WEST MARINE
Offshore Automatic Inflatable Life Vests

Comments about West Marine Offshore Automatic Inflatable Life Vests:

I'm a big guy and it's a little snug, especially over foulies. Personal problem I know...
I really liked the small zipper pocket for a "C-light" and glad I didn't buy the square personal strobe- doubt it would have fit.

Comments about West Marine Offshore Automatic Inflatable Life Vests:

I've been sailing for several years. I wear this product every time I go out on the water. I barely notice that I'm even wearing it.

Comments about West Marine Offshore Automatic Inflatable Life Vests:

These inflatable PFDs are so comfortable on the water that there is never an excuse not to wear them. I decided to go top of the line after the 2 man overboard deaths in the Chicago to Mackinac race this week. Overall, decent product but there are 3 major things:I got it home and put it on. I have a 51 inch chest, and this thing is about 51.2 inches. There's no way its going on top of my foul weather gear. Would it kill ya to add 2 more inches of nylon to the thing? Next, there is no whistle. Its a [$] vest and doesn't have a $2.00 whistle in its pocket?! A whistle and light helped save 6 of 8 lives this week. Finally, the chest harness is not USCG approved, so be sure you understand the risks you take when you hook yourself to a jackline. The warnings on this harness make you think about choosing something with leg straps.

Service and delivery comments:

The folks at West Marine are great. Overall, I like the company, the people, and the shopping experience. They bring some great products at good prices. They support their communities better than almost any other marine company I've seen.

I routinely trust their products with my life.

Comments about West Marine Offshore Automatic Inflatable Life Vests:

This PFD is comfortable but the window is not very sturdy. During the first day we used these at work the plastic see through window tore. If you are going to use it for pleasure it is probably fine but not if you are working with it on. Of the four that we bought one of the rearming boxes malfunctioned and went red. We were never able to rearm it and had to get a replacement. At least it went red though!!

Comments about West Marine Offshore Automatic Inflatable Life Vests:

I'm so very happy with my vest, it's so comfortable I some times forget to take it off until I get home.
I'm 78 years old and feel safer knowing that if I were to have a medical emergency ( Heart Attack or Faint)or just a boating mishap the vest would save the day. Please keep in mind when we get older that it's always best to have a buddy with you.

Comments about West Marine Offshore Automatic Inflatable Life Vests:

We use these all the time when sailing both inshore and off-shore. We have the vests with the built-in safety harness and they work great with the West Marine safety laynard when single-handed. Haven't gone over the side in an actual incident but the peace of mind definately helps.

Comments about West Marine Offshore Automatic Inflatable Life Vests:

Looks like a well built life vest. I hope that I never need to use it!

Comments about West Marine Offshore Automatic Inflatable Life Vests:

Very comfortable fit. Easy to adjust. Doesn't take up much space for storage. Feel safe without having bulky traditional vest on.

Comments about West Marine Offshore Automatic Inflatable Life Vests:

It used to be difficult to insist on the children aboard to have to wear lifejackets when the adults go without. With a comfortable inflatable PDF, this became less of a problem. My adult crew now set an example by wearing a PFD all the time and the children cannot complain about us being unfair to them.

Besides complying with the law, everyone aboard is safer, and the captain is more relaxed!