Quote Originally Posted by crappiepappy View Post
Sweet ... I think the inflatables are only considered approved PFD's if they are being worn. If you take them off, then yes you would need another PFD on board ... and they would have to be within easy access (not stored away in a compartment).

... pappy
You are right, you do have to be wearing them at all times for it to count as a legal PFD. I think you have to be 16 or older for them to count as well. The USCG also recommends that non-swimmers should not use inflatables and there has been debate as to the legality of them after they have been deployed and you are still on the water. In that case if you do not have an extra PFD onboard I guess you are supposed to keep the deployed inflatable PFD on and do not deflate it until you get back to shore. My biggest fear is getting thrown out of the boat at speed, knocked unconscious and the inflatable PFD failing to deploy or it turning me face down. I guess I'm just old school when it comes to boat safety. Lol.