inflatable life vests

Any one like/dislike the inflatable life vests , thinking about
equipping my ride with them instead of the usual orange bulky
ones ,lot less storage area needed but, I understand to be legal they must be being worn while on water . Comments ???:smiley::smiley::smiley::smiley::smiley::question::question::question::question::question:

[http://www.militaryappreciationday.org

When you see “Old Glory” waving in the breeze, know that it is the dying breaths of our fallen hero’s that makes it wave.
author unknown

I have them and like them. They are comfortable and I forget I have them on. Which is nice. They keep you cooler during the warmer weather. Hope this helps.

I like them as well. Been using my Mustang for years with ZERO complaints. Yes, they’re expensive compared to most but we’re talking about something that may save your life. What price tag would you put on that…

In the future, where every stranger poses a potential threat, knowing the predator mindset is the only safe haven.

Xpress H20B Bay Series
Yamaha 115 SHO

quote:
Yes, they're expensive compared to most but we're talking about something that may save your life. What price tag would you put on that....

This guy and I agree a lot. When you are treading water you can’t order one either.

Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper

quote:
Originally posted by Cracker Larry
quote:
Yes, they're expensive compared to most but we're talking about something that may save your life. What price tag would you put on that....

This guy and I agree a lot. When you are treading water you can’t order one either.

Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper


Preach it!

No matter how much it hurts, how dark it gets, or how far you fall…you are never out of the fight.

I have and USE mine, cant tell I have it on most times. I definitely use it on the boat when fishing alone, much less bulk and I feel a lot safer. Good gift for somebody too

I spent the week in Cedar Island NC on the Pamlico Sound duck hunting. After being called on to rescue a jon boat that was overtaken by the breakers on the ocean side by the ferry, and discovering they only survived because of theirs…I actually came to this site to ask suggestions on brands/styles to buy and brands to avoid…Is the consensus that the Mustang ones are the way to go?

Wadmalaw native
16’ Bentz-Craft Flats Boat

I’m partial to Mustang but know several people that use the Onyx inflatables as well and they have no complaints.

In the future, where every stranger poses a potential threat, knowing the predator mindset is the only safe haven.

Xpress H20B Bay Series
Yamaha 115 SHO

purchased two onyx ; auto/manual today ; kind of pricey as stated
but seem to wear well/comfortable ; will get another pair before
warmer weather, thanks for all the replys…:sunglasses::sunglasses:

[http://www.militaryappreciationday.org

When you see “Old Glory” waving in the breeze, know that it is the dying breaths of our fallen hero’s that makes it wave.
author unknown

I just bought a Onyx A/M 24 over the holidays and so far so good… Light, low profile, etc…

1989 17ft McKee Craft Waccamaw w/ 115 4-stroke Yammy

I’ve been debating these for a while and may pick up one since I’m dancing around on the gunnels of a flats skiff in winter. I actually backed off the bow directly into the ocean while trying to take a picture of my wife and her bull red last fall without a life vest. She said I jumped back in the boat so fast, she thought for a minute she’d imagined it. Anyway, I think I’d want an auto since the most likely reason for I’d need one is from falling off the boat and hitting my head on something. My question is, is there a down side to the cheaper versions like the Bass Pro Shops A/M 24 Auto/Manual? Pretty drastic difference in price between these and a Mustang unit.


16’ High Tide Flats (Green) w/Yamaha 90
Wilderness Ride 135
Wilderness Tarpon 120

I have a Mustang auto-inflate version and wear it frequently. Try several on before purchasing; I went with the Mustang because it was very comfortable. If it’s not comfy you probably won’t wear it. Also remember you will have to replace the C02 cartridge every year or two.

Sea Hunt 207CC,Yam F150
Carolina Skiff (old school model)17’ Suz D50

I bought West Marine, Offshore version about 6 years ago, and I am very pleased with the comfort. I think the Mustangs are even lighter, just a little more expensive. It retails for around $189, I believe. I’ve had to replace the CO2 cartridge twice.

Question. Anyone know if its true that you have to wear them to be legal??? I was checked by DNR in December (x2) and produced them twice from storage without comment or complaint.
And…mine are nearly 15 years old. My manual sez check cartridges every year or so by weighing. I put them on a letter scale and exact same weight = no loss of CO2. Makes sense? or not?

BB

Yes, Coastguard says you must be worn to be legal, I have regular vests in the boat too. I can give you the number of a Coastguard reservist if you want verify, but they rarely give tickets for it.
I have the Mustang HIT vests, it is just a fraction of what I spend fishing. If I go in the water there is a good chance I will not be in any condition to swim. I’m a big guy, so one of them has the extension. My GF has MS, I won’t let her step foot on the dock without one. I only notice it when I first put it on and when I am tired from having it on all day, otherwise I forget it is there.

After purchasing mine the info manual states ( must be worn to be type
V CG legal) no problem here , I wanted to cut down on storage room
required for older style. Can’t say what LEO will say/do if you’re
not wearing them while on water!!!:smiley::smiley:

[http://www.militaryappreciationday.org

When you see “Old Glory” waving in the breeze, know that it is the dying breaths of our fallen hero’s that makes it wave.
author unknown

OK thanks. Good to know.

I was stopped with a fishing buddy early Dec and then the next week while fishing alone. Both times all the guys asked was to ‘see’ the life jackets. They were in one of my storage compartments. Both times it was an OK.

BB

Just bought five for the flats boat from air sea safety. Great prices on the auto mustangs. Can anyone provide me with the law reference saying they have to be worn to be considered a class three pfd. The manual states it is approved as a type three and doesn’t reference the requirement of wearing it. Does the automatic fall under a different category than the manual inflation model?

-Albemarle 248xf “Chella”
-Dolphin 18BC Pro
-Miscellaneous boats
“Praise the lord and pass the ammunition” -Howell Forgy

Island Boy;
After reading through all info included in my PFD I’m more confused than ever. Per my manual:::
>USCG approved type V convertible manual/auto inflatable PFD with type III performance. Approved Only When Worn

>Weight Range,80 lbs and over.
>Age Range, 16 yrs and over.
>This PFD is USCG approved for use as a Type III.
>Users of inflatable PFD’s must be at least 16 yrs old.

Additional info booklet…
> Why “approved only when worn”
1.Inflatable PDF’s require more frequent checks than those that have
inherent buoyancy. ensures that it gets the attention associated with use , ensures that user knows the disadvantages it has, and increases safety by ensuring you have it when needed.

Me thinks I’m gonna do a lot more investigating into this !!!

[http://www.militaryappreciationday.org

When you see “Old Glory” waving in the breeze, know that it is the dying breaths of our fallen hero’s that makes it wave.
author unknown

quote:
Originally posted by Blindboy

OK thanks. Good to know.

I was stopped with a fishing buddy early Dec and then the next week while fishing alone. Both times all the guys asked was to ‘see’ the life jackets. They were in one of my storage compartments. Both times it was an OK.

BB


the primary purpose of the inflatible models is to make a vest lighter, less bulky and more comfortable, so that people will actually wear them.

why would anyone spend the premium money then keep them in a compartment?

Seems weird to me