Life Jackets

[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.

[JackK]

I personally like my Stearns Powerboat, but any float coat would be right up there with it- USCG certified, warm, waterproof... I bring it whenever I'm out, easy enough to just put it on and forget about it.

I'm much more likely to wear a PFD if it's multipurpose (IE keeps me warm), so I definitely recommend the floatcoat for early and late season boating.

[Mr. Sandman]

They are nice...I have always wanted to get one of those but you don't see many places carrying them, at least I don't.
Also, on a mid summer day they are not practical

[JackK]

I think I got mine at sandwich ship supply. Was a while ago, so not sure... Pricey but worth the investment and peace of mind, at least for the captain.

Definitely need to find something different for the summer though- unless you like heat stroke! I have a small inflatable that is low-profile and works great- think it's made by mustang, but unsure of the model.

[Fishoholic]

One of the most popular (for good reason) is the Mustang MD3183.
Very comfortable and has a hydrostatic inflation trigger instead of the "pill" that's mentioned above. This way it only goes off when submerged under 4" of water and no amount of moisture will set it off over time. Most manufactures are leaning toward these now for that reason. That and they cost more You can get one for under 200$ and they are worth it. I suggest you go to a store like west or BP and try some on. See what's comfortable. Go through a full range of motion and note any areas where it rubs you. Treat it like a pair of shoes but more importantly. You'll be in all day.. mind as well be comfortable. If you don't care then I think cabela's has an auto for 99$

[niko]

mustang has one that is more of a vest than suspenders. it looks low profile but i want to try one on before i buy it. it also has 40#of bouyency

[beamie]

[QUOTE=Fishoholic;842340]....... I suggest you go to a store like west or BP and try some on......See what's comfortable.......


and then go and order it online from Defender Marine. MD3184 Defender $240 West $315......
West Marine is one of the most overpriced stores around. I only go when I really have to. I am in the process of drawing up some side curtains for the boat. Sunbrella price D$15, W$30 per yard.

I have been doing business with Defender for years, and Hamilton Marine. Jamestown too thou they have been coming up in recent years.

[Fishoholic]

[QUOTE=beamie;842370]

Originally Posted by Fishoholic

....... I suggest you go to a store like west or BP and try some on......See what's comfortable.......


and then go and order it online from Defender Marine. MD3184 Defender $240 West $315......
West Marine is one of the most overpriced stores around. I only go when I really have to. I am in the process of drawing up some side curtains for the boat. Sunbrella price D$15, W$30 per yard.

I have been doing business with Defender for years, and Hamilton Marine. Jamestown too thou they have been coming up in recent years.

sailsmarine has them for 218$

and btw Jamestown Distributors will do match pricing

[MakoMike]

[QUOTE=beamie;842370]

Originally Posted by Fishoholic

....... I suggest you go to a store like west or BP and try some on......See what's comfortable.......


and then go and order it online from Defender Marine. MD3184 Defender $240 West $315......
West Marine is one of the most overpriced stores around. I only go when I really have to. I am in the process of drawing up some side curtains for the boat. Sunbrella price D$15, W$30 per yard.

I have been doing business with Defender for years, and Hamilton Marine. Jamestown too thou they have been coming up in recent years.

West marine will price match. I always have a defender and hamilton catalog in my truck when I stop at west marine for something.

[Van]

Originally Posted by Mr. Sandman

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.

I purchased the auto-tether a couple of years ago. Did a "group buy" with some friends. I got it because I boat and fish alone most of the time, so its a MUST. Works really well. (Now if I would just wear my life jacket !!) (Opps did I just type that !!) Anyway, it does not go off due to water/submersed. Its distance activated. I have only the single, but for a larger boat with a helm up top they have the multiple version so it will kill the engine if a passenger goes over.

[SweetD]

Originally Posted by Van

Anyway, it does not go off due to water/submersed. Its distance activated.

I have the Auto-Tether as well. It's great. But I do believe it DOES in fact go off when submerged, as the radio frequency that keeps the FOB in contact with the head unit does not transmit thru water.

I believe it is BOTH distance and water-submerged activated.

Dave

[Van]

Originally Posted by SweetD

I have the Auto-Tether as well. It's great. But I do believe it DOES in fact go off when submerged, as the radio frequency that keeps the FOB in contact with the head unit does not transmit thru water.

I believe it is BOTH distance and water-submerged activated.

Dave

Well yes because it loses signal through water. Same as being a distance.
But it can get splashed-soaking wet or submerged very close to the head unit and not activate. That's all I meant.

It is great peace of mind when I'm out alone.
I had a little trouble with the first one as it would ocassionally kill the engine while I was in the boat. Sent it back, got a new one in a week. Good-to-go !!! Good company to deal with.