Inflatable PFDs

Cubman · Jul 4, 2008

Does anyone here use one? My grandpa was talking about them the other day. Do they just need to be accessible, like other live vests, or do they have to worn at all times? In your opinion, are they worth the money?

Here is one from Cabelas:
https://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0038077943057a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_BC&returnPage=cave_search1.jsp&QueryText=inflatable+PFD&N=61&Ntk=all&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&Ntt=inflatable+PFD&noImage=0

Another from Cabelas:
https://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=product&cmCat=Related_IPL_943057&id=0038078943055a

And here is one from BPS:
https://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_95324____SearchResults

Waterwings · Jul 4, 2008

Have never owned one, but if you notice in the descriptions they are manually inflated. I believe the concept behind the type you've shown is comfort so that people will wear them more often (all the time while on the water). As with any type of wearable pfd, the secret is to have it on when you hit the water; however, if you knock yourself out on the way out of the boat, and especially if you're fishing alone, who's gonna be around to pull the rip cord for you. I don't know if they have a hydrostatic automatic pressure inflation mechanism after you sink to a certain depth. I've definitely thought about getting the type you've shown, but I'll stick with the standard type.

Popeye · Jul 4, 2008

Get an automatic one
https://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_95574?cmCat=CROSSSELL&cmid=PP_P0_2
There is a guy on "the other site" that was wearing an automatic one (Mustang brand I think) and he fell off some rocks and it did exactly what it was designed to do. He didn't knock himself out but if he had, he would have been floating face up and not drowning. Some states don't count them towards the total of life preservers unless it is worn at the time. Illinois was that way but I think they changed that rule, not sure though.

Jim · Jul 4, 2008

I hear about how these things inflate if a little water splashes on them or if its too humid.

I heard the Mustang one with the hydrostatic inflater is the way to go...but its like $250-$300.

Waterwings · Jul 4, 2008

Jim said:
I hear about how these things inflate if a little water splashes on them or if its too humid.
I heard the Mustang one with the hydrostatic inflater is the way to go...but its like $250-$300.

I've heard the same thing about inflating prematurely.

redbug · Jul 4, 2008

the older models would tend to do this. i have heard of guys that stored them in the back storage and they inflated and the guys couldn't get the hatch open.
The newer triggers are a lot better and don't inflate from rain or some water from ruff water

Wayne