Looking for inflatable PFD recommendations
- Thread starter N2013
- Start date
N2013
Well-Known Member
Found this thread after posting for recommendations
. Seems like a good PFD.Auto PFDs
I should probably get a PFD I’ll actually wear, especially winter fishing in a small boat where taking a dunk in 4°C water will probably be unpleasant, especially if my muscles cramp up and I can’t swim. Anyone have any experience with this model...
sportfishingbc.com
absolutely true re comfort. I bought two of the self inflatining ones last year. If you bonk your head going over it is nice to know the jacket will do its thing regardless
Now about wearing the inflatable home in the car ......... has happened to no one's wife ever.
beemer
Well-Known Member
100% don’t cheap out and get the manual self inflating.
acrowe
Active Member
It requires you to be conscious when you hit the water, and be comfortable enough in the water to set it up (so it wouldn't be for non-swimmers), but I have the Mustang belt style. I have always hated wearing PFDs, even more in the summer. I feel like any risk of it needing you to be conscious when it inflates is made up for by the fact that I always wear it from when I step in the boat, sometimes till after I get out of the vehicle at home, as it is so unobtrusive. Its a compromise with ultimate safety but at least I wear it.
Whole in the Water
Well-Known Member
If your boat capsizes and you are in the cabin, auto inflation can be dangerous.
beemer
Well-Known Member
That is why it is important to not cheap out. You want a hydrostatic model.
Hydrostatic PFD's will not inflate from getting wet. They need to actually be submerged to inflate.
Stoisy
Active Member
The Hydrostatic operation means they respond to water pressure, not just water. The membrane needs a few inches of pressure to trigger inflation. Only reason I’ve had or heard of any inflatables going off unintentionally is when the handle gets hooked on something when you’re moving. Which can happen with any inflatable model.
beemer
Well-Known Member
That guy should be fired.
jackfish
Active Member
I use the mustang survival MIT 100 automatic. I wear it every trip, all the time, and I require my passengers to also. Never had a false inflation due to splash or rain in the 3 years I've used them. Not to say it couldn't happen. I guess I'd just re-arm.
I also mistakenly bought a couple MIT 70, which I regret.
I also mistakenly bought a couple MIT 70, which I regret.
Jean Paul Carufo
Active Member
My wife and I both wear Mustang Elite's and love them AND wear them at all times on the boat. They are comfortable and really unobtrusive when on. We really like how the wider back band makes it more like a garment rather than just something hanging around your neck. You will really like them. Easy to test and rearm as well. We also have a pair of MIT's on the boat for guests, as wearing approved flotation on our boat is required, but, while dependable and more than serviceable, we like the fit of the Elites much better. jc Tuna Maru
N2013
Well-Known Member
Mine arrived to today. They look and feel pretty good.
