Why don't people like wearing lifejackets? That was the question Spinlock started with when they designed the Deckvest. The feedback they got was that they are uncomfortable, restrictive, and they chafe. So the Deckvest set out to eliminate these drawbacks.
It was designed primarily for the racing market, where freedom of movement is number one priority, but the result, an ultra compact lifejacket with integral harness, which can be adjusted to fit closely so that it does not snag, and is quick and easy to put on and adjust, as well as comfortable to wear, should appeal equally to cruisers.
There's lots to like about the Deckvest, beyond the fact that it looks “cool” and comes in this year's fashionable black colour scheme! Perhaps the best thing is the shaped back, with an adjustable strap which pulls the “collar” of the lifejacket clear of the neck and eliminates the chafe that is probably the number one cause of reluctance to wear lifejackets.
Comfort is a high priority of the Deckvest: where the standard lifejacket is definitely “2D”, designed to fold flat, with flat nylon webbing to hold it in place, the Spinlock product is 3D in shape, tailored for comfort in cushioned fabric, and mesh lined to avoid sweatiness. The ergonomic shape suits female anatomy as well as flat male chests.
Stainless steel buckles easily adjust and secure the harness firmly. And it's a simple matter to readjust when you decide to take off your jacket, say. In fact it's so easy to readjust that it wouldn't really matter if, in the heat of abandoning ship, crew members picked up the wrong one.
Another major plus of the jacket is that there are no clunky stainless steel buckles and tether attachments sticking out. The front opening “2T” fastener fits flush, and there's a webbing loop to attach the dog lead. This, says Spinlock, has the strength of steel but with significantly less weight and no “metal to metal noise” when clipped on. Furthermore, there's nothing to scratch the varnish down below! I find this particularly useful when working at the chart table.
Another welcome feature is that instead of the hated (but necessary) crotch straps, this harness is fitted with thigh straps, along the lines of the deck harnesses worn by racing bowmen. They're actually more comfortable, and more convenient, as well as doing the job at least as well.
So yes, on style points, the Deckvest has everything to recommend it. And it scores just as highly on safety. The automatically inflated bladder (150 Newtons) has an interlock design which prevents channelling of water into the face.
It is fitted with the latest United Moulders Mark 5i gas inflator, which is said to inhibit accidental inflation in humid or heavy weather. And unlike many lifejackets on the market, the Deckvest comes with SOLAS approved flashing light and CE approved spray hood as standard, not as optional extras. The spray hood, and the neoprene cover of the Deckvest are both fitted with reflective strips for extra visibility.
The Deckvest is available in three sizes: 1 (small), 2 (medium or large) and 3 (large and extra large) but in fact it's so adjustable that size 2 will fit almost anybody. It comes complete with a mesh bag to stow it tidily and hang it up when not in use, with big white spaces on both bag and Deckvest for the owner/wearer's name or crew number. The recommended retail price is £199 including VAT.
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The Spinlock Deckvest is far from the cheapest lifejacket/harness combination around, but it has enough advantages in terms of comfort, fit and safety to justify the extra cost.
If its ergonomic design and sleek styling help people to get over their aversion to wearing lifejackets, and it saves lives as a result, then it will seem a very good bargain. I'm an enthusiastic convert.
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For more information visit www.spinlock.co.uk
