Since he’s almost 80 and suffering the effects of muscular dystrophy on his body, I won’t let dad in the boat without wearing a life jacket at all times. I want to get one that is as unobtrusive as possible. I was looking at the inflatables but am wondering if that would be best.
Any feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jeff
I would think the inflatables would be a good choice. Sure like mine. There are manual and automatic inflatables. Automatic for me figuring that if I do end up in the drink it is either going to be extremely cold or Im injured. Either one in not a good situation to be trying to locate the pull cord.
Auto inflate is the way to go Jeff.
I look at the cord as something I’m going to pull when I know I’m going to have to jump in and I’ll bet a two dollar bill that I’m not going to know when I’m about to get wet.
There is some maintenance cost with the auto inflates, but $18. a year is well worth the comfort that comes along with them.
Auto inflatables would be the way to go 
I love mine 
Okay, inflatable it is…
Now, if they get wet in the rain, do they inflate?
Which brand do you suggest?
Quote:
Now, if they get wet in the rain, do they inflate?
Nope, not the newer ones.
I use the Mustang brand, talk to Wade at Jolly Ann Marine that is where I got mine
Jeff, the first time I was in rain with mine I was with Wade and his Dad. It poured the 10 miles back to Everts. I had visions of POP, POP! POP! DAMN!
Didn’t happen.
Brian,
i have worn my auto inflate vest for three years and love it. i have never done any maintenance to it. it’s been in many rain storms but never in the drink. what do i need to do to it?
thanks,
scott
Quote:
I’ll bet a two dollar bill that
OMG ~ Was your name Kathleen Koeller in another life? My grandmother would start every 3rd sentence with that phrase 
I’m not sure what type you have, but all CG approved vests should have maintenance instruction sewn into the vest.
If for some reason you can’t find yours, visit their website. It should be there and as a last resort email the manufacturer.
Here’s from the Float Tech site:
ANNUALLY – Perform the following at the beginning of each boating
season, after inflation, or whenever the integrity of the inflatable PFD is in
doubt:
i) Complete a thorough visually examination of the Inflatable PFD per
section IX – Inspection, on page 17.
ii) Perform the Oral Inflation Valve Test in section XIII.2.ii above.
iii) Perform the Leak Test in section XIII.2.i above.
iv) Inspect CO2 Auto-Inflation Mechanism, in section XIII.3.i above.
v) Re-arm the Inflatable PFD – Replace CO2 Cylinder and Bobbin.
(See Section III.4 and III.5) Ensure the bobbin is valid. The PFD, or
bobbin, must have been purchased within the last three (3) years. If
the purchase date is unknown, check the manufacture date printed
on the bobbin and replace if older than three (3) years.
vi) Clean: [Shall comply with Federal Trade Commission Rule 16 CFR
423. (Such as warning against dry cleaning)] Refer to Section VIII,
Care & Cleaning Instructions, on page 16.\
vii) Record as an “Annual” inspection in permanent ink on the Service
Record Label on the PFD. Repack the Inflatable PFD per this owner’s manual.
Here’s the link to the full instructions if interested.
Don’t they deploy from hydrolic pressure rather than getting wet 
Along with the rip-cord and auto submersion inflate mine has a manual blow tube option if needed. Built in whistle too.
I believe it’s the one model of Mustang that deploys from water pressure. All other brands have a “pill” that dissolves to discharge the CO2.
The manual blow up tubes are “mainly” for topping them off for an extended stay on the water. Of course they can be used to fill the bladder, but if my Co2 cartridge didn’t go off and I had to blow it up manually…I’m thinking I would drown. 
Actually it’s not that bad I’ve done a test run in the water and it only takes a few puffs and your floating!
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