Carver Owners Forum

So after reading the article about the boat fire, it said everyone had their life jackets on. Good to hear, but then I got to thinking about where we store our jackets and how accessible they are or are not. Where do you store your life jackets? How accessible are they in the event of an incident?

We just replaced ours with West Marine auto inflatable ones and wear them all the time. They are very comfortable and don't get in the way. They're equipped for harnesses also. We used to sail. Jim

I store them in a closet, but I bring out the appropriate number when I start the engines. They are located in easy to reach spots, depending on where the crew is located. They are required to keep the PFD's close to them if they move around. I usually have a 4 pk in cases on the bridge and in the cockpit, tops unzipped. Remember, the inflatable harness type are comfortable, but require the wearer to keep themselves above waterline. They also do not count towards PFD number requirement, unless they are being worn. er

We always have a couple on the Bridge and have the 4-pack on the aft deck sitting under the grill. I have a forward closet that it full of various kid sizes because you never know what size you need when guests bring their kids.

In the USA, it's a requirement that they be "immediately accessible". They can't be stored below decks or anywhere you can't grab it quickly. It's ok to be in the zippered case on deck but even then some will grumble about it.

We keep our vests in the main locker on the bridge. They are the self inflating type, comfortable to wear, and accessible immediately. That being said we never wear them unless conditions dictate otherwise which has not happened yet. They are mandatory when going through the Seaway locks so we do wear the 2 times a year for about 10 minutes each time.

We have the remainder under the forward bed which is easily accessed as it is hinged. 4 standard run of the mill vests. There are no laws stating they need to be easily accessed that I know of in Canada. I have had many CG inspections over the years and this was never brought up. They really just want to see if they are CG approved and you have enough on board for all.

It is usually just my wife and I or maybe another couple a few times a year.

I am pretty conservative since I had a go fast boat with no lights, hit me at night. That was 5 years ago. Smacked my head and knocked me out for a few minutes. Boat sank. The water woke me up as it was up to my waist. Was really happy to see that jacket floating almost next to me. I no longer cruise at night. er

We always have 3 vests on the bridge hanging over the table when cruising.Another 6 downstairs in closet that will come out with guests which wasn't too often this year due to covid restrictions.

Cooler wrote:Source of the post I am pretty conservative since I had a go fast boat with no lights, hit me at night. That was 5 years ago. Smacked my head and knocked me out for a few minutes. Boat sank. The water woke me up as it was up to my waist. Was really happy to see that jacket floating almost next to me. I no longer cruise at night. er

Thats pretty scary. Always idiots out on the water.

Our jackets just need to be "available " its usually just 2 of us andthe other jackets are stored and the jetski jackets are usually laying on the bench seat in front of the helm .

Good discussion...things can go very bad quite quickly