Hi all,

I would like to get a minimal low profile buoyancy aid hopefully in a form fitting neoprene to replace my kayak life vest and ease getting on and off the trapeze hook. Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance,

James
Hobie 17+
F25C+

I don't have a personal recommendation, but I was also researching life vests recently and found the following good article specifically on low-profile life vests (more Euro style, not USCG approved). It's a bit dated since 2012, but based on what I saw in online stores, I think the models are still largely what you'd find in the market. One vest I know they're missing is the Forward Sailing vest (generally similar to Zhik in design I believe, but typically somewhat more affordable) which you can find on Murrays - sold as an "impact protection" vest since it complies with Euro regs but not with USCG.

Dinghy Pfd article: http://www.sailingworld.com/gear/battle-better-pfd

I ended up going with a kayak vest since I was optimizing for large pockets.

I've never looked into neoprene vests though - I'm sure someone else has better advice there.

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I-20
Sausalito



Edited by southstars2012 on Jan 31, 2017 - 06:49 AM.

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SL
Nacra Inter 20 (sold)
2017 Race to Alaska "Team Ketch me if u can"
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamKetch/
- Race video highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTWp4DP0VcA
Sausalito CA
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Its not neoprene fit, but it lasts and lasts on my sailing years.
Plenty of buoyancy, really sturdy, strong and very comfortable.



Saved my butt several times.
Very affordable, must be available in the US somewhere.

edit; its called the Helly Hansen Rider vest

Grtz, André



Edited by catmodding on Feb 01, 2017 - 11:26 PM.

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Tornado (80's Reg White)
Prindle 18-2 (sold)
Dart 16 (hired and hooked)
13 mtr steel cutter (sold)
Etap 22, unsinkable sailing pocket cruiser.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Ive use the stohlquist rocker and it's never gotten in my way. I like that my arms are super free moving so when I am waving them around like a propeller for extra thrust the vest doesn't get in my way. I'm tall and lean as far as fit goes.

I have a Spinlock, It's not USCG approved. It works well. I carry an approved spare for formality's sake.
Here is an example.

http://www.p2marine.com/c…X3hpKP8tECFZqCswodB3YClQ

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'82 Super Cat 15
Hull #315
Virginia
Previously owned: '70 H14, '79 H16, '68 Sailmaster 26, '85 H14T
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i use the west marine Medalist $69.99
it's probably not the best for on and off the wire - i simply unzip mine but leave the waist attachment

I really like the products NRS makes. They are a little more pricy but have good sized pockets and are made really well. Made for paddling but are very comfortable when sailing. See this link http://www.nrs.com.

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Scott
ARC 21
Prindle 18
Annapolis, Maryland
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I am a big fan of my zhik BA. and it works well with the T2 harness.