Which Inflatable PFD do I buy?

[FNG]

I am looking at the West Marine version of the inflatable PFD. $160 bucks for the automatic.<br />I want it for my dad when he is in the boat fishing with me. I like the idea of<br />the comfort associated with these things.<br /><br />I don't know which to get him though, the Automatic or the Manual. I originally<br />wanted the Automatic model thinking its a no brainer, but I have been reading <br />disclaimers about the automatics having a tendency to prematurely inflate.<br /><br />Can anybody with experience with these life vests give me some advice?<br />Do I buy the automatic and not worry about accidental inflation, or do I get him<br />the manual model to eliminate the issue?<br /><br />Thanks so much,<br /><br />Steve

 

[ajp]

Re: Which Inflatable PFD do I buy?

My only two cents worth comes from a news report in last months BoatUS magazine insurance report, where one of the members, an older man, was knocked off his boat, and while struggling to right himself drowned, while his wife watched. He was wearing an inflatable. All he had to do was pull the cord. People panic. <br /><br />I am sure he was very comfortable before he was knocked overboard, and while drowning.<br /><br />I'll never own one. When I use a life jacket, I use one that works no matter what the situation. It only takes a second to drown.<br /><br />You might consider looking at the mesh top life jackets, they seem to be comfortable for all arm and shoulder movements, while offering good flotation. $29-$44.00 at Cabelas.<br /><br />For what its worth.<br /><br />Arlan

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: Which Inflatable PFD do I buy?

FNG-I would go with the automatic SOSPenders. very comfortable to wear.

 

[singerjr]

Re: Which Inflatable PFD do I buy?

This is a great topic FNG I'm glad you brought it up, I hope it goes on for awhile and I would like to expand (no pun) it a little.<br /><br />I tend to agree with AJP; I buy nice life jackets for max allowed on board. For kid size I get the ski look (it's cool they like them) and adults get the fishing vest look. I've had to purchase more than I need to accommodate sizes, they MUST fit correctly, but it's worth it.<br /><br />They are comfortable and look good and people don't seem to mind wearing them when either they want or I say. (Unlike the old May West style)<br /><br />One other thing I do is when I feel someone should wear one (age, disability, ect) all of us on the boat wear them. People don't seem to mind especially when you give them something that’s comfortable and looks good. I do this 1st for safety reasons because if I have someone on the boat that should be wearing a jacket than this person may need to be saved too and it is much easier to dive in and save someone if I'm and wearing floatation too. <br /><br />The second reason is not really a safety issue. I don't like to single one person out as being less than the rest of us, not as good, not as capable, old, and more needing of help. I don't mind wearing a vest (a nice one) and no one has ever refused and they come back for the next trip. <br /><br />Last but not least I have six USCG approved cushions that have the straps so you can wear it if needed. I place them on the boat for comfort but really it's another line of defense. If the boat flips or rocks over (doubt it but could happen) they are the first things flying out of the boat and people can grab them if in the water. They can also be thrown to someone in trouble whether from your boat or some other boat.<br /><br />Boating should be fun and it is, I don’t want a disaster to happen. I don’t want someone to drown. Even with all the precautions I take I would still feel responsible and that something else I’m buying insurance against. It amazes me how many of my friends don’t have flares, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, horn and whistles or even a paddle. <br /><br />Be safe, have fun, come home and do it again next weekend!<br /><br />

 

[round2it]

Re: Which Inflatable PFD do I buy?

This is one thread that would like to see some more opionions and facts. I too am looking at buying the same inflat vest, manual type. Panic is a real thing and that got me wondering. I kinda felt that buying this type vest would encourage people to wear it at all times, esp when steaming in summer.

 

[singerjr]

Re: Which Inflatable PFD do I buy?

This thread is about to hit a safety speed<br /><br />BUMP<br /><br />Right to the top! <br /><br />Any thoughts about your PFD?

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Which Inflatable PFD do I buy?

Captain - great post! I agree with everything you said.<br /><br />I don't like the idea of anything requiring to be done by the wearer of the jacket - they might not be conscious - hit on the head or something.<br /><br />Another important safety item (especially if you're boating alone) is the motor cut-out strap - that cuts the motor if you fall out. For an example of why this is important - see the Stunt Boat story...<br /><br />Stunt Boat<br /><br />...things can happen so quickly - imagine if he'd been run down by his own boat or seabiscuit. He mightn't have had time to activate an inflatable life vest.<br /><br />Good topic.

 

[singerjr]

Re: Which Inflatable PFD do I buy?

Kiwi,<br /><br />Thanks Kiwi very good lesson to be learned in that thread and a good place for it to be posted. Most of us don't go to Stupid Human... for the lessons even though there's probably more there than anywhere else, just have to look between the laughs.<br /><br />I have a cut-off strap, I should use it more than I do. Something else thst seems to be more popular these days is the gas pedal. I know next to nothing about them but there seems to be some real nice ones out there, not just toys. Made from heavy SS and cast alumunum.<br /><br />Only saw one once on a boat (didn't know the guy) I asked him about it, I was very curious. He said "It's one of the best things I ever bought". He said that it was so much "fun" "like driving a real speed boat", I don't know but I guess some kinds of compitition boats have them. He went on to say that he had much better control of his speed and when you get up or let off the gas the boat will stop pretty quick.<br /><br />I don' know, anybody out there have one? You like it? Work good or just scrap metal. <br /><br />Please feel free to post on any safety issue, keep it going till the ice breakes and we can get boatin again!<br /><br />

 

[FNG]

Re: Which Inflatable PFD do I buy?

Thanks for all your inputs. I think I am going to stick to my orignial plan and get the Automatic SoSpenders

 

[paintermn]

Re: Which Inflatable PFD do I buy?

I bought the manual SOSpenders, and I have yet to ever inflate them. I bought the manual because I spend alot of time in small sailboats as well as my center console. If I am in the sailboat I spend most of the time wet, and I don't want the automatic devise going off all of the time.<br /><br />If I spent all of my time on a dry boat, and wanted it just for saftey I would go with the auto.<br /><br />The reason I think these vests are such a good idea is that they are so comfortable (especially when it is hot) I tend to wear it more often than a regular vest for that reason.<br /><br />Any vest you have on is better then any vest you do not.

 

[skargo]

Re: Which Inflatable PFD do I buy?

How about some modern day opinions, we are looking at some inflatable PFDs and this is the only thread I found via the search.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Which Inflatable PFD do I buy?

start a new thread, i have the sterns belt, and vest. closing old thread.