Breaking through the ice

[Raven]

I spend a considerable amount of time ice fishing by myself on various lakes. My wife is always worried I might go through the ice on my snowmoble. I saw in a recent catalog about a type of life vest that looks somewhat like a harness that goes over your shoulders and buckles around your waist. It uses CO2 cartridges to inflate. You can get the type that automatically inflates if you hit the water. Does anyone know anything about them and if they would fit over winter Carharts, etc.? They run a little over a hundred bucks, but would be worth the peace of mind.

Appreciate your thoughts.

[jimBo]

I think what your talking about is a snorkling vest.Stearns makes a floatation jackets but they are spendy.If you are intrested in one of the vest you can
email me at [email protected]
not sure of the price but will find out.
good fishin
jimBo

[fishnfool]

What you explained is an actual life jacket that is US Coast Guard approved. There are two types, one that is automatic and inflates as soon as it detects water and the second needs to be manually inflated by pulling a rip cord. The manual one may be the way to go for ice fishing. You can buy these at any marine dealer or try boatus.com,overtons.com or westmarine.com

[Guest]

I think last year I read about a floatation device being design by some University. It somehow was attached to the snowmobile. The operator had control by a teather cord and it was pressure sensitive. Any body else know anything about it.

[ghotierman]

stearns inflate-a-belt...not sure what it retails for...had one in the shop a while back...maybe still do...i'll check..

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Northeast Outfitters
915 Hwy 29 N NE
Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 763-9598

[Guest]

The type you describe is called SOSpenders. They are available in automatic inflation or manual (pulling the cord).

For ultimate piece of mind, go with a lined over-jacket that does not require inflation. They are pricey, but don't depend on CO2 cartridges or other mechanical devices to be water ready. Some brands are remarkably slim in design so you don't get the bulk of a typical PFD. They're used on ocean merchant ships by crew.

[Gissert]

Mustang makes some great floater type survival suits, along with floater coats and vests.

[Dan97]

The main concerns I would have with the CO2 operated units are it's performance in COLD weather and will it hold me up when I'm wearing a couple tons of water soaked clothing. They seem kind of small to me.

I like the idea of a PFD while ice angling alone but wearing a "normal" vest can be just too dern bulky. I always have a boat cushion with me while on the ice. For safety as well as comfort. And it's throwable, just in case.

The flotation jacket (ie non-mechanical PFD) would be a GREAT thing to have, but spendy. Sounds as if the CO2 inflatables may be the way to go.

Dan

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