We went to buy some self-inflating life-jackets and got some made by Plastimo. Got them back to the yacht and found that they had no crotch straps. It is generally accepted that lifejackets without crotch straps are dangerous - you can slip out of them, or worse, in a panic situation. So why do companies sell them without straps?

Guess it 'appears' to keep the price low... bit like the advertised price of a car before the extras.

But its not just the crotch strap - don't forget the light, the spray hood and the annual servicing too.

W.

I know so many people that seem to be reluctant to wear the straps anyway (obviously haven't done their sea survival course then) that it probably actively attracts some customers.