Inflatable life jackets

[Duane213]

I would like to get one of the inflatable PDFs.

We were looking at the auto/manual ones, but have a silly question about it being automatic--sometimes you can get pretty soaked in the boat, how easily does it get wet enough to inflate?

I have a heart condition, so that is why we are thinking perhaps an auto would be better?

Any recommendations?

Thanks

[Ralph Wiggum]

I've got Float Techs and really, really doubt getting wet in the boat could set them off. I can't be certain, but I'd bet they'd need to be submerged to trip. I'm way more concerned about catching the manual inflation cord and setting it off while landing a fish.

[swampbuck]

I have the stearns sospenders models They are great

I have made a habit of always wearing it when fishing by myself.

They are pretty comfortable to the point that I have loaded the boat and walked into grocery store with it still on! (Pretty embarrassing!)

They do not go off unless submerged or kept in a very damp/humid compartment. I have worn mine in severe downpours and not had it go off. As for the damp compartment I had one go off in a storage area that was very wet and then hot and humid. It bulged up the door!

I also had the pleasure of falling in with one on while netting a fish during a tournament. and they go off FAST when you go under. Popped me up like a cork! My partner did not stop laughing at me all day!

[Sandmannd]

As swamp says they won't just go off. I did keep one of mine in my boat in a compartment that got real damp and it went off. But they are real comfortable.