Can anyone recommend a good cat sailing life vest? I'm tired of my old vest blocking my harness hook, riding up in my face and catching on trapeeze wires. Price isn't an issue. Thanks

I can't give you a particular model to choose from but I do have a suggestion. I had the same problem and solved that by wearing my pfd under my harness. I have clear access to the trapeze connect plate and still feel enough freedom of movement to be comfortable.

Sheldon
P-18

Another comfortable option is to try one of the inflatable "horse collars" They are used by professional fishermen and some deckhands... You can find them at Bass Pro Shop or other good sporting goods store. They inflate with the pull of a ripcord that activates a co2 cartrige. Another option is a Body Glove water ski vest, they are solid neoprene, cut large in the arm openings for freedom of movement,they fit snug so they don't ride up, very comfortable, and reasonably priced at Sam's Wholesale Club...

I use the crewsaver Max lifejacket that is obviously designed for trapezing as it sits fairly high and it never gets in the way of my hook. Check out the link

http://www.crewsaver.co.uk/crewsaver/webpages/50n_buoyancyaids.htm#

any kayaking lifejacket is designed to keep the boyancy high to allow paddlers to be able to put on their skirts.

That being said, I have an extrasport with a neoprene shoulder straps and my gf has a Lotus. We both love ours.

Any sailboat/ kyaking dealer with have lifejackets that are cut high. Murrays.com, teamonenewport.com, www.coliesail.com, etc etc all have many options. Almost all dinghy racers use lifejackets that are cut high and work well with trap harnesses.
I would not reccomend the inflatable kind, many big boat sailors use them (it's better than no jacket at all), but if you get knocked unconscious you are s.o.l. they make ones that inflate when they are in water but they are $$.

Hit a local dive / paddling store and try some on. I have an MTI vest that sits about 2" above my belly button when seated. The downside is the wierd zipper placement.

A few things to look for:
1. UV resistance
2. Adjustable shoulders
3. Large arm holes
3. Utility pockets
4. Center entry zipper (much easier to use).

Extrasport, MTI and Lotus all make nice designs.

I've been using the Lotus for several years, and I wear it under my trap harness. Works great!

This is the new offering from Hobie Cat USA for 2004. This is a Kayak paddle vest. As mentioned above, they are perfect for cat sailing. High waisted. Will run $85.00

I have a Lotus I really like, also an Extrasport, and an MTI of different sizes for guests or crew. The Hobie looks good. I bet Rick White could hook you up with a good one too!