Auto PFD's.

[NIMROD]

Just be aware that you have to have them on at all times (in some states), in order for them to be considered as PFD's in the eyes of the law. If you're not wearing them when seen/checked by the CO, and you don't have another PFD within easy access ... you can be ticketed for not having a PFD for each person on board your boat.
Auto inflating PFD's only count when being worn, according to my Mustang Auto PFD.

The Illinois Handbook of Boating Laws lists the auto inflating PFD as a Type III ... but, my Auto PFD lists itself as a Type V. ... so you might check with your F&W people as to the discrepancy.

... cp

Same in Arkansas.

[wicklundrh]

In Michigan, if they are not on, they don't count.

Cabelas has been running a sale all month on their 3500 auto tournament series. When talking to them, they run daily sales. One day they were $79.00, the next they were $119.00. Still a far cry from the normal $179.00 price.

The whole point of them is to get people out of the stigma of "NOT" wearing a PFD. They make them comfortable enough to be worn all day. This is the reason the conservation officers and Marine patrol look at them as NOT a PFD if they are not on. If your not wearing them, what is the point of getting them. They become the same as the old bulky ones sitting in the bottom of the boat. They do take up less space for storage though.

[jackie53]

Question !! Maybe a dumb Question!! Have been looking at these also!! How do you know they work until they get wet???? If you are thrown out of the boat will they inflate when you hit the water!! Is their a way of testing them???? What good are they if they don't work when you hit the water!! Am an EMT,Firefighter test our equipment before we go in!!!!

[Cane Pole]

Mine worked in the sink when wife tried to clean it up. If it doesn't work auto, you have a blow up tube to huff and puff.

I don't recommend auto inflaters for non swimmers or scaredie cats. But, hey, it is your life.

[Dapet]

Well, you can test it by throwing it into the water. If it does inflate, you will have to purchase another co2 cartridge to re-arm the inflation apparatus. That will cost you about 10-15$. If it does not inflate automatically, there is a string you can pull that should inflate it. If it STILL does not inflate, there is a mouth piece that you can manually blow to inflate it. So, there are 3 ways to inflate it. At least, that's how mine works. I purchased it earlier this year at Academy for about $75.

Also, don't leave it out in the sun. If it gets too hot, it will inflate . I found that out the hard way. I had to purchase another co2 cartridge and I goofed up when installing it, and IT inflated the vest again. So I had to order another one. I went ahead and ordered 2 in case I goofed up again. LOL

Anyway, they are worth the money. Hope this helps.

[justinp61]

I have a Mustang that I wear at all times in the boat, heck I forget to take it off most of the time when I walk to the truck to take the boat out. I don't swim well and fish alone 99.9% of the time in the winter. It may not save my life in cold water but it will make me a lot easier to find. BTW mine also has a pull handle to activate in case it doesn't auto inflate.

[Clint]

I am like Justin. The first time I used my Onyx I was all the way home before I realized I still had it on.
I purchased mine at a local shop. I went in to look at them and the owner of the shop said he would match any other store. I told him what BPS was selling them for and he laughed a little and showed my the price sticker and it was $.99 less. I bought it and a replacement kit which is the cylinder and the little dohicky that sets it off when it gets wet. And one last thing - store them INSIDE where they will stay dry. Constant moisture will eventually dissolve the dohicky and you will find your PFD inflated when you go to get it out.

["D"]

Amazon.com Saw some for $99. I think you still have to have the other type in the boat. As I understand it, if you fall in and it inflates, once you are rescued it no longer qualifies because it has inflated. I still carry the other type in my storage. Just saying.

[Cane Pole]

I would try some on before buying. Some rub the neck. I don't believe they make these for kids. I dunno for sure.

I also wear the Mustang. I got it a BPS this year to replace Sospenders that are 6-7 years old.

[Gobob]

Thanks guys for all the info