Thread: PFD

I use an inflatable PFD in my canoes (a 10' solo and a 17' Grumman). I have both kinds - a manual and an automatic. I use the manual in my canoes or when in my belly-boat and the automatic in my "bigger" boats (a 10' jon and a 16' bass boat). I use the manual because I am more likely to intentionally go for a swim in my canoes than in my aluminum boats.

Doesn't matter as long as you wear it while in the yak. I've got some "designed" for fishing from a yak, and I've got the smaller horseshoe shaped ones that MUST be worn to be legal in a regular boat, and these are very comfy, light and small, I have the cabelas 2500 series. The "yak" pfd's I have are comfy but can be a bit hot during the summer months, have a couple pockets for stuff and are designed for use in a yak. Try 'em on and see which one you like best, but just wear it.

I just got some chinese made one off of Amazon for about $50. Hope it works! hahaha - it's one of those lite thin horse-collar types with an auto inflator. I'll leave it for now - but next summer when it's warmer - I'll check it out in the pool to make sure it does inflate. I'll just need a couple back up CO2 canisters. But it's about half the cost of the ones at the big-box stores.

Originally Posted by Rooster Tail

I am new at kayaking I have a regular boat with an inflatable PDF can I use that one or do I need to get a different kind

Just my 2 cents. A big thing for me when kayak fishing is having all the basics right on my person; not having to fumble around looking for them. That is why I bought a NRS Chinook (2nd choice would have been Stohlquist Fisherman). My NRS is packed with stuff like scissors, pliers, extra line, jigs, a jar of gulp minnows, a few clip on bobbers (well I guess you get the point). If I want to get on the water fast I just grab paddle, rod and PFD... These are well worth the money IMO. They are much for than flotation.

http://www.austinkayak.com/products/...acket-PFD.html
http://www.austinkayak.com/products/...-Closeout.html

Ok, my two cents...I don't trust the auto inflators. Especially in cold weather. I've watched videos where they either didn't inflate or half way inflated. I own both an auto and the Chinook. I always choose the Chinook unless its 80 degrees and five fow.

As I understand it. If your PFD deploys for whatever reason, then it is considered useless until it is recharged. As in a game warden can ticket you unless you have another. I keep a regular one with me and wear the inflatable.

Originally Posted by "D"

As I understand it. If your PFD deploys for whatever reason, then it is considered useless until it is recharged. As in a game warden can ticket you unless you have another. I keep a regular one with me and wear the inflatable.

If it inflates you still have a life vest until you deflate it. I have bought many different vest and I still pick the auto inflatable. The Chinook does look to be a good chore, may order one to see if I like it better. Being safe, you can't put a price on so don't let prices be the reason to pick one over the other. A recharge kit will cost 20 to $30 bucks, it takes more than just the CO2.

Hey SH, mine deflated a lot quicker than I thought it should. I don't mean right after it inflated, but within a day on its own. Maybe I should get a new one. I been wearing my other one anyway, and leaving my inflatable in a super size ziploc bag.