Spinlock Deckvest 6D & Ocean Signal rescueMe PLB1 combined for Solo Sailing

In this video I test inflate the Spinlock Deckvest 6D and mount an Ocean Signal rescueMe PLB1 to it in order to find out if this combination works for solo sailing.
Spinlock Deckvest 6D Servicing Guide (with packing instructions): • SPINLOCK | Deckvest 6D...
For more info about the boat visit www.syvsover.net/
0:00 Intro
0:17 Why a PLB in a lifevest?
1:23 Unpacking and test inflating the lifejacket
2:11 Attaching the PLB to the lifejacket
4:19 Packing the lifejacket with the PLB attached
5:34 Test inflation with PLB attached
6:08 Outro

[@PhilbyFavourites]

5:03 which is why with my 6D and my PLB1 the PLB1 sits in a separate Spinlock pouch on the waistband. What that does give me is the freedom to take the PLB1 with me if I am on a larger vessel where we don’t use lifejackets except for deck work in poor weather. It’s great to have it fitted as you show, but I do think outside of the life jacket gives more flexibility of use. Certainly in my commercial world where I may work on differing vessels who may have already supplied lifejackets for me.
Certainly an informative video 👍🏻👍🏻

[@anothermac4479]

I have 2 PLB for this reason. Fitting on LJ is essential imho.

[@harbourdogNL]

Very informative, thank you!

[@pauldwit459]

Many thanks for your review, it has helped me choose both vest and PLB option

[@SailingSyvsover]

Glad I could help

[@lifesailinc-lsi1120]

gut gemacht

[@SailingwithMaury]

Was considering this approach in a vest I am about to buy but realize I will be carrying plb with me on the dingy when I would not be having the vest so plb needs to stay in a removable waist pack for more flexibility such as when snorkeling.

[@charleshorseman55]

Very cool, I would say however that the moisture (and microbes) from your breath may diminish the shelf life of that jacket after testing. Perhaps better to use compressed air for testing.

[@SailingSyvsover]

Thanks for the tip! Will do that the next time. Before servicing it I try anyways if the gas cylinder in there would have worked.

[@sailingorzu]

Interesting video. As an occasional solo sailor i am considering buying a PLB and hesitate between the Ocean signal you tested in this video or an ACR one which is larger in size.
Any downsides with the Ocean Signal? Thanks

[@SailingSyvsover]

I have not yet discovered any downsides with the Ocean Signal rescueMe PLB1. Luckily I didn't have to use it yet :-). For me the size was a deciding factor. I really only use it in the life jacket, so it needed to fit in there ... Other than that, seems sturdy and the test function worked. There is really not much to the device itself.

[@sailingorzu]

@@SailingSyvsover thanks !

[@joeljazwiecki3864]

I have one of each, the antennae is much nicer on the Ocean signal as it pulls out and winds in. The ACR antennae keeps popping out while attached to my vest... very annoying.

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

My PLB is attached with paracord. I wouldn't trust that bracket and elastic piece. My Spinlock has a small outer pocket which fits the PLB perfectly. Being a belt and suspenders guy, I also have a MOB transmitter fastened in the same manner inside.

[@clidiere]

I find that there is too little thinking in the integration of these safety devices within lifevests. You'd think that Spinlock, considering how much more they charge, would make a much better job than the other guys. (I have a Spinlock Deckvest LITE, and I also own some Plastimos)

[@SailingSyvsover]

I totally agree. In this example it is a very tight fit. They could have added a little bit more fabric to make it easier or provide maybe an outside pocket for the PLB? I don't know. They have the AIS Mob1 specifically designed for it. Due to its form it is probably an easier fit. But no alternative for me since isn't a full fledged PLB ...