Thread: Wear Em

I wear mine all the time. Old style jacket. Can't swim and I don't trust the inflatable ones.

A rip of the cap to you for looking out for others..and you are right everyone ease wear your off they aren't that uncomfortable...

I know everything I read when doing research was not to trust the inflatable ones to buy and use a regular life jacket at all times. Now keep in mind that was kayak research which your more likely to go swimming and boat might be different but why chance it. There are some fairly comfortable regular life jackets now that will ALWAYS work. The new jacket I have is way more comfortable and cooler then the old bass pro jacket and has areas for storage and clippers, phone, safety whistle, knife, etc...
Ask yourself this....if you were unconscious and thrown into water would you want a normal life jacket that will always work or one that needs something to happen before working?

Whatever your choice, please always wear a pfd of some kind!

SuperDave, there is some debate about automatics failing to deploy although not sure about documented cases other than one. Friend in Arkansas was thrown out at close to 70 mph and his didn’t deploy, he was lucky to survive. I wear a standard vest while behind the wheel and leave it attached to the kill lanyard at all times. As soon as I stop and stand up immediately put on an auto inflatable before stepping to the front deck. Not sure that works for everyone but it’s how I feel best. The standard gives me more confidence in case of an ejection while on plane. The problem with an inflatable you frankly don’t know if it works or not until you need it. To me an equally important part of this whole thing is using a kill lanyard religiously. Have no data but would bet there is more drownings from people falling over while the outboard is running than when it isn’t.

Powerful personal story there!

At least you where there to help. And I'm glad there are fisherman like you willing to help. I always wear my vest. I've had friends that didn't, and it taught me I'd better. Thanks!

Not trying to sound silly but I put one on my dog to, never know when they decide to jump up on the deck at full seed. Not sure I could get him out of the water without those handles on top

Me too Red Ranger