it...but understands the need. As has been said already......it does no good unless its strapped to you if/when you need it.

[rockyone]

Tell us about your trip to Key West- Hope you had a good time!

[200valeroyt]

Only running low 90's, but i always wear lifeline jacket because I know what my intentions are before leaving. I've also been wearing the helmet more often, may look rediculous at times, but it definetly calms the wind down. And safer of course.

[Mr. Demeanor]

Only running low 90's, but i always wear lifeline jacket because I know what my intentions are before leaving. I've also been wearing the helmet more often, may look rediculous at times, but it definetly calms the wind down. And safer of course.

Helmets and ear plugs will GREATLY reduce your fatigue after a long day of running fast.