PFD Opinions

[Billy]

Im going to BPS tomorrow and buy one. There have been 6 people in the last 3 days that have died from cold water around here. Ive pretty much decided on a manual vest but wanted some opinions and what kind is the most favored by some of you guys. Thanks Billy

[rockmike]

Mustang Hydrostatic

[LBM]

When you say manual you are assuming that when you enter the water that you will be conscious and able to pull and inflate the pfd and in all likelyhood you will but what if!

[Billy]

Yeah I thought about that but have read on here that a lot of people have had the auto ones go off out of the blue and was trying to keep that from happening. Not much good to you if that happens but good point. Billy

[LBM]

Don't think I would want it on in a rain storm. I had mine in a compartment for some time and had really never used it and the other day I went to take it out to use on another boat and discovered that it had inflated. I rearmed it and finally used it the first time over my heavy winter garb and discovered its very comfortable to wear. Guess now I'll just carry it in the truck until I get to the lake and put it on.

[PanMan_VA]

I have both manual and automatic. I wear a Mustang manual PFD. SOSpenders is also a very good brand.

I was just thinking this morning that I need to check the expiration date on the CO2 cartridges. I think it is time to replace them. By the way I always my PFD when I'm on the boat.

[Billy]

I have both manual and automatic. I wear a Mustang manual PFD. SOSpenders is also a very good brand.

I was just thinking this morning that I need to check the expiration date on the CO2 cartridges. I think it is time to replace them. By the way I always my PFD when I'm on the boat.

Is that something the Warden would check like flare expiration date? Thanks Billy

[rcfillingham]

You should also have a pfd on while launching and recovering your boat. 2 years ago a gentleman drowned while launching his boat here in huntsville. It is speculated that he fell and struck his head while launching his boat. Just 2 weeks ago, I slipped and fell while launching on guntersville, came very close to striking my head on trailer rail. My wife happened to be with me and helped me up, but 95% of the time I am fishing alone. From now on I will be putting my Mustang on before launching and not removing it untill boat is out of the water. Be safe please!!!!
RC Fillingham

[PanMan_VA]

Is that something the Warden would check like flare expiration date? Thanks Billy

They have never checked the date on the cartridge but there is always the first time.

[rockmike]

I've got the auto sospenders that I wore for years. I had them inflate twice---once when I left it in the boat during an overnight rain, and once when I left it in a hot truck. I now wear the Mustang hydrostatic and I haven't had any problems. I find them to be comfortable to wear, and cheap insurance for an old, clumsy, fat man.