We run the black Stearns Trophy series 4185 vests. They are OK. Basicly a nice vest with leg straps.
I believe you can get them with the Mercury logo as well.
I got mine through Boaters World. They will have to call their special order dept to get them.
Black is hot and the collars are somewhat irritating because they are so high on the neck and don't stay folded down at speed. The straps stow nicely.
We wear them running from place to place but they get shucked off quick when we come off plane. Did I mention they are hot?
We only run 60 but always wear the vests on plane.


Jim

Yes, there are no CG approval id's on Lifelines...(at least not on mine). I have had at least a dozen over the years, including a Parachute version. I have flipped, barrel rolled, and tested them with my life.......(see below for instance)

I honestly have no idea what they cost me....and I don't care.

T2x

Well I appreciate all of the options that you guys gave me. I'm sorry for offending the others. Hope you guys all have a fun, safe weekend.

Do they float you face up or face down....?

Minor but perhaps important detail when you are unconscious....

Lifelines should be tested and sent back for adjustment if they don't.

T2x

As far as coast guard approval, I don't think A-N fittings are approved either.
Thought I read that somewhere, but it's the internet, and you can't believe anything; and everyone posting is an expert:rolleyes:.

Just be glad that someones asking about life vests, instead of how to properly stock the cooler.

If you are wearing the lifelines then most likely you won't get hassled. If they are stored then you may as well have the cheap ones.

I have only been stopped once and we were all wearing them (lifelines) so that was not an issue, And they went over every inch of the boat ,the only problem i had was that the flares were out of date :(
From what i understand the reason they are not CG approved is that it takes to long to put them on. you have a zipper/leg straps/chest strap/ lower D ring. The ones that are approved normally have a couple of straps and thats it. ( they probably figure you not going to put them on until there is already a problem)
When i bought mine i got six, since i usually don't have more then 6 peeps in the boat when i run in the ocean, that way i don't have to decide who's life is worth more.

I can just imagine the lawsuit from someone about how come you gave so and so a lifeline and the other person a cheap one when you know that the lifeline is safer.

Thanks.

It all depends on the individual. Mine will turn me face up but someone with different body proportions it may not.
Its important to try out your jackets while swimming to see.
When I was taking my STCW95 water survival training there were a few guys in the class that a Type 1 offshore PFD would not float face up.
I see your point and agree that Lifelines are the best on the market. Eventually we will buy Lifelines for the "hell runs". If we keep the boat.
Unfortunately due to the fuel costs we don't run fast much. We mostly anchor out and cruise. I run around 40 from place to place.
I feel safe wearing a Stearns PFD on the lake and take pride that I make all my passengers ,including the wife and our dog wear PFD's while on plane at the lake.
In the winter when the water temp is way down we wear fishing vests at all times on the water. We run the fish boat year round. Hypothermia is a b**ch
I totally respect your opinion and accept it as fact on fast boats.
Jim

Does Mustang have leg straps for the suspenders? If so I'll have to get them.

Mustang has seperate leg straps that fit all of their inflatables, but I'm not sure on their other designs. Call them or email them. Most rescue teams use Mustang vests because of their design and safety features. Their high-end vest do float you face up if adjusted correctly. I believe the Coast Guard rescue teams use Mustang Type1 rescue vests (not positive).