Buying Life Vests

(billy2603) · (billy2603) **Join Date: Mar 2007** 03-26-2007, 8:35 PM

I just bought my first boat (been bumming off parents and friends for years) and was looking for a good place to find cheap life vests. I am buying two nice ones for riders, but need about four cheaper vests. Any tips (online or in north texas)? Also in need of anchor, lines, bumpers, and all that good stuff.

(johnsvt) · (johnsvt) **Join Date: Dec 2006** 03-26-2007, 8:44 PM

Wal-mart, Sam's club actually will have almost everything you need.

(uofamox) · (uofamox) **Join Date: Feb 2007** 03-26-2007, 8:52 PM

Costco is the way to go! Walmart usually only has Stearns and the are uglier the S%^#

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Productgroup.aspx?Prodid=11134376&whse=BC&topnav=& browse=

(hbskier) · (hbskier) **Join Date: Dec 2005** 03-26-2007, 9:43 PM

Sam's Club currently carries O'Brien,
Costco is carrying HO.
>$38 adult
>$30 youth-child

Can't beat the price and you get a brand name (regardless of where they are manufactured - in respect to the standard soft lines).

(hbskier) · (hbskier) **Join Date: Dec 2005** 03-26-2007, 9:48 PM

My info is primarily for in store distribution. Some Costco store managers use a lot of freedom to achieve their own efficient assortment. Expect a mix of Kidder stuff to show up on Costco's website as they flow through Jobe inventory. Kidder of course, is a resurected brand.

If you need a slew of vests and don't have a Costco membership it's worth joining to get those Jobe's @ $29!

(Message edited by hbskier on March 26, 2007)

(billy2603) · (billy2603) **Join Date: Mar 2007** 03-27-2007, 9:08 PM

Great info. When it comes to sizing: I've got a couple friends that are ~240lbs (yes, free ballast). What size life vest is that? XL, XXL, XXXL??? Any help from the big boys?

(johnsvt) · (johnsvt) **Join Date: Dec 2006** 03-27-2007, 9:20 PM

240 is probably going to need xxl.

(evil0ne) · (evil0ne) **Join Date: Sep 2006** 03-27-2007, 9:21 PM

Depends on what kind of 240. 5'8"? or 6'6"? I'm guessing most likely XL with the possibility of XXL.

(billy2603) · (billy2603) **Join Date: Mar 2007** 03-27-2007, 9:24 PM

6'-6'2" mostly

(mobv) · (mobv) **Join Date: Jun 2002** 03-28-2007, 4:19 AM

If your just looking for vest to make you legal buy a "6 pack" of the orange vest for around $30. I saw them at Boaters World last year, haven't been in this spring.

(hbskier) · (hbskier) **Join Date: Dec 2005** 03-28-2007, 6:13 PM

I'm 6'3" and 235 and wear an XL - HO from Costco ;)

(hawk22) · (hawk22) **Join Date: Jul 2006** 03-28-2007, 6:42 PM

I thought the Jobe from Costco was kinda small. I'm 5'9" 200 and the Large is pretty snug. I'd order an XL for myself, I'd say XXL for the even larger folk.

(masterxstar) · (masterxstar) **Join Date: Jun 2005** 03-28-2007, 6:44 PM

yard sales !!!