life jackets

[Fisherjoe]

Do you prefer a jacket or the newer auto/ manual vest. Usually dont fish alone and really considering some sort of boarding ladder that you can get from the water.

Auto inflatables are much more comfortable than the jackets IMO. I fish at the McAlpine dam alot and don't notice it being in my way while fishing, so it is on the whole trip. Spend the extra money (approx $300) and get the hydrostatic model made my Mustang. According to Mustang, it will not inflate until the sensor is submerged in 4" water. They claim it cannot rain hard enough to make it inflate. The sensor ($70) is good for 5 yrs...most others have to be changed every year. Over 5 yrs, you spend more on regular sensors than you would on a hydrostatic model.

One thing to be aware of...some states do not count inflatables as PFDs unless you are actually wearing them. Regular jackets usually count as long they are in the boat and/or accessible.

Definitely invest in a good boarding ladder. I personally don't know if I could climb up the motor or pull myself over the side. I have one that is permenantly mounted on the transom...it folds up when not in use. The hang-on types are hard for a 6'-5" 300# fellow to climb up. We have used it while swimming and when taking an unexpected dive at the hydros.

Joe

[BenDance]

I use an auto inflatable and summer or winter it allows me to make more casts while still being protected In case of an accident. Stuff happens. You can do a YouTube search on the autos most of them inflate when completely submerged personally I think it's worth it especially for tournament fishing.

[sweetwater]

I prefer the regular Type II or III jacket. I know they are not as comfortable as the inflatables, especially for us girls, but the reason I prefer them is strictly peace of mind. With minimal care, there is no doubt they will work properly when it counts.


As for the boarding ladder, you can get a universal mount two step folding ladder for less than $75 at practically any marine supply store. I've helped my Dad install a hundred of them and they are an easy doityourself project. Excluding your PFD and fire extinguisher, it's the best money you can spend.


RollTide and Go Big Blue

[ranger dave]

sweetwater i think ky the law is that as long as you wear the inflatable you do not need another but if you take it off you do

[sweetwater]

sweetwater i think ky the law is that as long as you wear the inflatable you do not need another but if you take it off you do

Maybe so, I'm not sure. Certain types of inflatables are not USCG approved unless they are being worn. Someone on this board researched this one time. (if memory serves me correctly)

[sweetwater]

I found it, by Carter1

Straight Talk from KDFWR Re: Inflatable PFD's I went out to KDFWR this morning and spoke with Major Estes. A very nice fellow and temporarily in charge of the Law Enforcement Division. He gave me a copy of: 301 KAR 6:020 Boating Safety Equipment and he highlighted the section we here have been discussing. I will only put the highlighted portion on here.

Section 4. Personal Flotation Devices.
(7) An operator may substitute Type V personal flotation devices for other required personal flotation device, if the Type V device:
(a) Is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for the type of vessel and activity in which the vessel is being used; and
(b) Is being used according to the approved conditions on the label.

He told me they will be discussing this issue very soon. I also suggested that they talk about it on their live "call In" show on Kentucky Afield. They are planning to get more information out here for everyone so be watching. And I mentioned to Lee McClellan that maybe he could post an article on here regarding this issue so watch for that too.

So what does this mean? It means that we can use an inflatable without having to have a Type II laying out on the deck and available. It means we do not have to wear them all the time if we don't want to (exception is the labeling by Coast Guard which states it must be worn to be approved). So check the label on your inflatable PFD's to see if yours must be worn at all times.

I hope this clears everything up. It does for me. If any of you have any questions I would be glad to answer them if I can.

Last edited by Carter1; 03-06-2012 at 04:38 PM.

[Carter1]

Thanks for finding and posting that Sweetwater. Saved me the trouble Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year!

Roll Tide!!