Inflatable PFD'S Automatic? Manual? ????

[pescador]

I have a friend that is very concerned, about me NOT wearing a PFD! Yes! I'm old enough to know better, but we are all probably guilty, of not doing this at one time or another.

Anyhow, looking for some suggestions on one of the inflatable's, they sure look a lot more comfortable than the old coast guard type. Not that they aren't good, just bulky and uncomfortable.

Thanks,
pescador

["G"]

I wear a automatic when I fish by myself

[crappiepappa]

What G said, and in the winter. But I wear a manual

[jaxsprat]

What G said, and in the winter. But I wear a manual

Yes started wearing one this year, a bass pro automatic model very comfortable, it has a ring that you can pull to inflate manually,and has the see threw window with that tells you if charged up so all you have to do if DNR stops you is show him the window on front that's it is in working order. Get them when Bass puts them on sale very happy with mine.

[wannabe fisherman]

I wear one weather I'm alone or with 50 people. I don't swim well and if I'm on the water I have it on.

[wicklundrh]

I wear one (an automatic) when I am fishing alone or have my daughter in the boat. I make her wear one but if I don't have one on, what would happen if I fell in?

I buy mine in late fall or winter (from Cabelas). They usually go on sale and you can pick up a good one for $100.00

Also, they used to only count as a flotation device IF you were wearing it. Now, the new coast guard regulations simply list them as a type I,II, Or III device. Obviously, they recommend wearing them however, they do count if they are in a storage hold.
They do however have to have the following:

In addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, an inflatable PFD, including the inflatable components of a hybrid inflatable PFD, must be equipped with:
• Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, a properly armed inflation mechanism, complete with a full inflation medium cartridge and all status indicators showing that the inflation mechanism is properly armed;
• Inflatable chambers that are all capable of holding air;
• Oral inflation tubes that are not blocked, detached, or broken;
• A manual inflation lanyard or lever that is not inaccessible, broken, or missing; and
• Inflator status indicators that are not broken or otherwise non-functional.

[wicklundrh]

Mine also have a zippered pocket and I keep a whistle (attached to the zipper via a lanyard) and a snap light (chem light) in each one.

[scrat]

Question? Besides hooking fish occasionally. I manage to hook other things in the boat (PFD's,rope, cloths, myself, etc.). If a hook stuck in one of these $$$$ auto PFD's would it be ruined or what?

[wicklundrh]

Question? Besides hooking fish occasionally. I manage to hook other things in the boat (PFD's,rope, cloths, myself, etc.). If a hook stuck in one of these $$$$ auto PFD's would it be ruined or what?

A lot of them have a pretty thin outer shell (nylon). That said, the inside bladder is pretty heavy duty. Obviously, nothing is impervious to the occasional error we all make, but I would say you would be safe from an errant hook flying into your vest. More than likely, the barb will get fouled in the outer nylon shell long before it hits the bladder.

CaptainKangaroo might be able to chime in hear as he works in the Marine Industry and I'm sure the vests they wear go through a substantial amount of abuse.

[BulldogBruce]

Last year I finally bought an auto/manual one. I decided my life was worth $90, even though my wife might not. Bass Pro puts their branded one, actually and Onyx, once in awhile for under $90. In matter of fact it is on sale right now during their July 4 sale.

I was always a big motor only guy, but I wear this from the time I launch the boat until I put it on the trailer.