discharge of inflatable PFD while stored

[dbowling]

Have had 2 of the cheap ones do it, girl friend was wearing one sitting down when one went off, scared the crap out of her.. she wont wear the inflatable ones now

["G"]

There are two types of automatic inflation that I know about.

One being a water soluble pill that will allow for inflation. These are the ones that generally inflate prematurely due to humidity and/or heat. These are usually the cheaper version also.

The second being a hydrostatic release that relies on the pressure of water to activate. These models are less likely to activate prematurely, but usually more expensive. If you go with this type, be sure to check the activation depth, because you don’t want one that takes a lot to activate. Some of the commercial life raft releases require ~3 feet. I think most life jackets activate at less than 6”.

What he said.....there are two different kinds of auto inflation systems....so be sure before you buy.