Auto Inflating Life Jackets

[NDwalleyes]

So before this guy went missing down at Ft Rice, I was contemplating getting a auto inflating life jacket. Now, I'm getting one since I fish alone 80% of the time.

Anyone have one or recommendations for one?

 

[sig357]

Have a scheels one that I really like. Sometimes i even forget i left it on and when I am ready to load up, hop in the truck amd realise I still got it on

 

[RustyTackleBox]

the problem I have heard about with the self inflaters is they tend to inflate in humidity... maybe some new ones out there... I was going to get the rip cord style

 

[NDwalleyes]

the problem I have heard about with the self inflaters is they tend to inflate in humidity... maybe some new ones out there... I was going to get the rip cord style

That's the debate I'm having in my head. Common sense says get the manual one. The other side of the argument is...So when I hit that sandbar/rock/deadhead at 40 mph and get launched and am unconscious I'm dead.

 

[DirtyMike]

If I go in the drink and I'm possibly going to die, it's because I hit my noggin or had some sort of other medical event. Get the auto inflate one. If it goes off because of humidity, its $20 for a recharge kit. Probably cheaper if you can find the CO2 canister on your own. I watched a guy set one off in his boat while waiting for the Big Muddy launch last year. It happens and it costs less than a couple of beers to fix it. $100 for a scheels jacket and I think cabelas have theirs on sale for 120.

 

[1bigfokker]

Try it on, make sure the collar is comfortable. Neoprene collar is best.

 

[Reprobait]

I have a Cabelas 3500 and have not had it inflate due to humidity. I have no issues with it. Mustang makes models that inflate due to the hydro static pressure of being underwater. I would definitely go automatic. There is also a gasp reflex that people have when they hit cold water.

Once I got used to it just a little bit, it doesn't feel right being in the boat without one.

 

[Captain Ahab]

I have the Cabelas ones and I did have them deploy in my storage compartment after a good rain(old Lund so not water tight). Got recharge kits and they are back in action. Definitely not bad to wear. Wore them a few times out in the puddle jumper boats and in tourneys. Probably should always wear them.

 

[johnr]

I don't wear one, I don't wear a seat belt, and I don't wear a helmet. At my age, and obviously pushing the luck button, I think it is time to start being a bit more responsible. I make my kids buckle up (most of the time), and they have to wear a helmet on the motor bikes, seat belts on the ranger, and of course life jackets on the boat, but they are starting to get the feeling it isn't too important when dad never follows the rules he makes them follow.

How long are these inflatable jackets life span?

 

[Captain Ahab]

Another tidbit is they don't count as a jacket in the boat if you're not wearing it.

 

[Platinum]

Another tidbit is they don't count as a jacket in the boat if you're not wearing it.

Check the regulations on this. It depends on what Class they are. If it has the clear window and you can see the "green" charged indicator I think they count whether on or off. If they are the inexpensive version without that window, then they need to be on to count.
It's a goofy law and I asked a warden about it once and still was not clear. These come in something like Class I, II or III or Type I, II, or III.....and I am not 100% sure on which version is which when it comes to the requirement of having it on.....might take a look now and try to find a link.

 

[yellowlab]

To make it simple, if they auto inflate they do not need to be worn to count as a legal PDF, but if they are manual only they need to be worn. They are worth every penny and I am not sure why you would get one and not wear it. They are comfortable and hard to tell you even have it on. I have been using one for years.

 

[Sluggo]

Has anyone ever fallen out of the boat or come close? I have not. Wondering how that happens. Are blue num nums involved or something stronger?

 

[Retired Educator]

I have heard of falling out of the front when riding on the front pedestal. Most boats I have seen are clearly marked that the front seat is not to be used when traveling at higher rates of speed. Problem is that not everyone can read.

 

[sweeney]

West marine had a sale 69 bucks last month on the auto inflates should have bought some just for the aim tourneys.

 

[NDwalleyes]

Has anyone ever fallen out of the boat or come close? I have not. Wondering how that happens. Are blue num nums involved or something stronger?

No but I've come close to getting ejected after hitting a sandbar. If it wasn't for my face using the windshield on the console to stop, I would have been gone.

For me I worry about 2 things.

1. Cold water...I've been in 40 degree water, and you can't move or think, yet alone swim after a moving boat with all those clothes on.
2. Falling out of moving boat while fishing alone. Whether it's the river or a lake, if you fall in that cold water and can't get back in your boat or god forbid that your trolling motor was moving the boat at 0.5 mph

 

[Bfishn]

I've never fallen out but have seen a guy go over at Sak on a windy day. He was by himself and just bending over to net a fish and a wave knocked him off balance. We were behind him about 50 yds away and just saw the bottom of his feet as he went over head first. Thankfully he made it back in his boat, but shows how quick it could happen. Been trying to convince my dad to get one of these self inflating jackets since he swims like a rock.

 

[Ericb]

I don't think people fall overboard to often. It's seems every spring it happens to one or two people. I thiink Sig357 started started a thread about buying one last year after the guy drowned on Sak. Fishing the river I could see it happen if you were netting a fish and one of those cruisers come by.

 

[NodakBuckeye]

How many of you have your kill switch attached to yourself when running at speed? Just curious and I need an auto inflate

 

[NDwalleyes]

How many of you have your kill switch attached to yourself when running at speed? Just curious and I need an auto inflate

Never in 30 years have I attached a kill cord.