Anyone know of a good survival suit for under $500? We don't need it very often but on overnights from Maine to Cape Cod thought it cheaper and easier to take care of than a liferaft. There don't seem to be many made. Saw one from Guy Cotten called a T.P.S. suit. Thanks for the help.
debc@ziplink.net
Survival Suits
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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mike ritenour
Re: Survival Suits
We won't leave the dock without our suits on LaVida. It appears (by the lack of recreational vessels equipped with same)most boaters have little idea how open water immersion can kill you.
We carry at least two (more as necessary) onboard LaVida. My favorites are our Mustang work coveralls. They have proven their usefullness and long life. I began using them over 15 years ago while working in diving operations in the North Sea.
The mustang is VERY durable, worn by USCG and most oil rig workers and is great for those wet, cold watches, far better than foul weather gear. Down side is your feet and hands are not protected but wetsuit booties work fine along with good quality diving mitts or gloves.
In the beginning the suit is stiff, but as you use it, it gets much more plyable.
I wouldn't sail without it onboard. When not in use it stays rolled up in the abandon ship bag, along with the other survival stuff. They are serious ocean gear and cost around $400.00 USD.
In addition we have helicopter survival suits, which don over your street clothes. They can get expensive, but they offer complete coverage in a dry suit. We found them for $200.00 each in an aviation store.
I do find a lack of product line for small children. Mustang does not make "children's exposure" but do suggest their snow suit line for children as providing the same safety and protection level.
Survival suits always have been a part of my offshore life in my profession and in my pleasure sailing, I wouldn't leave dock without 'em.
Sea U,
Mike
LaVida
cd33
mpr@seascan.com
We carry at least two (more as necessary) onboard LaVida. My favorites are our Mustang work coveralls. They have proven their usefullness and long life. I began using them over 15 years ago while working in diving operations in the North Sea.
The mustang is VERY durable, worn by USCG and most oil rig workers and is great for those wet, cold watches, far better than foul weather gear. Down side is your feet and hands are not protected but wetsuit booties work fine along with good quality diving mitts or gloves.
In the beginning the suit is stiff, but as you use it, it gets much more plyable.
I wouldn't sail without it onboard. When not in use it stays rolled up in the abandon ship bag, along with the other survival stuff. They are serious ocean gear and cost around $400.00 USD.
In addition we have helicopter survival suits, which don over your street clothes. They can get expensive, but they offer complete coverage in a dry suit. We found them for $200.00 each in an aviation store.
I do find a lack of product line for small children. Mustang does not make "children's exposure" but do suggest their snow suit line for children as providing the same safety and protection level.
Survival suits always have been a part of my offshore life in my profession and in my pleasure sailing, I wouldn't leave dock without 'em.
Sea U,
Mike
LaVida
cd33
mpr@seascan.com
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Chris Reinke
Re: Survival Suits
Linda - Sterns makes a cold water immersion suit which is used by my fire department for ice rescue. They require minimal maintenance and I assume they are not very expensive if they get purfchased on our small budget. We have 4 in the department and have them serviced each summer.
Please feel free to give me a call if you would like further details.
Chris Reinke
CD 300 - Innisfail
W 914-697-2548
Please feel free to give me a call if you would like further details.
Chris Reinke
CD 300 - Innisfail
W 914-697-2548
Debbie wrote: Anyone know of a good survival suit for under $500? We don't need it very often but on overnights from Maine to Cape Cod thought it cheaper and easier to take care of than a liferaft. There don't seem to be many made. Saw one from Guy Cotten called a T.P.S. suit. Thanks for the help.
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Keith
Re: Survival Suits
I hate to be a smarta**, but buy a cheaper cut of meat and buy a good survival suit. No one "needs" a survival suit until they "NEED" a survival suit. Safetyboys second rule... Buy the best and pray you don't have to use it. Have you seen that movie "The Perfect Whachamacallit"? Surely I digress.
Stop calling me Shirley...
Keith
ph2ooday@aol.com
Stop calling me Shirley...
Keith
ph2ooday@aol.com