Inflatable PFD's???

graybeard · #1 03-11-2022, 09:53 AM

With the new boating season coming up on us, I was looking to upgrade my bulky PFD to an automatic co2 inflatable one.

In searching here on AO the last entry was 2017 and I know little about them and I am sure they have improved since that time.

I would like the model that will automatically inflate, if you should fall into the water.

What are you guys using?
Any suggestions?
Anything to stay away from?
Pitfalls?
Any for sale?

Thanks in advance.

dodgeboy1979 · #2 03-11-2022, 10:50 AM

I don't recommend them at all. To be legal the co2 cartridge has to be inspected all the time to ensure it will function. The port for inflating the vest yourself sounds good however if you are in cold water you may not be able to calm your breathing down enough to inflate it if the co2 system fails. There are alot of real good standard pfd's that allow for more movement etc.... Also keep in mind that people under the age of 16 can not wear a self infating pfd.

graybeard · #3 03-11-2022, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dodgeboy1979

I don't recommend them at all. To be legal the co2 cartridge has to be inspected all the time to ensure it will function. The port for inflating the vest yourself sounds good however if you are in cold water you may not be able to calm your breathing down enough to inflate it if the co2 system fails. There are a lot of real good standard pfd's that allow for more movement etc.... Also keep in mind that people under the age of 16 can not wear a self inflating pfd.

Thanks Dodge.....Cost aside, I am looking at having more mobility but also what trumps that is, if someone collides with you and you are unconscious when you hit the water....it automatically inflates.

Maybe I'll just stay with what has been proven over the last 50 years....Hmmm?

Cheers,

dodgeboy1979 · #4 03-11-2022, 11:11 AM

https://mustangsurvival.ca/collectio...am-vest-mv7161

This is the one I wear for work. It gives your arms great mobility.

Wes_G · #5 03-11-2022, 11:51 PM

There are all kinds of price ranges and have never figured out what the differences really are, as long as they will auto inflate that's all you really need. They are the only way to go especially on hot summer days.

I just have a bunch of the Bass Pro Am/24. My old man has set his off twice now by catching the pull cord on something in the boat and activating, I normally have mine tucked up inside so as not to do that.

They go on sale quit often at Cabelas/Bass Pro so you shouldn't have to wait to long for them to come up on sale if they aren't right now.

Frank_NK28 · #6 03-14-2022, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wes_G

There are all kinds of price ranges and have never figured out what the differences really are, as long as they will auto inflate that's all you really need. They are the only way to go especially on hot summer days.

I just have a bunch of the Bass Pro Am/24. My old man has set his off twice now by catching the pull cord on something in the boat and activating, I normally have mine tucked up inside so as not to do that.

They go on sale quit often at Cabelas/Bass Pro so you shouldn't have to wait to long for them to come up on sale if they aren't right now.

This^^^ fortunately I have never caught the cord on mine. LOL

tallieho · #7 03-12-2022, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by graybeard

With the new boating season coming up on us, I was looking to upgrade my bulky PFD to an automatic co2 inflatable one.

In searching here on AO the last entry was 2017 and I know little about them and I am sure they have improved since that time.

I would like the model that will automatically inflate, if you should fall into the water.

What are you guys using?
Any suggestions?
Anything to stay away from?
Pitfalls?
Any for sale?

Thanks in advance.

I have had several ,over the years.Never had an issue,with inflateing.Years back,they were illegal.Because Canada didn't approve them.They were only then approved by US Coast guard

My logic was ,back then.if the US Coast guArd approve them ,for what they do.Should be more than adequate for my carcass. I do change co2 cylinder yearly. .50 cents ea at BP....

Lornce · #8 03-12-2022, 07:43 AM

I use the Mustang auto inflation. Saved my life in a boating accedent.

Jayhad · #9 03-12-2022, 12:49 PM

I used to guide the Bow a fair bit and tended to drift the NW/inner city section, where the police love to check you out everyday, and you are required to wear a PFD.

I have both the mustang and Bass Pro auto inflatable PFDs.
The bass pros are slimmer and the pull cord stays in place, where as my mustangs the pull cord makes it's way out of the vest after a couple of hours of casting. Then the pull cord gets caught up in line and possibly triggered.

I tend to always grab the BPS PFDs when heading out.

Both keep you floating and I can't tell a real difference in the actual performance of the vest.

When anglers enter the boat they are told who ever is wearing the vest is responsible for replacing the cartridge if it goes off.

Caution should be practiced with inflatables; when placing in a poor location it can be blown into the water or heavy rains can cause them to inflate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tallieho

I do change co2 cylinder yearly. .50 cents ea at BP....

The replacement CO2 cylinders are not 50 cents each, the cylinders are $32.00.
But ask yourself this; are the cylinders punched prior to inflating?
and if not, why replace them?

David Henry · #10 03-12-2022, 02:08 PM

I was fishing of the west coast of Vancouver Island last summer and things were rough so the guide had us put on the PDF inflatables, how nice it was to fish without the bulky conventional life jacket. When I got back home to Alberta I stopped in at Bass Pro and found they had them on sale so I bought one and look forward using it this summer. So much less restriction of movement was what sold me. D.H.

SNAPFisher · #11 03-12-2022, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayhad

The replacement CO2 cylinders are not 50 cents each, the cylinders are $32.00.
But ask yourself this; are the cylinders punched prior to inflating?
and if not, why replace them?

A post that makes sense!
No kidding. I'm pretty sure I paid at least that - .50 cents no way. Also not sure either why someone would replace it every year. Mine has an indicator on it that tells you when to replace. The only time I have had to replace is, like you said, left it in the back of the boat on a rainy day....scared the crap out of me when it went off!

Gerald J · #12 03-12-2022, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayhad

I have both the mustang and Bass Pro auto inflatable PFDs.
The bass pros are slimmer and the pull cord stays in place, where as my mustangs the pull cord makes it's way out of the vest after a couple of hours of casting. Then the pull cord gets caught up in line and possibly triggered.

I tend to always grab the BPS PFDs when heading out.

Thanks for that tip. I was wondering about the use with a vest.

Pikebreath · #13 03-12-2022, 04:16 PM

Another vote for the the BPS auto inflate vest. They are very comfortable. You tend to forget you have it on, so it stays on through the day. The fact is for any vest to be of any use, you have to be wearing it.

graybeard · #14 03-16-2022, 10:49 AM

I think I will be going with the auto inflatable model.....

Thanks everyone for their input...Very helpful.

Now it is a waiting game, for the spring flyer to come out....

elkhunter11 · #15 03-16-2022, 11:32 AM

I bought an automatic/manual one from Cabelas a year ago, and everyone that I have boated with since wears the same type. The big advantage of these self inflating pfds, is that they are so comfortable, that people actually wear them.l, instead of sitting on them, or just having them in the boat. I picked up two more on sale at Cabelas this winter and that is what will be carried in my boat for guests. I will also purchase a rearming kit, to keep in the boat.