Inflatable belt PFDs

[MNpurple]

I fish alone quite often and although I'm not fond of it, I wear a lifejacket at all times because I am alone.

I was looking at the inflatable PFDs when I came across the inflatable belt PFDs made by mustang, stearns and a few other companies. Basically they look like a fanny pack witha CO2 cartridge and a manual cord you pull. Anyone have experience with these, especially in action? I cant think of a better way to stay safe and not even know you are wearing a PFD.

Thanks

[jeffreyd]

the guide i used last year uses one. the only issue i could see that if you for some reason were knocked out, you have to pull the harness over your head. that would be the only down fall i could see as the co2 is water activated so if you were in teh water if would at least activate.

[Tom7227]

The chance of not being able to keep your head out of the water would be a concern for me. I haven't tried any but the vest style seems as if it may be the better option. They have an option that would inflate it automatically and that seems like a decent feature to have. I can't swim very well but my main concern would be cold water or going out of the boat and either being dazed or so screwed up that I couldn't pull the string.

[Jackpine Rob]

Something is better than nothing guys.

I grew up in the era of "only wusses wear a life preserver". Dad made us put on the Mae Wests and such, and at some point the Stearns vests came into play.

However, as soon as we were out of sight and could ditch the contraptions, we did.

Human nature takes over. How many vests sit zipped up tight around the back of the seats? Lots of good those bad boys will do when things go down the drain!

The inflatables are all I use now - and thats how its going to be. They take up no space, take nothing away from what you're trying to do, and you can get out of the boat and screw around and forget you've got the darn thing on.

We ran a number of tests under controlled conditions, and I was pleased enough with the results that we went out and purchased belts for the whole famdamily. Pull the ripcord and your head stays above water. Nuf said.

[kcota15]

My wife bought me an inflatable vest style PDF from Cabela's last year. Before I owned it I never wore a life jacket unless the weather was bad. Now I wear it all the time. Don't even notice it. I am not familiar with the belt style inflatables. I do know this. If you fall out of a boat that is moving or hit your head on the way over, you probably don't have much of a chance of operating anything. The vest style in my opinion would be much safer. My wife and I teach in AZ and spend the summers on LOTW. I use my vest in AZ where it can be 110 degrees and in MN where it seems like it rains every day. No issues with my vest in either climate.

[marineman]

I have been considering a purchase of an inflatable PFD but I have one question. When it rains, how wet does the PFD have to be before it inflates?

[jeffreyd]

kcota15 where do you teach at in AZ? I live in the Phoenix area. Only wish i could escape the heat. Jeff

[eyebjim]

I have been considering a purchase of an inflatable PFD but I have one question. When it rains, how wet does the PFD have to be before it inflates?

They don't work based on wettness. It works based on pressure. So as soon as it is submerged the pressure increases and it inflates.

[tunrevir]

I have two that are in use in my boat. The kids have a much easier time wearing them without all of the complaining about it being hot or uncomfortable. I think they are great!

Tunrevir~

[jigginjim]

I bought the automatic belt, the one I have will inflate if the arming unit gets wet. I had it a extra livewell, (When new some may need some breakin time to be comfy) I threw a damp fishing towel in, and several minutes later it inflated due to the dampness in the well. I have not had it out in the rain yet, but will soon. After it got wet and reassembled I hung the belt over a hard coat hanger to shape it to fit better. I wear mine all the time now.

[Carpenter]

I have the standard inflatable vest with auto/manual operation. I like the fact that it's much cooler to wear, so I wear it more often than I would a regular life vest. I've worn in in the rain with out any problems, but if it's pouring I put it on under my somewhat bulky rain coat. I had the same problem as jigginjim. I put it in my side compartment on the boat and it went off with the cover on. It took some work, but I could get to the CO2 mechanism and was able to let out the pressure because the vest wasn't budging!! my next/last resort was knifing a $90 vest or leave it as "additional" buoyancy for the boat.

I try to take it out of the boat when not in use because the rearming kits cost an arm and a leg.

Bottom line, somewhat expensive but much better than nothing. You'll actually wear the inflatable. Better than the pine box!!

[kcota15]

Jeff,

The past three years I have been teaching in Gila Bend. I will be teaching in Casa Grande next year.

[kcota15]

marineman,

I have worn mine in the rain and had no issues. Since I don't have a boat, it gets stored inside so I've never had the problems that others speak of. The inflation device in mine looks like a film container with holes in the bottom. I'm guessing it fills from the bottom and the mechanism is near the top. Once it gets wet it inflates. I worried about the rain but haven't had any issues yet. Others have told me that over time the mechanism will deteriorate and then moisture can be a problem. Simple solution is to reload it every couple of years. If I remember correctly the manufactuer recomends this anyway.