life jackets

[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!!