Lifejacket

[Jordan Stevens]

Does anyone have any idea what kind of year hydrostatic (hammer) lifejacket were first introduced?

[John Kennett]

The first one that I remember seeing was in 1999. I think they were quite new on the market, but had probably been around for a bit before then.

[willk]

They were doing recalls in 2002, so I guess a few years before that at least?


They were old hat in 2008 when I bought my first set. I wouldn't use one again personally, BTW.

[Jordan Stevens]

Also does anyone know what company first introduced them?

[georgeirl]

Originally Posted by willk

They were doing recalls in 2002, so I guess a few years before that at least?


They were old hat in 2008 when I bought my first set. I wouldn't use one again personally, BTW.

Why Not?

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Jordan Stevens

Also does anyone know what company first introduced them?

I believe it was Hammar, who pioneered the hydrostatic release used on Liferafts in the 1980's. Essentially its the same technology. I'd guess they were patented and whoever launched it would have been the only person on the market for at least the first decade, which is consistent with Hammar's current market dominant position (if indeed they are not the only people making such a device).

See here: https://patents.google.com/patent/EP0598601A1

[Tim M]

As Poly says, the vast majority of hydrostatic units in lifejackets out there are made by Hammar. However they only make the hydrostatic unit, not the jacket, which is I think is what the chap is asking. A quick email to them might give you an answer. Crewsaver have certainly been doing them for a fair old while.

Like Wilk I wouldn't bother buying one again (bought an expensive Crewsaver model back in 2006) - expensive to buy, and expensive and fiddly to service. I've never had any issues with the old salt/paper tab type.

[BogMonster]

Originally Posted by willk

They were old hat in 2008 when I bought my first set. I wouldn't use one again personally, BTW.

Why? Just curious as I'm thinking of replacing at least the jacket I use (the others have had much less use) and I wasn't thinking of anything other than another Hammar jacket given that they can get quite wet in use.