Lesson learned tonight

[fire831]

I was fishing in my 17 foot 1978 ProCraft bass boat tonight on a local Reservoir and one of my rules is to always wear my PFD when running on plane or at night. Well I had finished fishing and was preparing to head to the ramp and as I was getting stuff put away I still had not put on my PFD and went to the back deck to make sure the fuel line was primed and told myself I should have put on my vest. Well I didn't and still had not when I went to lift the trolling motor and snap, broke the cord and went backwards and luck be with me landed in the seat. I could have very easily went overboard. Needless to say, from now on, I will be wearing my PFD when prepping to get ready to leave. We just had a drowning two days before at this same place I was at and the guy was not wearing a PFD. Tonight's incident sure woke me up.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Lesson learned tonight

i have 2 Stearns auto inflatables. vest type, and the belt/vest. i wear one of them all the time i am alone. the belt is really comfortable. like a fanny pack.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Lesson learned tonight

I have 2 auto-inflatable vests. Rule is to put it on before we launch the boat. Sometimes when I'm alone, I'll forget to take it off when I pull the boat out and have it on when I get home.

I went over the side once without a PFD. It was no big deal, water was warm, and help was at hand. I didn't even lose the fish that got me so excited I fell overboard. However, if the water was cold, and I was alone, I would have drowned. There's no way this phat phart could have gotten back into the boat without help.

PFD, don't leave the dock without one.

hope it helps
John

 

[Thad]

Re: Lesson learned tonight

You are a lucky man indeed. Glad you walked away from that.
I am unfamiliar with these auto inflatables. Do they sense water or are they the type you have to pull the cord to inflate? Because I could see even that turning out badly.

If , for argument sake, fire had had one on, tripped back and missed the seat, hit his head rendering him unconscious upon his descent into the water, how would that help? He would be unable to inflate the vest.
Don't get me wrong, I am asking not telling. Like I said, I have no idea what these are.

I have looked at something at the store that is inflatable, thinking about getting one for me when I fish alone. They have a canister of compressed gas that would need to be activated to inflate the vest. They are around $90
and that just seems a little steep for something I may not be able to use.

If I am misunderstanding this vest, please let me know. I know my wife would feel much better if I had one.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Lesson learned tonight

I believe the term used was "Auto" inflatable. These will automatically inflate if you go in the water.

 

[fire831]

Re: Lesson learned tonight

Yes the Auto Inflatable is something I would like to get. Most of the CO's around here wear them so they must be OK. Expensive but if it saves your life, who cares what it cost.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Lesson learned tonight

auto inflates will inflate when they hit the water. Also sometimes when stored in high humidity. Don't know about rain or spray.

You mentioned this but it is often overlooked by those who boat alone: climbing back in. First thing I did when I got my 21' was install a swim ladder--for me if I go over! I keep a fold-up in the Carolina Skiff where you can reach it from overboard. I boat a lot in the winter, and climbing up the side with hip boots and hunting gear is not in the cards.

In an emergency you might be able to use the trim/tilt to lift you up but it would be dangerous.

A good thing to do while the weather is warm is practice getting back in the boat from deep water--have someone nearby, though, with a gaff.

 

[rdcinmn]

Re: Lesson learned tonight

There are two types of inflateables, auto-inflates when it becomes wet and Manual-inflates when you pull the cord.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Lesson learned tonight

There are two types of inflateables, auto-inflates when it becomes wet and Manual-inflates when you pull the cord.

Actually, there are 3 types.

1. manual pull cord type.

2. Moisture triggered auto inflate.
Bad news, spray or rain can set it off.
Good news, re-arm kit comes cheap in bunches.

3. Hydrostatic triggered auto inflate. This one can take a shower with no problem, which is a must the way I drive a bass bote. 6 inches of immersion will trigger the inflator. Water pressure is what sets it off.
Good news, the most foolproof.
Bad news, the re-arm kit is expensive. Must be re-armed every 4 or 5 years. (figure a buck a month for maintenance)

They don't count as a life vest on board unless they are being worn. They are so comfortable that you can forget you have it on. There's absolutely no reason for not having it on unless you want to go swimming.

hope it helps
John

 

[skargo]

Re: Lesson learned tonight

We bought auto inflaters, we love them, and wear them when under way. I had one set off stored in the boat this year, must have been humid!

If you get the inflatables, get the autos, the manuals make no sense if you knock yourself out, and you can't predict unconsciousness.

I'd also advise against the waist inflatables, even if you get an auto inflater, you still have to be conscious to put it on over your head, no thanks.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Lesson learned tonight

We bought auto inflaters, we love them, and wear them when under way. I had one set off stored in the boat this year, must have been humid!

If you get the inflatables, get the autos, the manuals make no sense if you knock yourself out, and you can't predict unconsciousness.

I'd also advise against the waist inflatables, even if you get an auto inflater, you still have to be conscious to put it on over your head, no thanks.

You can hook the kill switch lanyard to the manual inflatable rip cord. Pop the chute and kill the engine in one shot.

I really like the hydrostatic vests. I got them both, one at a time on eBay during the winter. Paid about $150 apiece shipped in. Coupla wierd colors, but new top brand stuff.

hope it helps
John

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Lesson learned tonight

You mentioned this but it is often overlooked by those who boat alone: climbing back in. First thing I did when I got my 21' was install a swim ladder--for me if I go over! I keep a fold-up in the Carolina Skiff where you can reach it from overboard. I boat a lot in the winter, and climbing up the side with hip boots and hunting gear is not in the cards.

In an emergency you might be able to use the trim/tilt to lift you up but it would be dangerous.

yes but drowning is not a good alternitive..
turn the out drive/outboard all the way to oneside-put one foot on the cavitaiuon plate-hang on as best you can and hope it lifts you high enough to be able to climb in. if its cold water at least get as much of you body out of the water

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Lesson learned tonight

Agrred that's how you do it in an emergency but i wanted to note it was dangerous so people wouldn't try it when swimming, etc. If you foot slips off the plate it hits the prop and or skeg, which is typically very sharp and jagged.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Lesson learned tonight

Agrred that's how you do it in an emergency but i wanted to note it was dangerous so people wouldn't try it when swimming, etc. If you foot slips off the plate it hits the prop and or skeg, which is typically very sharp and jagged.

From the engine's point of view, it can be pretty tough on the cowl. Dam the cowl if I'm avoiding death, but not for just playing.