Do you use an Inflatable Vest?

[KeyWestBoater]

I'm thinking of getting a couple of inflatable vests for my son and I. I'm sorry to say that I hardly wear one because they are hot and uncomfortable. My son doesn't like to wear one either. We fish in the river but I still feel we should wear some type of PFD. Does anyone have any experience with these? Any info you have is appreciated!

Thanks,
KWB

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Do you use an Inflatable Vest?

My only experience is word of mouth from a few tournament bass fishermen who swear by them.

Also, as a result, a friend of mine purchased one. I'm sweating like a madman in my normal vest, he's comfortable as can be wearing his.

I'm buying one at the beginning of boat season next year.

The other way to look at it is that it'll provide at least better protection than the one you now wear.

 

[fdmsiv]

Re: Do you use an Inflatable Vest?

Coast Guard use em, that about all I know. Knew one guy who said they had problems with the vest when they first got them as heavy spray would activate the inflation mechanism. I think the newer ones are better.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Do you use an Inflatable Vest?

i have 2, both streans brands, one a vest, the other the waist belt, that comes out and you put it over your head, and is also a vest. i like both of them. when i am alone, i wear the vest, when i have others on board, i wear the belt, and others wear the vest. bought one on ebay the other craigslist.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Do you use an Inflatable Vest?

Just bought one at the end of the season.
West had it on sale for $71 - automatic.
I haven't had a chance to use on the water yet, but it is significantly more comfortable than the orange beasts.
I bought this mainly for wearing while running my hydroplane. I've got a bulky type IV for racing, but can't fit in the cockpit with it on!

 

[koolerb]

Re: Do you use an Inflatable Vest?

My wife and I got a couple from BPS during their big spring sale. We used them all last year fishing bass tournaments, no complaints. It was much easier to put one of these on and leave it on all day than to keep putting a vest on and taking it off every time we would start the motor.

 

[arks]

Re: Do you use an Inflatable Vest?

My wife and I have used them for the past 3 years. We've found them comfortable enough to wear every time we leave the dock and recommend them for everyone except small children. After that first season, donning the PFD's became part of our launch routine before casting off a line.

A few things to remember about inflatable PFD's:
- The manufacturers market two different types of inflatables, "coastal" and "offshore". The difference in them is the amount of inflated bouyancy. Personally I would NOT consider buying a "coastal" model- even in protected waters- because in an emergency you might need all the floatation you can get. This is particularly important to people who weigh over 200 pounds.

- You can buy auto-inflating and manual (pull-the-string) inflating. If you go out solo then you need the auto-inflating style. We have one of each but when going solo I ALWAYS wear the auto-inflate.

- Auto-inflatable PFD's require regular servicing. The mechanism uses a water soluable disc that will absorb moisture over time. This could result in accidential activation. I keep spare discs in a baggies onboard and change them every spring. We use the old ones to test for proper operation once every year by jumping in. We've never had a dud so far.

- All inflatable PFD's have to be worn to be counted as a PFD by law enforcement. It's still a good idea to keep the required number of "old style" PFD's onboard even if you use inflatables.