What kind of safety equipment do you wear?

**Raceman** · 01-18-2002, 05:55 PM

This question assumes riding in a high performance boat.

**T-REX** · 01-18-2002, 08:34 PM

Racebote alwayz warrents the racejacket and helment, even just on break-in, and for sho testing...Tha REX I don't wear a helment(unless it's raining or cold), but I do wear a jacket if running more than a cruise(40mph or so)...Flat boat, I set on the jacket...softer than that seat...I always wear a jacket, helment, and really like oxygen when riding wit dem "super driverz", even in a bass bote wit a SLOMC...REX

View Profile · 01-18-2002, 09:06 PM

Can you use motorcycle helmets or are they dangerous under water?

My trusty Arai F1 (full face) has been with me through thousands of miles and many a 150 mph blast on bikes. Just wondering if I can use that on a boat.... someday

I have one of those SOS automatic self inflating vests. Great for fishing, but I never fish anymore, anyone interested in one? $175

-BL

**Raceman** · 01-19-2002, 08:44 AM

only 22 votes out of 128 looks????? C'mon guys vote, the liberals are gonna want a re count.

BK · 01-19-2002, 11:21 AM

I've always worn a jacket in any boat, pleasure or go-fast, it doesn't matter. I think it started as a habit. My parents didnt know how to swim - but wouldn't wear a jacket, even though we went boating all the time. I figured if our boat ever sank or capsized, at least I'd be floating and maybe able to find them.

When I started racing, I always wore the full gear - helmet/jacket/kill switch/long pants and long sleeves. Mostly because of rules, but 90% because of the experience of witnessing bad things and trying to prevent the same.

I've had two weird mechanical failures (1 steering failure, 1 engine bracket failure) happen to me at relatively moderate speeds (65 or so) causing my boat to flip or hook and snap roll. So, despite how "careful" you are, these surprises can pop up when you least expect them, and the results can be violent. (And painful)

Helmet restraints weren't available back, then but if I could have I would have had them on. As it was, I ended up with some neck injuries that bother me to this day.

In both cases, I wore a full-face Bell Star LTD helmet, and my mascara didn't even smudge!

BK

**David_L6** · 01-19-2002, 08:02 PM

T-Rex's post pretty much matches what I do.

I've added a .357 to the list of required equipment when getting in a high performance bass boat (unless I'm driving). Seems like these nuts around here get a kick out of scaring me, because they always gotta try to show me how fast the things will run in the narrowest and curviest parts of the river (lake, bayou, etc). and/or in the roughest water.

David
L-6

**Kiwi Dave** · 01-20-2002, 02:58 AM

Have always worn a vest and no one gets in for a ride without one on.

No jacket - no ride

A lot of my boating is done in the ocean so most of the time the shores beyond swimming distance.

When I'm racing its full gear, helmet etc and I also wear a shortie wetsuit underneath in case I have to dive in to help another racer.

Dave

**Techno** · 01-20-2002, 03:41 AM

I found out that my jacket is fine for wearing all the time.
Helmet goes on- over about 60.
Don't have a set for the passenger yet.

BL, You can use a cycle helmet for boats. You should get the D-rings for the restaint web so you can wear that too. They just pop rivet on.

**us1** · 01-20-2002, 09:24 AM

I don’t see “ I like to drive naked “ , so what am I suppose too pick?

**Raceman** · 01-20-2002, 09:54 AM

You're exempt John. Yo stuff ain't fast enought to be dangerous.
Hmmm, I guess you could get run over though, you better suit up too.

BK · 01-20-2002, 11:32 AM

Now we know why John uses such a dark canopy windshield.

**Ron V** · 01-20-2002, 11:33 AM

I agree with you david! Myself and a few other guys get together early on weekend mornings to run the local river, and it seems like it is always the bass boaters who pull the boneheaded stunts. They are the ones who are always doing 70 around a blind hairpin bend in the river, coming right at you when you least expect it. Some of the guys I run with are good for 100 mph and they have far more brains and courtesy in the high traffic areas and blind spots than the bass boaters do!

**Mark75H** · 01-20-2002, 12:53 PM

Motorcycle helmets are the only helmets you should consider for boating use. 2 reasons. They are the only ones tested for exposure to water and the only ones tested for exposure to fuel. I guess the guys at Snell think car drivers are smart enough to keep their heads out of gas tanks and motorcycle riders aren't.

Or maybe its the possibility of spilling your drink on your motorcycle helmet?

View Profile · 01-20-2002, 01:39 PM

Cool! Thanks guys! I'm sure you all know when you get a helmet that fits right and has been with you through so much, you feel 10X more confident when you strap it on.

Now who makes the best vests? I need to pick one up.

-BL

**fasteddie** · 01-20-2002, 03:35 PM

nothing, but the kids wear jackets at all times.
When it gets serious I always put on a race jacket.
Helmet I probably don't wear as often as I should but when I do I prefer an open face, I just feel that upon a feet first entry a full face could really do some damage.