Inflatable PFD’s

I would like very much to see comments and/or recommendations on inflatable PFD’s. Are they as good as the manufacturers’ claims?

Thanks,
Charlie R.

I use a mustang at work and a sos suspenders for fishing, I like them both, the mustang has a better collar for long wear. my sos suspenders are shorter in length so if you are sitting alot, it dont get all bound up. also remember a inflatable pfd is only good in the eyes of the law if you are wearing it. it says so on the inside of each of the inflatable pfd. otherewise expect a ticket unless you have other pfds in the boat. Just my too cents, but they are a god sent in hot weather.

MiniGrub

CHRarick,

First off, I don’t own a inflatable pdf…although I like to. Seldom am I in my boat without a pdf on. I went to Cabelas a year or so ago to get an inflaitable. The sales man told me that:

The should be inspected before each outing for rips or holes (for obviouse reasons) which requires blowing them up either by mouth or using the co2.
The water activation “button” needs to be replaced every year, more frequently if in a high humidity area. I think MN would qualify for that.

And lastly they were a little rough around the neck…(he felt)

I’m sure they’ve improve since then, but I thought you may want to consider this before dropping a wad. They sure look like the way to go!

I have a manual “Sterns Inflatable Belt” which I have worn for over a year. I do not like any kind of life jacket that has foam in the back area as it forces me to sit in an awkward position that makes my back muscles ache. This is a very light weight comfortable belt that has improved my fishing pleasure more that any other item I have ever bought – that is how much I like it.

Dave Gulczinski

I have the “sos spenders” or what ever they are called, I love it, I haven’t had to use it, and I also chose to get the user activated ones, I guess I was just a bit leary of the automatic ones, and yeah I know who will activate mine if I hit my head I got a heck of a deal on mine too, I bet you can find them in the $70 range if you look hard enough. I find it comfortable to wear, and it doesn’t get in the way, some of the best money I’ve spent for fishing gear IMO.

Funny I’ve never heard anything about them not being a valid preserver if not worn…. Seems to make some sense, but anyone have any more info on this?????

For the sake of discussion, Overstock.com has been selling the camo sport version for $50 plus $3 shipping.

Charlie

The directions and most of the ads say Type 4 with Type 3 performance. You have to look the Types of PFD’s up in a boat rules book.

There is many differant ways of not being able to pull the cord. Seizures, too drunk to use a bar stool for a walker…and of course hitting your head. Something is better than nothing and because most people believe it’s not going to happen to them…they don’t think about “what if it does…

In reference to having to wear them to be valid, this was taken from the MN boating regulations…

Inflatable Life Jackets — NEW! Although inflatable

PFDs have been available for many years,

the U.S. Coast Guard only recently granted approval

for several makes and models of inflatable PFDs.

The inflatable PFD has the advantage of being very

comfortable and easy to wear. Once inflated, the

flotation is equal to or greater than traditional life

jackets. Inflatables are not intended for use on personal

watercraft, by children, or while water skiing

or similar sports. Before purchasing, make sure that

“U.S. Coast Guard Approved” is visible somewhere

on the package or on the device itself.

So that doesn’t help much if any

This was taken from a type-V description….

Type V — Special Use

Devices. These are designed

and approved for restricted

uses such as a sailboarding

harness, duck hunting flotation

coveralls, or a whitewater

rafting vest. This type of flotation

device is restricted to the

particular activity for which it

was designed. The label will indicate

any restrictions that apply

to the particular device. Some

Type Vs such as the “Hybrid PFD”

must be worn to be counted in

the total number of PFDs on

board your boat.

Long story short, I guess I have to look at mine to know for sure.

Thanks for bringing this up.

Thanks for your input. I bought one because I thought it would eliminate some excuses for not wearing a jacket all the time. Because of the “ifs”, maybe I should wear two.
Thanks again to all.

Charlie.