[Mr. Sandman]

What he said. I believe the thinking is that for folks who can't swim you want them to wear an auto inflatable, if you can keep your self above the surface for a few minutes then you can get by with a manual.

The manuals are less expensive and don't require as much maintenance. (you have to replace a "pill" that dissolves when wet) also, the auto's tend to go off after being stowed in a damp place for a while. If you keep them on CC's... they get more exposure and you should replace the parts as needed each season. At the end of each season I use to have the kids put them on and pull the cord just to see what it was like. (then store them unfolded and put fresh re-arm kit in each one each spring. In the beginning they were really scared to pull the cord. Once they did it a few times it was not that bad.

I think there is a place for both (auto/man). (and keep 4 of each on board) I don't think everyone that falls overboard is unconscious, esp non-commerical guys, most just slip. I make younger people where autos, the adults can wear whatever they like.

In my case I still have type 1's for everyone as well ( as well as survival suits and a 6 man inflatable life raft). Overkill??? yeah but I figure when you need a floatation device conditions are not what you would probably like them to be and want to have the right gear for offshore.

If you are not wearing a pfd, it is useless if you fall over the side, and most people still don't wear a pfd. So the manual belts are useful. At least you have some flotation device. They are very comfortable, you don't look/feel dorky and you can still fish. Most adults don't mind wearing a belt and prefer that over the vest as it is less intrusive.

To augment this, this season I plan to add an "auto tether" a clever wireless device that has a small clip (about 1"X1") that you put on your belt or pfd, if the capt falls overboard (moves more than a boat length from the receiver) then the engine stops. If a passenger moves more than a boat length away then an alarm goes off. For me, I run on auto-pilot most of the time and while I am keeping an eye on what is in front of us, I walk around the boat and get lines ready, land fish, etc. On the troll I am 99% on auto...and when I am by myself falling over would be a death sentence as I would see the boat driving away from me with no chance of ever getting back on board. When others are on board, esp offshore, if someone falls over at cruise it may take a minute or so before you realize he is gone so in that case you don't want the engine to stop you want an alarm asap. It is not easy to find someone in the ocean after a couple mins (even with GPS track on). It is only about 300 bucks and after hearing a few real life horror stories like above I figure it is cheap insurance.