Crewsaver Marine Safety & Clothing at Sailboats.co.uk

For over 60 years, Crewsaver has been the definitive name in marine safety, providing sailors with the confidence to push their limits on the water. As a trusted supplier to the RNLI and emergency services globally, Crewsaver combines life-saving technology with ergonomic design. At Sailboats.co.uk, we stock an extensive range of Crewsaver’s dinghy-focused gear, from their industry-leading buoyancy aids and lifejackets to durable drysuits and footwear.

  • Why Choose Crewsaver?

    Crewsaver is not just about meeting safety standards; it is about exceeding them with equipment that feels as good as it performs.

    • Unrivaled Safety Heritage: With a history of supplying the RNLI and Olympic teams, Crewsaver equipment is developed in collaboration with those who face the most extreme conditions, ensuring your gear is battle-proven and reliable.
    • Fusion 3D Technology: Many Crewsaver lifejackets and buoyancy aids feature Fusion 3D sculpting, a unique design process that moulds the foam or bladder to the shape of your body for superior comfort and unrestricted movement.
    • Complete Protection Solutions: From the Atacama drysuit range to lightweight 50N buoyancy aids, Crewsaver offers a cohesive system of protection that keeps you warm, dry, and buoyant without the bulk of traditional safety gear.
    • Innovative Airway Protection: High-end Crewsaver lifejackets, such as the ErgoFit range, utilise advanced bladder geometry and the unique Halo hood system to keep your airways clear of water significantly better than standard market alternatives.

  • Why Buy Crewsaver from Sailboats.co.uk?

    Your safety equipment is the most important purchase you will make. We ensure you get the right product with the support to match.

    • Lifejacket Servicing Expertise: We don't just sell the jackets; we understand the maintenance they require. We stock a comprehensive range of re-arming kits and spares to keep your inflation systems valid and operational year after year.
    • Curated Dinghy Range: We specifically select Crewsaver items that suit the high-agility demands of dinghy sailing, avoiding heavy yachting gear in favour of lightweight, high-cut buoyancy aids that allow for easy hiking and trapezing.
    • Expert Fit Guidance: A drysuit or buoyancy aid only works if it fits correctly. Our experienced team can help guide you through Crewsaver’s sizing charts to ensure your latex seals are tight and your lifejacket sits correctly on your chest.
    • Fast & Reliable Shipping: Safety gear is often a last-minute realisation before a trip. We offer rapid dispatch options to ensure your replacement gas canister, boots, or buoyancy aid arrives in time for your next launch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between a buoyancy aid and a lifejacket?

A buoyancy aid (50N) is designed to help a conscious swimmer stay afloat and is standard for dinghy sailing where rescue is close by. A lifejacket (150N+) will physically turn an unconscious person onto their back to keep their airway clear and is better suited for coastal or offshore sailing.

How often should I service my Crewsaver lifejacket?

Crewsaver recommends a professional service every year, especially for auto-inflate models. However, you should visually inspect your jacket before every trip and check that the gas cylinder has not been pierced and the firing bobbin is within its expiry date.

How do I care for my Crewsaver drysuit?

Rinse your drysuit with fresh water after every use to remove salt crystals. Lubricate the zippers with a beeswax stick or specific zip lube to keep them running smoothly, and dust latex seals with talcum powder to prevent them from becoming sticky or degrading during storage.

Which re-arming kit do I need for my lifejacket?

This depends on the specific model and inflation system (e.g., UML Pro Sensor, Hammar, or Manual). You should check the information printed on the firing head inside your lifejacket cover. We list the compatible cylinder weight (e.g., 33g, 38g) and head type clearly on our product pages.

Are Crewsaver boots suitable for hiking?

Yes, Crewsaver dinghy boots are designed with reinforced hiking zones on the upper foot to provide protection and grip under toe straps. They also feature high-grip soles to ensure stability on wet, non-skid surfaces and trapeze gunwales.

More Info

General Brand & Selection

1. I know Crewsaver for lifejackets, but is their dinghy clothing good?

Absolutely. Crewsaver has leveraged their safety expertise to create some of the most durable and reliable dinghy gear on the market. Their footwear and drysuits are particularly highly rated by sailing schools and club racers because they prioritize durability and waterproofing over flashy, unnecessary features. If you want gear that lasts season after season, Crewsaver is a top choice.

2. What is the difference between the Crewsaver 'Atacama Sport' and 'Atacama Pro' drysuits?

Both are excellent 3-layer breathable drysuits, but the Pro has higher-spec features:

  • Atacama Sport: The entry-level model. It has a front entry zip and basic fabric socks. Great for general club sailing.
  • Atacama Pro: The advanced model. It features a tougher Cordura-reinforced seat and knee area for longevity, plus a more ergonomic fit. It typically comes with higher breathability ratings, making it better for high-activity racing.

3. Should I buy Crewsaver zipped or non-zipped sailing boots?

This is a matter of preference and fit.

  • Zipped Boots: Easier to put on and take off, especially if you have high arches or wide feet.
  • Non-Zipped (Pull-on): Often preferred by hikers (Laser/ILCA sailors) because there is no zip slider to press into the top of your foot when hiking hard. They also have one less component that can fail or seize up with salt.

Sizing & Fit

4. How do Crewsaver boots fit compared to normal shoe sizes?

Crewsaver boots are generally true to size, but they are designed to be snug to prevent water from pooling inside. If you plan to wear thick thermal socks or drysuit socks inside them, we strongly recommend sizing up by one size. If you are a UK 9 and wear a drysuit, buy a UK 10 boot.

5. My Crewsaver drysuit neck seal is too tight. Can I cut it?

Yes, Crewsaver drysuits typically come with Glideskin neoprene neck and cuff seals. If the neck is uncomfortably tight, you can trim it.
How to do it: There are usually concentric rings marked on the inside of the seal. Cut carefully along one ring at a time using sharp scissors, removing only a few millimeters. Try it on after every cut. Warning: Once cut, it cannot be undone, so go slowly!

6. What size gloves should I buy?

Crewsaver gloves (like the Short Finger or Three Season gloves) fit similarly to other major brands. Measure the width of your palm (excluding the thumb).

  • XS: 6-7cm
  • S: 7-8cm
  • M: 8-9cm
  • L: 9-10cm
  • XL: 10-11cm
If you are on the border, go for the larger size for comfort.

Maintenance & Usage

7. What should I wear under my Crewsaver drysuit?

A drysuit provides no thermal insulation on its own; it only keeps you dry. You must wear a thermal fleece under-suit (like the Crewsaver Stratum) or thermal base layers (leggings and top). In winter, layer up! In summer, a thin wicking layer is enough to stop the suit sticking to your skin.

8. How do I wash my Crewsaver dinghy boots?

Sailing boots can start to smell if left damp.

  1. Rinse them with fresh water inside and out after every sail.
  2. Occasionally wash them by hand in a bucket of warm water with a mild detergent or wetsuit shampoo.
  3. Crucial: Dry them naturally away from direct heat (radiators). Stuffing them with newspaper helps absorb moisture from the inside.

9. My drysuit zip is stiff. What should I do?

Crewsaver drysuits use flexible YKK Aquaseal zips. These need lubrication to stay waterproof and easy to move. Use a beeswax stick or specific zip lube (often provided with the suit) on the teeth. Run the slider back and forth to distribute it. Never force the zip if it is stuck; check for sand or grit first.

10. Are the knees reinforced on Crewsaver wetsuits and drysuits?

Yes. Durability is a core value for Crewsaver. Most of their small boat range features reinforced panels on the knees and seat (often using high-denier nylon or Cordura). This protects the waterproof fabric from abrasion against non-slip decks, which is the most common cause of leaks in cheaper suits.