Inflatable PFD'S Automatic? Manual? ????

[polarcrafter]

I fish alone most of the time too. I tried the vest type auto inflatable, but I am tall and the fitall size was just not comfortable. Purchased a Stearns belt type manual inflatable (you must pull the ripcord to inflate it)and wear it all the time in the boat and don,t know its there. It is not reccommended for off shore or "big" water, but will provide floation similar to the old type ski belts that once were popular for water sking. It is CG approved when it is being worn and as I fish small lakes and shorelines, it gives me the protection of a life vest and no way inhibits me while fishing.

[Sovran]

I wear my auto all the time, otherwise I might have to trust one of you gubers to save my life. The only thing I didnt like is the belly strap goes across the belly instead of under my gut. I added a simple thin crotch strap to keep me in it in case I am unconscious.

[wicklundrh]

Question? Besides hooking fish occasionally. I manage to hook other things in the boat (PFD's,rope, cloths, myself, etc.). If a hook stuck in one of these $$$$ auto PFD's would it be ruined or what?

A lot of them have a pretty thin outer shell (nylon). That said, the inside bladder is pretty heavy duty. Obviously, nothing is impervious to the occasional error we all make, but I would say you would be safe from an errant hook flying into your vest. More than likely, the barb will get fouled in the outer nylon shell long before it hits the bladder.

CaptainKangaroo might be able to chime in hear as he works in the Marine Industry and I'm sure the vests they wear go through a substantial amount of abuse.

[jaxsprat]

What G said, and in the winter. But I wear a manual

Yes started wearing one this year, a bass pro automatic model very comfortable, it has a ring that you can pull to inflate manually,and has the see threw window with that tells you if charged up so all you have to do if DNR stops you is show him the window on front that's it is in working order. Get them when Bass puts them on sale very happy with mine.

[stormcloud]

The automatic vest are defiantly the safest but I had 3 in the a dry box in my boat that inflated from humidity after a little over a year. My boat is kept inside when not in use. The recharges were around $30.00 each for that vest. I went to manual.

[captankangaroo]

They can be patched if you do get a hole. Make sure to get the right patch kit. you can test it by manual inflate, let set over night. Then check it. don`t put it in water to check, as it will auto inflate and explode!!

[RetiredRR]

Inflatable, worn while launching kayak and while fishing. Never leave home with it.

[Cane Pole]

Brenda and I just purchased newer auto models. We purchased the SoSpenders many moons ago, so decided it was time to update. While at the Pyramid BPS in Memphis, she selected the pink BPS model to match the c.com visor hat Slab gave her. I chose the Blue Mustang auto inflate model. It is heavier, but so am I. We always wear our vests.

[Shad]

I have had an my auto for about 8,years. It still shows green and I guess that means it is still ok and would inflate if needed. Is it ok to keep them for a long time as long as it is still showing green?