Pfd

[ken52]

I hope this is the correct place to post this.

I have USCG approved life jackets aboard now for the people I'm out with but I'm looking to purchase myself a decent Inflatable pfd for off shore fishing. It seems I mostly see Sospenders, Stearns, Mustang brands.

My question: is there a difference or advantage of one of these brands over the other? Also my understanding is for an inflatable to count it must be worn, is this correct?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Pfd

I hope this is the correct place to post this.

I have USCG approved life jackets aboard now for the people I'm out with but I'm looking to purchase myself a decent Inflatable pfd for off shore fishing. It seems I mostly see Sospenders, Stearns, Mustang brands.

My question: is there a difference or advantage of one of these brands over the other? Also my understanding is for an inflatable to count it must be worn, is this correct?

Any help is appreciated.

I really do not know beyond what iboats sells here http://www.iboats.com/Boat_Parts_Ac...486463--submit.Search--submit.x.0--submit.y.0

But I will shift this to where you may get more answers

 

[ken52]

Re: Pfd

Thanks Bob.

 

[mrdancer]

Re: Pfd

A few years back, Mustang models were more comfortable than Stearns, although that may have changed by now. Don't know much about Sospenders. Cabelas recently had a big sale on their own branded self-inflating models, might still be going...

Look at where the PFD rests on the back of your neck. That is the point that differentiates comfortable models from uncomfortable models.

 

[mphy98]

Re: Pfd

Also my understanding is for an inflatable to count it must be worn, is this correct?

You are correct. to count if pulled aside by coastguard it must be worn, or you do not have enough pfd's on board.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Pfd

I have a Stearns and one of my frequent fishing buddies has a Mustang. Both are very good with very little differences.
Yes, you need to have it on, but they are designed to be worn as they do bot interfere with anything your doing. Also remember, the cartridge needs to be attached, and keep them out of moist enviroment. Once it is wet, the pill disolves causing activation of the cartridge. My friend left two of his inside his covered boat over the winter and both of his activated while in storage.

 

[skargo]

Re: Pfd

We have some WM brand inflatables with neoprene neck collars. Extremely comfortable from someone who hates having stuff around his neck.

 

[ken52]

Re: Pfd

Thanks guys for all the great responses. Will be trying them on to check out comfort level around the neck area. I have no problem wearing one but I allways have a few more aboard than people anyway. I've heard different things about whether they have to be on or not to count.

 

[skargo]

Re: Pfd

Thanks guys for all the great responses. Will be trying them on to check out comfort level around the neck area. I have no problem wearing one but I allways have a few more aboard than people anyway. I've heard different things about whether they have to be on or not to count.

To be coast guard approved the inflatables must be worn.