Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: rjs on May 26, 2012, 08:54:34 PM

Title: inflatable pfd's
Post by: rjs on May 26, 2012, 08:54:34 PM
ok...what is every one wearing ? I was thinking of versatility of use on the river and in the boat ! theirs a better chance of me wearing something i'm comfortable and get use wearing all the time !

I was looking at the mustang's mit 35 ! auto inflate or manual ???

http://www.stevestonmarine.com/product_detail.php?id=36514&page=5
Title: Re: inflatable pfd's
Post by: Dogbreath on May 26, 2012, 09:07:22 PM
If you buy from the store as linked you'll overpay-and I should know.
Title: Re: inflatable pfd's
Post by: rjs on May 26, 2012, 09:34:14 PM
ok... were the best place to buy  ?
Title: Re: inflatable pfd's
Post by: canso on May 27, 2012, 09:01:20 PM
I use this one
http://www.stevestonmarine.com/product_detail.php?id=31155&page=2

yes, buy auto inflate
Title: Re: inflatable pfd's
Post by: BNF861 on May 27, 2012, 09:50:35 PM
I use the same one Canso just posted a link to.

Mustang HIT auto inflate
Title: Re: inflatable pfd's
Post by: trout80 on May 27, 2012, 10:17:42 PM
Berrys Bait And  Tackle , in Richmond
Title: Re: inflatable pfd's
Post by: 777fishing on May 27, 2012, 10:39:03 PM
A automatic Inflatable Vest is the way to go for a few bucks more... If you pass out or hit your head and are out of it for whatever reason; at least you are floating.  Once you get in the habit of using it you forget you have it on. ;)
Title: Re: inflatable pfd's
Post by: Driller on May 28, 2012, 01:39:53 PM
I bought one at Steveston marine.  At the store I think I paid around 200 bucks for the auto inflate model.  I like it.  I did a bit of research to see if Cabellas or Bass Pro Shop sold a vest with fishing pockets etc incorporated into it.  They do, but they are not approved and therefor not a legal PFD in Canada.
Title: Re: inflatable pfd's
Post by: alwaysfishn on May 28, 2012, 01:52:25 PM
I bought one at Steveston marine.  At the store I think I paid around 200 bucks for the auto inflate model.  I like it.  I did a bit of research to see if Cabellas or Bass Pro Shop sold a vest with fishing pockets etc incorporated into it.  They do, but they are not approved and therefor not a legal PFD in Canada.

I've heard that the auto inflate models will occasionally inflate if used during a down pour. That's why I went with the manual, pull the lever type. Just have to be careful that I don't pass out before I fall in.....
Title: Re: inflatable pfd's
Post by: BNF861 on May 28, 2012, 05:51:47 PM
I've heard that the auto inflate models will occasionally inflate if used during a down pour. That's why I went with the manual, pull the lever type. Just have to be careful that I don't pass out before I fall in.....

That was sometimes the case with MIT models. They have a tablet that dissolves in water which sets it off. Sometimes in heavy rain or wet bottom of a boat, they can go off prematurely.

The newer HIT models have to be submersed in 4" of water to inflate. A little more money but no need to worry about it going off in wet conditions, and nice to know if you can't get to the chord it will go off if you go overboard with the autoinflate.

Also incase anyone wasn't aware, if you have an inflateable PFD on your boat but are not wearing it, it does not count as having a life jacket on board if you get checked. It has to be worn to count.
Title: Re: inflatable pfd's
Post by: rjs on May 28, 2012, 07:42:24 PM
Thanks for all the advice !!! :)
Title: Re: inflatable pfd's
Post by: Stillwaters on May 30, 2012, 12:11:26 PM
PFD's are not designed to keep your head out of water if you are unconscious.  You need a Life Jacket for that.  So the auto inflate is kind of a false security blanket, but I'm sure it will increase your chances of survival even if you are unconscious.
Title: Re: inflatable pfd's
Post by: Easywater on May 30, 2012, 01:41:40 PM
Keep in mind that you have to be wearing your inflatable PFD all the time you are on the water.

Not too big a deal on the Fraser but I found that wearing it in warm weather while trout fishing, it got a little uncomfortable.
Title: Re: inflatable pfd's
Post by: troutbreath on May 30, 2012, 07:58:26 PM
I find myself more likely to wear them than the other life jackets because they are more comfortable.
Title: Re: inflatable pfd's
Post by: obie1fish on May 30, 2012, 11:34:31 PM
Ok, here's a query- I'm a big guy- 52 inch chest. Are there any out there that can be worn over my rain gear and a couple of layers of clothing? Haven't seen any myself.
Title: Re: inflatable pfd's
Post by: Dogbreath on June 01, 2012, 08:07:02 AM
I'm a big guy- 52 inch chest. Are there any out there that can be worn over my rain gear and a couple of layers of clothing? Haven't seen any myself.
Not that's legal in Canada-Cabela's has them but they are only legal in the USA AFAIK.

Why not contact Mustang customer service directly?
Title: Re: inflatable pfd's
Post by: ynot on June 02, 2012, 12:15:39 PM
they might not count as legal but if you have another pfd on board then your legal and can use your american one.
Title: Re: inflatable pfd's
Post by: obie1fish on June 11, 2012, 08:22:07 PM
Thanks, guys. As I thought- there doesn't seem to be a practical (and legal) solution. Here I come, Weight Watchers!
Title: Re: inflatable pfd's
Post by: troutbreath on June 11, 2012, 10:24:50 PM
I think saw some in crappy tires flier on sale. :)