Auto Inflatable Life Jackets?

[Wannabe...]

Just wanted to point out that most manufactureres of auto inflate PFDs that use the pill type actuators recommend replacing the arming device at least every three years. Mustang - the hydrostatic model - I think recommends every 5 years.

Personally, in a high boat speed situation - say over 30 mph, I wouldn't trust the auto inflates. I've heard occasions where people fell overboard and it did not inflate either from failure, or lack of maintenance by the user. If I were to use the auto, I'd go with the Mustang hydrostatic models, but they get up there in price mighty quick.

Also, someone mentioned that the law varies by state on whether you had to have it on. I thought, and I may be wrong, that all auto/manual inflates were USCG type IIIs, which are required to be worn to be counted. I think - and again I may be wrong - that MS follows the USCG rules on PFDs and I would assume all states do as well.

My problem is that I put one on before I crank the outboard, but never wear one when I'm fishing. I've thought many times with cold water (which is only 70 and below) that if I were to go in by myself, I'd have some real problems made even worse if I wasn't wearing a pfd. I really should get at least a manual to keep on me at all times and put a ladder on the big boat at least and maybe that rope system for the little boat mentioned above. And you should too. If your family is like mine, they're counting on you to come home every time you go out. And for pete's sake, attach your kill switch when you run the O/B.

Wannabe..

[Deral]

Mornin' Crappie Slinger,
As far as the “inflatable suspenders” type of pfd’s are concerned, there are basically three types:
1. Hydrostatic - - Inflates automatically when submerged; tends to be the most expensive.
2. Automatic - - Inflates automatically when “wet enough”! This can include rain, spilled drinks, or bow waves if you are canoeing or kayaking.
3. Manual - - Inflates only by a manual pull cord. Quite popular because these tend to be the least expensive, but from strictly a personal point of view, these are not a wise choice! If you are knocked unconscious, who’s going to pull it for you?

To my knowledge, all of them, or at least the one’s I’ve seen, have a manual pull cord.

For what one person’s opinion is worth, if you want to save money, save it on the accessories, gadgets, and toys for your boat.
When it comes to the PFD, find one that is comfortable for you, ( if it is not comfortable, you will be too tempted to not wear it) and IGNORE the price tag! As many different priced PFD’s that I’ve looked at over the past few months, I never saw a one that costs as much as a funeral!
Deral

[FisherMike]

Fishhawk.

If your not going to reuse yours. How about giving me a good deal on it.

By the way. I have two regular PFD for very small children I'll give to someone if they need them. I'll take pics a little later and post them on the swap meet section.

[Crappie Slinger]

I want to say THANKS to everyone for all the replies and helpful information. It's great to have a place such as this forum to take advantage of and share in so much experience and knowledge!

Thanks again!:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[FisherMike]

I just ran across this article and thought it may be a benefit.

http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/082000c.htm

[plantdr]

Guess I am just careless or keep my pull type in too tight a compartment. Mine has pulled and popped 3x in 4 years. Now I just use a regular vest.

[slabjigger]

I have two automatics. Both of mine have inflated while in the storage box. Some of that is probably my fault because the inside of the box got damp when I put a wet rope inside. The autos have a spring and pen held back by a dissolving substance and when that substance gets wet, bang. When they, do inflate, some of the reload kits are expensive. I reloaded mine to be just a pull cord.

SJ

[Supracerxtreme]

just out of curiosity, have anyone had one inflate on them while it rained?

[luvjign]

Just wondering, since my auto model did a suprise inflate, does anybody know if the auto model can be re-armed as a manual model? Seems like the autos have a reliability problem. Has anybody ever heard of the manual version self-inflating under any conditions? I've misplaced the owner's manual, and after the suprise episode, I just put it up in storage.......might consider re-arming as a manual model.