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The 5 Best Offshore Life Jackets for Sailing

 

What’s the most important piece of equipment that you should have ready for an offshore sailing trip? 

There’s a few contenders; you could say good foul weather gear, a reliable means of calling for help like an EPIRB or perhaps a self steering system for the boat. If I had to choose I’d go with the item I feel is most likely to save your life and allow you to be recovered back onboard if the unthinkable happens; the humble life jacket. 

Since it’s such a vital piece of kit, it’s important that you make a well informed choice when purchasing an offshore life jacket. There’s a number of differences in requirements between coastal sailors and offshore sailors when it comes to lifejackets:

• You’re probably going to be in more exposed, rougher conditions leading to an increased likelihood of going overboard and a more challenging situation to stay afloat in as a man overboard. Greater buoyancy and design which prioritises righting you to the ‘face up’ position are the features to look for here.
• You’re more likely to be sailing in the dark, making lights and reflectors more important.
• You will likely be wearing more clothing and heavier clothing in the form of foul weather gear, layers for warmth, sailing boots etc. than you might wear for coastal sailing. Again, the higher levels of buoyancy are helpful here in counteracting the additional weight.
• You’re going to be wearing it for longer periods, so it’ll have to be comfortable and durable as well.

So we’re looking for a life jacket with a high level of buoyancy, self-righting design, lights and reflectors, comfort and durability. Thankfully, there’s a number of great life jackets on the market from reputable manufacturers that fit this bill. 

 

Let’s dive in and have a look at five of the best offshore life jackets.

 

1. Crewsaver ErgoFit 190N Offshore Life Jacket

 

The ErgoFit 190N life jacket is a 3D moulded construction, designed to weather the elements when out at sea. 

It sports a thin, lightweight design that won’t get in the way or feel bulky. The cut-away profile gives your arms full-mobility, helping you move around freely as you navigate the boat. This is really helpful for wearing the jacket for extended periods while you have to carry out tasks on deck. 

The jacket’s buoyancy is measured at 190N (Newtons). To be honest, this is on the lower end for offshore jackets and might be a better option for lighter sailors, otherwise I would probably recommend checking out the higher buoyancy version below. It will also keep you facing upward even if the unthinkable happens, and you’re unconscious—a vital requirement. 

Once in the water, the automatic inflator expands the jacket rapidly. The quick bladder distribution means you’ll be turned in under 2 seconds (according to Crewsaver), reducing the risk of drowning in case you’re facing downward.

The life jacket features expandable chin support that tilts your head backward gently, helping to keep your airways open and clear for added safety. A great added feature is twin lifting straps to assist your crewmates in pulling you back onboard.

The Ergofit has a light for attracting attention and reflectors both on the body of the jacket and the sprayhood. Essential features for recovery in darkness!

Other standout features include AIS compatibility (additional purchase), side waist adjusters for a snug fit, and a high-vis spray hood.

2. Crewsaver Ergofit 290n Ocean Life Jacket

 

What sets this ErgoFit apart from the one above is it’s significantly increased buoyancy. Since it has a few extra features and greater buoyancy, it’s also a bit bulkier but I’ll happily take that trade-off for the added safety provided.

The jacket is made with the same 3D moulded design, delivering comfort as well as protection. Furthermore, it features a cut-away design that gives you full-mobility, so you won’t feel restricted as you move around the sailboat.

If the vessel were to capsize and you hit the water, the automatic inflator would fill the jacket in seconds. The quick bladder distribution will help to turn you facing up in case you’re unconscious. 

It has a buoyancy of 290N, so it will keep you floating higher in the water. Even if you’re wearing heavy clothing underneath, it should keep you up. What’s more, the integrated chin guard will keep your head tilted back slightly to clear your airways, increasing your chances of survival until help arrives.

There’s a soft loop D-ring on the front of the jacket where you can attach a safety strap. On top of that, the jacket also features a light and hood.

3. Spinlock Deckvest 5D

 

The Spinlock Deckvest 5D is a relatively compact and lightweight life jacket that’s comfortable to wear even for long hours at a time. The ‘Shoulder Fit System’ keeps the vest fitted on your shoulders at all times without it sliding close to your neck or down your arms where it could restrict movements.

The unique Pro Sensor Elite Automatic Inflator will ensure the jacket fills up as soon as it comes in contact with water. It has a water sensitive system, featuring a paper capsule that dissolves in water. Once the paper dissolves, a spring is released to puncture the cylinder.

To prevent the spring from accidentally being released, the cap is designed so that only upwards flowing water can penetrate the capsule. These innovative features make it the best offshore inflatable PFD.

This jacket has a buoyancy of 275N, just slightly less than the ErgoFit above, yet still enough to keep you floating high in the water. 

In case of emergencies, the Pylon is a water-activated LED high-intensity spotlight with a flexible antenna wand that gives you high visibility above water. On top of that, the jacket also includes bladder illumination lights, sprayhood, safety line cutter, and double crotch straps.

 

 

4. Spinlock Deckvest 6D

 

Being the new version of the Deckvest 5D, the 6D comes with many of the same features, such as the Lume On lights, Pylon, enhanced shoulder fit, the same buoyancy (275N), and the automatic inflation system. 

It also comes with a few improved features, including the enhanced hard-wearing coated fabric, larger visor on the hood, and a single-leg strap along with a storage pocket.

Spinlock further improved the firing system rear of the inflatable bladder. There were slight issues with snagging during inflation. However, this new system should effectively reduce that.

Another smart feature of the 6D is the harness release system (HRS). In case you end up dragged by the vessel, the release system should free you in no time. You can find the activation handle right at the front of the vest, behind the soft loop, simply grab and pull it.

 

 

5. Helly Hansen Sailsafe Inflatable Race

 

The more traditional life jackets for water sports are large, bulky, and can reduce movement significantly. However, this life jacket features an ergonomic, flexible design that’s comfortable to wear, whether you’re racing or thoroughly enjoying an offshore voyage.

In addition to that, the patented strap and contoured shape help to distribute the weight evenly, reducing fatigue and improves movement.

It features a hydrostatic automatic inflation system that inflates only when in water; it won’t get triggered by rain or sea spray. The added hood will keep seawater and rain out of your face, while the lights will help rescuers locate you. A whistle would be a nice addition to the vest, but we’re picky here.

Conclusion

Wearing the right life jacket when offshore is essential. In case of an accident, the best offshore life jackets should turn you the right way up to prevent drowning.

When looking for the best life jacket for offshore sailing, consider the jacket’s buoyancy and how it will work for you. For instance, if you’re in colder climates and need to wear heavy clothing, a higher buoyancy will give you better floatation when in the water.