13 Best Sailing Lifejackets 2025
After living aboard our sailboat for 5 years, we’ve put together a list of the best sailing life jackets on the market, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Don’t let safety take a back seat – read on to find out more!
When it comes to sailing, the last thing you want to worry about is your safety. One of the top ways to stay safe onboard is to wear a decent life jacket at all times. They should be a standard piece of sailing gear and you should always have one serviced and ready to wear, along with a few spares for any crew you take on board.
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The trouble is, how do you know which sailing life jacket to opt for when there’s such a huge choice out there?
When we first bought Hot Chocolate she came with a whole host of life vests, from the foam ones you get given on tourist boat trips to proper automatic ones. We began extensive research into the best life jackets for sailing and learned so much about different features, and about the best life jackets for proper ocean sailing.
We’re no experts when it comes to safety at sea, but we’re pretty invested in keeping ourselves safe on the water so we’ve taken the time to find out all we can about sailing life vests. Obviously, we would always advise you to do your own research too, but here are our top picks to get you started!
Quick guide to the best sailing life jackets for adults and kids
- Best life jackets for coastal sailing
- Best PFDs for offshore use
- Best sailing life jackets for kids
- How to choose a sailing life jacket
- What is the best life jacket brand?
- Automatic or manual?
- Can you survive in the ocean with a life jacket?
Best sailing lifejackets for coastal sailing and cruising 150-180N
The best PFDs for coastal sailing are light, and comfortable and you can afford to spend a little less money on them compared to offshore lifejackets. Most coastal lifejackets won’t come with a light or a sprayhood, but we would recommend you add your own just to make sure you’ve got the best chance of survival at sea if the worst happens.
As you’re coastal sailing you will be within easy reach of a rescue boat should you fall in the sea, but you never know how long recovery will take so it’s always better to be prepared for the worst.
Here are our top picks for a coastal life vest.
#1 Spinlock Deckvest Lite
Spinlock are one of the leading brands when it comes to sailing lifejackets. They have a solid reputation and having owned several of their lifejackets we can vouch for the quality.
The Spinlock Deckvest Lite is the perfect coastal and multi-purpose lifejacket. It’s light and comfortable, and you can wear it around the deck without any restrictions.
It has a high visibility bladder when inflated, so if you were in a man overboard situation you would be easier to spot in the water. This lifejacket doesn’t come with a sprayhood or light, but the whistle is easy to find.
This jacket goes on over the head, which is a little unusual. For this reason, some wearers might find it harder to put on and it might be suited to smaller builds.
Pros: Lightweight, comfortable, bright bladder
Cons: No spray hood/light, might be better suited to smaller builds
#2 Mustang Survival Sailing PFD
This is a great life vest for coastal sailing as it’s light and comfortable to wear, and isn’t too bulky when moving around on deck. We love the added stainless steel rings for use with tethers, and the easy clip in and out buckle.
The Mustang Survival lifejacket uses Hydrostatic Inflator Technology (HIT) which means the lifejacket will only inflate once submerged in water. It won’t inflate by accident in heavy spray. This is a useful feature for anyone planning on sailing in heavy weather.
It doesn’t come with a crotch strap which is a shame, so you’ll want to add one of these before using it in any offshore conditions. There is also no light or spray hood included, making it most suitable for coastal cruising only.
Pros: HIT, tether attachments, lightweight
Cons: No crotch strap, no spray hood, no light
#3 Seago Seaguard 165N sailing lifejacket
This sailing PFD is our top budget buy. It’s a really decent lifejacket for not too much money, and the perfect option for coastal cruising. It is one of the most popular lifejackets on the market for a reason and is perfect for those who spend time near the water.
The Seaguard 165N is made from high-quality materials and features a comfortable fit that will make wearing it a breeze. It also comes with a handy front zip pocket, so you can keep essential items close at hand.
Most importantly, the Seaguard 165N offers fantastic safety features, including quick-release buckles, SOLAS-approved reflective tape, and an emergency whistle. With this lifejacket, you can rest assured that you are well-protected in case of an accident.
Although there is no spray hood or light included, there is room in the casing to fit your own. It also has tether attachment points. It is simple but effective, and the perfect little lifejacket for lake sailing or day sails not too far offshore.
Pros: Simple design, budget-friendly, works!
Cons: No spray hood or light included
#4 The Baltic Winner 150N
Looking for a reliable and comfortable lifejacket? Look no further than the Baltic Winner! This lifejacket is perfect for cruisers, with a fleece-lined collar and adjustable waist for a snug and comfortable fit.
The sprayhood will keep you dry in rough weather, and the crotch strap ensures that you stay safe and secure in the event of a fall overboard. We love the stow away for the straps.
With its high-quality construction and rugged design, the Baltic Winner is perfect for staying safe and comfortable on the open water, which is all you can ask for in a lifejacket!
#5 Westmarine Coastal
The Westmarine coastal lifejacket is lightweight and comfortable, and can easily be converted to manual-only inflation if you end up in a heavy sea and at risk of the spray setting off the automatic device.
There is a clear indication window so you’ll know when it’s time to change out the cylinder and the durable nylon shell makes this a long-lasting lifejacket that will just need a service each year to keep in good condition.
#6 Secumar Ultra Series 165N sailing lifejacket
The Secumar Ultra is a lesser-known brand but offers optimal buoyancy to help keep the head above the water. We’ve put it under the coastal cruising section because of its 165N rating, but this lifejacket has a lot of features we would hope to see in an offshore PFD.
It’s lightweight and comfortable, with a fleece-lined neck collar to prevent chafing and encourage frequent use. It’s not too bulky, so you won’t find movement is restricted when moving about the deck.
This lifevest comes with a quick-release harness, so you won’t have to worry about drowning in a man overboard situation when tethered in. It also has crotch straps and an innovative design for taking the jacket off which works just like a normal jacket.
There is no spray hood on this lifejacket so if you are thinking of using it for offshore adventures then you’ll want to fit one. The window in the protective cover lets you see when it’s time to change the cartridge for easy maintenance.
Pros: Lightweight, fleece collar, easy on and off buckle, quick release harness system
Cons: No spray hood
Best PFDs for offshore use
When looking for an offshore lifejacket you’re going to want to do a bit more of a thorough check into what’s included. For offshore sailing, you need a light and a spray hood, alongside the usual comfort features. You should also make sure it comes with leg straps and harness buckles.
This needs to be a tough lifejacket that is well made and up to the task. Stick to well-known, well-regarded brands and be prepared to spend a little more money to get a quality product.
We’ve got some of the best offshore lifejackets on the market detailed below.
#7 Helly Hansen Sailsafe Race 170 Auto lifejacket
The Helly Hansen Sailsafe Race is the perfect lifejacket for offshore use. With its comfortable fit and durable materials, it is ideal for extended wear in challenging conditions.
The Sailsafe Race has a low-profile design that allows you to move freely and comfortably, while still providing the ultimate safety and protection.
The lifejacket is also equipped with a whistle and reflective strips for added safety. It comes with thigh straps and a spray hood too, which in our opinion are essentials in an offshore lifejacket. There is also space for you to add in a PLB which we would always recommend.
The downside to this offshore lifejacket is that the thigh straps are a little difficult to fit. Most of the time this won’t be a problem but might become thicker if you’re trying to fit it quickly or in rough seas. Make sure you have a little practice with it before heading out on a sail!
Whether you are racing or cruising, the Helly Hansen Sailsafe Race is the perfect lifejacket for any offshore adventure.
Pros: Quick inflation, comfortable
Cons: Tricky to fit thigh straps
#8 Crewsaver Crewfit+ 190N pro sailing PFD
The ultimate lifejacket for offshore use. This jacket is designed to keep you safe and comfortable in the most extreme conditions, with a range of features that make it perfect for any situation.
The Crewsaver Crewfit+ 190N Pro is made from the highest quality materials, with a durable outer shell that can withstand the harshest conditions. The lifejacket is also incredibly comfortable to wear, with a soft inner lining that feels great against your skin. The adjustable straps also ensure that you can get a perfect fit, regardless of your body type.
The Crewsaver Crewfit+ 190N pro also features a number of safety features that make it ideal for use in an offshore environment. The bright-coloured bladder ensures that you will be visible in any situation, while the reflective strips add an extra level of safety when you are out on the water.
The large crotch strap also prevents the lifejacket from riding up in rough seas, ensuring that you are always protected, and a spray hood and light are included as standard.
If you are looking for the best lifejacket for offshore use, then look no further than the Crewsaver Crewfit+ 180N pro. This jacket has all the features you need to stay safe and comfortable in any situation, making it the perfect choice for any outdoor adventure.
The plus and minus to this offshore PFD is the anti-unscrew seal feature on the CO2 bottle. It’s a great safety feature, meaning the bottle can’t come unscrewed by accident, but for anyone who flies with their lifejacket, this may become a pain.
Pros: Comfortable, stylish, great for all sailing
Cons: It’s tricky to rearm this lifejacket, and the unscrew feature might be a pain for frequent flyers
#9 Deckvest Vito lifejacket for sailing
This lifejacket is a little on the expensive side, but it is packed with features that make it the perfect choice for those who love spending time on the water. It was developed with Volvo Ocean Race teams so you can be sure it will meet your safety needs!
It has a Hammar hydrostatic inflation system and a bladder-illumination light for extra safety overnight or in low light. The reflective detailing ensures that you will be visible in all conditions, making this lifejacket perfect for all types of offshore sailing.
With a comfortable fit and a sleek design, the Deckvest Vito is perfect for those who want to enjoy their time on the water without compromising on safety. The built-in harness means that you can be assured of a secure fit, while the crotch strap provides extra security. Cleverly the crotch strap can be stored in a back pocket when you aren’t using it.
Some of the more unique features of this lifejacket include the pocket on the back for the spray hood, which reduces bulk around the neck and makes it more comfortable and less restrictive. They have also developed a harness release system that enables you to release your harness in an overboard situation and prevent possible drowning.
Pros: Harness release system, bladder lights, thoughtful design
Cons: Expensive
#10 Spinlock DeckVest 6D
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line lifejacket that will keep you safe and comfortable on your next adventure, look no further than the Spinlock DeckVest 6D.
This lifejacket is packed with features that make it ideal for cruisers, including a high visibility design and a crotch strap to keep it securely in place. Plus, the Spinlock DeckVest 6D comes with a built-in harness that can be easily attached to your boat’s tether system.
This lifejacket comes with a sprayhood and light and has award-winning bladder illumination lights for extra safety during night sails.
As a cruiser, you’ll be wearing this lifejacket a lot, and comfort is a key consideration. The Spinlock Deckvest 6D has been designed with comfort in mind and sits on the shoulders, leaving the neck and waist free for unrestricted movement.
Whether you’re an experienced cruiser or just starting out, the Spinlock DeckVest 6D is the perfect lifejacket for you. With its combination of safety features and comfort, it’s sure to give you peace of mind on the water.
Pros: Packed with innovative features, comfortable
Cons: The price
Best sailing lifejackets for kids
Choosing a lifejacket for kids is perhaps even more tricky than choosing the best sailing lifejacket for yourself. You want to be sure it fits correctly, is comfortable enough not to have too many complaints about wearing it, and most importantly, will do its job when needed!
We’ve got a few suggestions of PFDs that your kids will love wearing, and that will do a great job of keeping them safe in the water.
#10 Kids Safe+ Helly Hansen
Helly Hansen is a popular brand among sailors for a reason. These kids’ lifejackets are extremely well thought out, with an innovative asymmetrical design that helps kids turn to a safe floating position in the water, keeping mouths and noses well clear.
It’s got the most up-to-date ISO 12402-4 flotation certification available, which will give any parent peace of mind.
It’s also made from soft, comfortable foam to encourage children to wear it every time they’re out sailing or on the water. There is a baby version and one designed for older kids too, so just make sure you choose the appropriate lifejacket for their size.
#11 The Mustang Survival Lil’ Legends Child Life Jacket
The MUSTANG SURVIVAL Lil’ Legends Child Life Jacket is a great choice of sailing PFD to keep your child safe on the water.
It has all the features you could possibly want in a child’s lifejacket, including a head pillow, crotch strap, and a grab handle. It is made from super soft fabric to keep your child comfortable at sea and has a ventilated mesh back and wicking liner which is particularly useful if you’re sailing in hot climates.
A really nice touch is the stain-resistant fabric, which will help keep this lifejacket looking smart for longer!
How to choose a sailing life jacket
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a life vest, so it’s important to take the time to think through some of these aspects before diving in and choosing one that might not suit your needs.
What will you use your sailing lifejacket for?
What type of sailing are you doing? Racing? Cruising? How much time are you spending on the water? What kind of weather conditions will you be sailing in? All of these factors will help to determine what type of lifejacket you need.
If you’re heading off across oceans, sailing for long periods of time, or in less than ideal conditions then you’ll need a decent lifejacket with all the bells and whistles. If you stick to inland or coastal sailing then you might opt for a slightly lighter lifevest without as much buoyancy.
Coastal lifejackets are a good all-around choice for most sailors. They have moderate buoyancy and usually come with a few extras like reflective tape and whistle attachments.
Manuel or automatic
There are manual and automatic lifejackets on offer, and each comes with pros and cons. We’ve done a whole section on this as it’s a big decision, so read on to find out more about which to choose.
N numbers
You’ll see an N number on the lifejackets you look at. This stands for newtons and refers to the amount of force the lifejackets can take. 10N is equivalent to 1kg of buoyancy. This will give you an idea of how extreme the lifejackets are considered.
For example, a lifejacket with a 50N rating is suited to use by a person who is a competent swimmer close to the shore, and a level 150N lifejacket will be buoyant enough to turn the wearer onto their back to keep their airways clear, so is far more suited to most types of sailing where the person in the water may be unconscious.
275N lifejackets have the highest buoyancy rating, so will be suited to offshore sailing or sailing in colder climates where the wearer will be dressed in a lot of heavy layers.
Size and fit
Make sure you find a sailing lifejacket that will fit you well and has adjustable straps so you can tailor it to your body. Your lifejacket needs to be snug but not uncomfortable, and it should have leg straps to keep it from slipping over your head when it inflates.
Comfort should also be a consideration when choosing the right sailing lifevest. You need to be able to move easily around the boat while wearing it, and it should feel comfortable to wear for long periods of time. A comfortable lifejacket is one that’s going to be worn, and a lifejacket in a locker is doing no good at all!
Crotch straps
Some lifejackets come with them as standard, others don’t. But why do you even need a crotch strap on your sailing lifejacket?
If you’ve ever worn a lifejacket without one then you’ll know the annoyance of the jacket riding up and covering your face. Not only is this an annoyance, but it could also be pretty dangerous, especially if you were unconscious or in the sea for any length of time.
Extra useful features
Do you need a lifejacket that can accommodate a harness? Our lifejackets have clip-on attachment points for our tethers and we keep them attached at all times so we can clip in quickly and easily whenever we need.
Ocean-safe lifejackets for sailing come with spray hoods, which are a life-saving feature I knew nothing about until I started researching. With bad waves and swell it’s not uncommon for drowning to happen on top of the water. A spray hood will prevent this and is a vital feature on any lifejacket for offshore sailing.
Reflective tape, a whistle, a light, and a manual inflate option are all great features to look out for in a lifejacket for sailing. Every little will help in a man overboard situation.
We read a first-hand account of a MOB situation where the person overboard quickly realised just how important the whistle was, as the boat sailed out of sight. They wished they had familiarised themselves with the lifejacket more thoroughly before needing to use it in anger (read the top tips section for more on this!) so we would recommend you attach a whistle to the lifejacket even if it doesn’t come with one.
With a little bit of research, you can easily find the perfect sailing lifejacket for your needs, and choosing the right type of sailing lifejacket can mean the difference between safety and disaster out on the open water. By considering weight, activity level, and fit, you can select a jacket that will provide maximum protection in case of an emergency.
What is the best sailing lifejacket brand?
There are a lot of different lifejacket brands out there, and it can be tough to decide which one is best for you.
Any reputable sailing brand will make quality lifejackets that have been tested for purpose, but some of the names to look out for when searching for the best sailing lifejacket for you are:
- Helly Hansen
- Spinlock
- Crewsaver
- Mustang
- Seago
Automatic or manual?
Wondering whether to strap on an automatic or manual lifejacket? Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of each type.
Automatic lifejackets are great for people who might find themselves in the water unexpectedly, such as during a boating accident. The jacket will automatically inflate when it comes into contact with water, providing flotation and head support.
However, automatic lifejackets can also be triggered by sweat or spray from waves, so they’re not ideal for swimmers or people engaging in water sports. They’re also more expensive than manual lifejackets.
Manual lifejackets, on the other hand, require the wearer to pull a cord in order to inflate the jacket. This means that they can be more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, and they won’t accidentally inflate while you’re dry.
However, they won’t provide any protection if you’re unconscious or otherwise unable to activate them. For this reason, manual lifejackets are best suited for situations where you’re aware of the risk of getting wet.
For sailors, booms are a common reason for man overboard situations, and the risks of being knocked unconscious are high. It’s for this reason that Adam and I opted for automatic lifejackets. If they go off in bad spray then so be it, we would rather take that risk than the risk of it not inflating while unconscious in the water!
Can you survive in the ocean with a lifejacket?
A lifejacket is an essential piece of safety equipment for anyone spending time near the water. But can it actually help you survive if you find yourself stranded in the middle of the ocean?
The short answer is yes. A lifejacket will keep you afloat and help you to stay warm, both of which are essential for survival.
This being said, you should only rely on a lifejacket for a short period of time. If you find yourself in a man overboard situation you should always try to signal for help, and it’s even handier if you’re wearing a personal locator beacon to aid people coming to your rescue.
It’s also important you’re wearing additional safety gear at sea, such as a decent sailing jacket or even a drysuit for sailing in colder climates.
Remember that a lifejacket is not a guarantee of safety; even with one, you should always exercise caution when near open water.
Conclusion for the best lifejackets for sailing
The best sailing lifejackets are the latest and most innovative models on the market. They have been designed with new safety features that will keep you safe while sailing, even in rough weather conditions.
We’ve looked at some of the top life jackets on the market and what makes them stand out from the rest. With so many options available, we hope this article has helped you narrow down your choices. And if you’re planning a rough passage, then check out our cold weather sailing gear to help keep yourself as safe as possible.
Make sure you follow us on Instagram for up-to-date news of our sailing adventures and check out the rest of our sailing and liveaboard tips and tricks to make life on the water that little bit smoother.
