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Sailing is generally more physically demanding than regular boating, and, as such, there’s a higher risk that you’ll end up in the water at some point.
Raising and lowering jibs in a small, shallow craft isn’t the easiest situation in which to keep your balance! Bearing this in mind, if you’re looking to start sailing, rather than simple boating, your needs from a life jacket will be slightly different.
Sailing calls for lightweight life vests that are easy to move around in. Warmth also becomes very important, as there’s usually no “below decks” on a sailboat – it’s just you and your jib against the elements.
Have a look at our helpful reviews, and pick the life jacket that’s best for you and your next adventure.
Best Life Jacket for Sailing: Reviews
#5 – Flowt-AK1
Flowt-AK1 offers a basic use life jacket that is Coast Guard approved, and high visibility. This life vest will automatically place the wearer on their back should they land face down in the water.
However, the sizing does run very small, and it is uncomfortable to wear, and therefore is not ideal for the very physical demands of sailing.
Pros
- Automatically places wearer on their back
Cons
- Very small sizing
- Uncomfortable
Who Is It For?
Given the issues with comfort and fit, this is really best described as a “just in case” jacket for older children or very small adults who won’t be expected to take much of a role in the handling of a sailboat.
Value For Money?
For what it is, this life vest is a little pricey. There are more comfortable models available at similar prices that will fit a range of adult sizes, and allow for the necessary range of movement needed to man a sailboat effectively.
- Country Of Origin : China
- The Package Height Of The Product Is 3 Inches
- The Package Length Of The Product Is 21 Inches
Last update on 2022-10-31 at 04:57 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
#4 – Onyx General Purpose Boating Vest
Onyx General Purpose Boating Vest is a very cheap, very basic nylon life jacket which would suit the occasional vacation sailor. This life vest is not Coast Guard approved, and is somewhat uncomfortable to wear.
However, it is cheap enough that you could purchase it as a just in case item for a vacation, and not feel too bad if it didn’t get used.
Pros
- Cheap
Cons
- Not Coast Guard approved
- Uncomfortable
Who Is It For?
This life jacket is definitely more a vacation purchase than anything else. It’s cheap enough that it doesn’t really matter if it doesn’t get used.
Value For Money?
While this life vest is cheap, there are better options available that are still within most peoples’ idea of affordable.
- Adjustable belts and chest strap to keep vest from riding up
- Lightweight durable flotation foam
- Large armholes for comfort
Last update on 2021-12-26 at 16:31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
#3 – Onyx Absolute Outdoor
While this life vest is Coast Guard approved, it is really only suitable for calm waters, and would not be a safe or comfortable fit for larger adults.
This jacket will automatically rotate the wearer onto their back should they fall face down in the water, although it does rise very close to the neck, which can be uncomfortable if you are attempting to swim back to your boat. The sizing also runs slightly small.
Pros
- Automatically rotates wearer onto back
- Coast Guard approved
Cons
- Uncomfortable to wear
- Sizes run small
- Suitable for calm waters only
Who Is It For?
This is an ideal life vest for the recreational sailor who is mostly sailing on large lakes, or inshore waters.
Value For Money?
If inshore sailing is very much your thing, this may be a good investment. However, if you are looking to be a bit more adventurous, you would be better off investing in a different life jacket which is suitable for all water types.
- Durable fabric resists tears and punctures
- Inflates with manual movement of T-cord or automatically upon immersion in water
- Lightweight, comfortable, slender design keeps you cool in warm weather
Last update on 2021-12-22 at 17:08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
#2 – Mustang Survival Lil’ Legends
While this is a child’s life jacket, Mustang’s Survival range also includes adult sizes with the same specifications. If you have the opportunity to teach your child to sail, you should definitely do so, and so we didn’t want to leave the younger sailors out in these reviews.
The Lil’ Legends life vest is suitable for older children and young teenagers.
This life vest includes a prominent, heavy-duty grab strap, to effect a quick and easy rescue. The back panel includes a unique cooling channel, to help maintain body temperature in hot weather, or during the often fast-paced activity associated with manning a sailboat.
There is also a head rest, to keep the child’s head out of the water.
The Mustang is somewhat bulky, although not uncomfortable, and it is worth being aware that this bulk does mean the sizes run small.
Pros
- Heavy-duty grab strap
- Cooling channels at back
- Head rest keeps head above water
Cons
- Bulky
- Sizes run small
Who Is It For?
This life jacket is ideal for older children who will be taking a full and active role in handling sailboats.
Value For Money?
If you have a young person who isn’t yet big enough to comfortably fit an adult life vest, but who still takes adult-level responsibility for handling sailboats, this life vest is definitely worth the money.
- Fits infants weighing up to 30 lbs. (14 kg)
- Best-in-class safety performance
- Cooling-channeled interior back panel
Last update on 2021-12-26 at 16:31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
#1 – Lifesaving Pro Inflatable Belt Pack
The Lifesaving Pro is a belt-design, waist level life protector, which keeps the arms entirely free. This is ideally suited to the demands of sailing.
The belt pack includes a whistle, to attract attention should you go overboard, and reflective bands to attach to the belt, in order to increase visibility.
This life belt comes in a range of bright, hi-vis colors, so there’ll be something for everyone. It is SOLAS approved, and fully adjustable. As an added bonus, there are even zippered storage compartments!
Pros
- Arms are completely free and unrestricted
- Worn around the waist, so you’ll never be bothered by bulkiness
- SOLAS approved
- High visibility
- Storage pockets
Cons
- Doesn’t offer much warmth – but that’s what jumpers and oilskins are for, right?
Who Is It For?
This life belt is perfect for dedicated sailors and yachtsmen (and women) who want to be safe on the water, but don’t want to be weighed down, or risk having a life jacket ride up around their neck while they’re trying to swim back to their boat.
Value For Money?
A mid-price life belt, this more than pays for itself in convenience and ease of wear, especially if you’re a regular sailor, or involved in competitive sailing, where being able to move freely can really matter.
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Final Decision?
For practicality and comfort, we’d say definitely go with the Lifesaving Pro Belt Pack – but make sure you wrap up warm if the water or the weather looks like it might call for it!
What does SOLAS mean?
SOLAS stands for Safety Of Life At Sea, and is an international convention governing safety standards of and for maritime vessels, including merchant maritime vessels. It is generally considered to be the most important international treaty of its kind.