General Fishing Discussion
Inflatable Life Vest ?
Used my inflatable life vest for the first time today. Barely noticed it was on. Way more comfortable than a standard life vest! Glad I went with the self-inflating one. I can also be string-pulled or manually inflated by mouth. I'm sure that's standard for all of the self-inflating ones.
I've also worn them for years. Mine is the Mustang with the auto-inflate function, so if I get bonked on the head going over the side, I know at least I'll wake up facing the right way up with my head high and dry.
The first one I had saved my life on Erie about 8 years ago when we got caught in a bad storm and stuffed the boat into a wave at about 40 mph. I won't even leave the dock without one now. They're really light and comfortable, you don't even know you're wearing it.
I see a lot of the replies have bent towards wearing float suits. I wear on on cold weather on water an ice, but they are not a life jacket. I do however wear an inflatable all the time. I've had inflatables that have the little aspirin that gets wet and inflates. Yep had them inflate in compartments too, that stinks. My new ones (I have 3) are made by Mustang. I don't recall they might be called hydrostatic, not positive, but they inflate based on water pressure, not the aspirin that gets we and melts away. Never had these accidently inflate. They are spendy but worth it.
Actually inflatables are not a good option for really cold water <40*. When the water is that cold a conventional vest is your best protection. A permanently mounted boarding ladder is the best option of surviving an overboard fall. This is especially true if you are a senior citizen.
Let's talk about safety. Fishing in water in the low 40's, if you go overboard and can't climb up your motor and get back in the boat you have close to a half hour before you get so cold you pass out from exposure, (same thing when breaking thru ice fishing). Inflatables are a great warm weather option. I rarely fish alone but many do and it makes safety sense to have and wear a PFD of some kind. Having a throwable on board is a good idea even if one isn't required in smaller boats. Last summer a family friend goosed the throttle on his new motor and flipped himself out the back if his new outboard. The boat slowly idled in a big circle and he grabbed it and dragged himself back into the boat. No small feat for a seventy plus year old guy not wearing a life jacket.
things to know... WI law on lifejackets:
- All vessels (including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards) must have at least one USCG-approved Wearable life jacket for each person on board.
- All vessels 16 feet or more in length must have one USCG-approved Throwable personal flotation device on board that is immediately accessible.
- Every person on board a personal watercraft must wear a USCG-approved life jacket
- Sailboards and windsurfers are exempt from life jacket requirement, but are highly encouraged to wear one.
- Federal law requires children under the age of 13 to wear a USCG-approved life jacket while underway in an open vessel on federally controlled waters.
I purchased some boat junk from West Marine, so one day I get a mailer ad for 2 inflatables for 99 dollars. They were pull cord models and I bought them. Like Fish Hound said, they need to be worn to be legal if you get checked. Interesting story about the guy who almost suffocated because he had it on under a rain jacket when it went off. I checked mine by inflating it manually (yes, I read the directions), and I duct taped the floppy little pull handle out of the way to prevent a 25 dollar accidental inflation so I'm good to go. My fishing bud promptly bought the other one.
One thing you must do when you buy an inflatable life jacket
Go try them on you're going to be wearing them all day
The most expensive one might be the most uncomfortable one to wear
I don't look at the price tag
will I wear this all the time
And not hanging on the back of my boat seat
I purchased two from Bass Pro about five years ago. They were on sale for 80 bucks. I shopped all the brands including Mustang. I could not justify buying Mustang. I have been happy with my purchase. No problem wearing them even in hot weather. You hardly know you have them on. Fortunately, I have not experienced in inflation caused by being in the water. However, my son-in-law was wearing one and accidentally caused inflation. One of the choices you have to make is the pull cord. On mine, it hangs out the bottom. I'm sure it would be very available if you were in the water. On the other hand, it is easy to accidentally get hooked on something causing an inflation. I chose to add a piece of Velcro which keeps it inside. Yes I would have to struggle a little bit more to reach it if an accident occurred, but I think I could deliberately inflate when necessary. Remember to buy an adjustable one. The size you need while wearing a T-shirt on a summer day is very different than the size you need while wearing a lot of clothing.
I wear this fishing all the time it's very comfortable
It gives me plenty of room around your arms to cast
