Adrian

Hi all, In Minnesota where I mostly fish and Wisconsin I have been checked often by the DNR for life jackets. I have a Stearns myself which I have a whistle and signal mirror compass and fire starter kit. My friends fishing with me just have there own. I don't know if I should provide them with better life jackets.? I do go out in large lakes superior and Michigan. 🛶

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

I make sure I provide quality PFDs on my boat for everyone aboard.

Egghead

You can get those orange ones usually about three in a pack. There cheap and they work. If you feel you need to supply your friends. Next time they will buy there own.lol

GaryH Loc: Northern Pa.

Your the captain of the boat and your passengers are your responsibility.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

You see the orange ones all the time along the highways here. I think I have at least 3 or 4 of them in my boat at all times. Plus the ones I wear, 2 inflatable ones and a third zip up one.
That way I always have enough PFDs no matter how many people I have on my boat.
I think the most I've ever had on my boat was 4 at one time. Usually only 2.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

I find exceptionally cheap deals on lifejackets at Goodwill, and other places. Yes, you can get the cheapo orange ones that fit poorly and basically only just fulfill the legal requirements.
The wise boat owner will have a variety of sizes available to their passengers, including well-fitting ones for small children and 6-12yr olds. This could easily become a rather expensive proposition, especially for those boat owners of 3-6+ person capacity boats.
I readily admit that I have a boat addiction and own more (don't ask... probably TOO many) than most, but I feel an obligation to not only meet legalities, but to be a good host, as well. By acquisition of quality PFD's, I never have to disappoint a family with small kids,that wants to ride on my small pontoon boat, or embarrass an obese friend who wants to go fishing. I personally wear an Onyx manual inflatable and have an extra one to share.
Goodwill, Craigslist, & yard sales are the major source of the 12-15 "guest loaners" that I have, and I always have my eyes peeled for CLEAN, UNDAMAGED (no broken buckles or rips) ones. Many of them are quite expensive waterskier types, and yet, I can't recall ever paying more than $8-$10, usually more like $5....I paid twice as much for my 2 Onyx ones as I have in ALL the other 12-15. And that includes a sweet Stearns "winter version" Angler, with tackle pockets and a comfy polarfleece collar and lined hand pockets.... about $50 or so retail...$6.99 @ Goodwill in "as new" condition.
No excuses needed to not be a good host while assuring SAFETY..... besides, those two little tiny neoprene ones (never been used, $3.99 ea) with the "crotch-straps" and "lift handles" are just so damn cute !

Able Man Loc: North Coast (Cleveland, Ohio)

Adrian; I'm pretty sure that the law states, something to the effect of: "...USCG approved personal floatation devices, in a quantity sufficient that each person aboard..." (SOMETHING, to that effect...)
I don't think that the law cares who has WHAT; as long as it is, in fact: USCG Approved. So, it's basically "your call"; bearing in mind, that, as boat owner, YOU'RE the one, who's gonna be re$pon$ible for any violations of any laws, involving the "said watercraft". (My take on reality.)

Able Man Loc: North Coast (Cleveland, Ohio)

That's especially laws regarding "Required Equipment"... (There's more to be mindful of, but: a sufficient number of PFD's is certainly "high on the ✓-list")

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Talk to the local fishermen in the Aran Islands. They never learn to swim. They feel it gives you false confidence and if you do go to sea so to speak, it only prolongs the inevitable. Something to consider on gichi-gami .

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

No, I think it's just plain NUTS goin out on the water and you don't know how to swim. I do know people who have done it though. They did always wear their PFD though.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Well i's in the navy for 21 years, got under way a few times, and I never once wore a life jacket. Yes I could swim, but I knew perfectly well what my odds were of surviving if I went into the drink. About the same, maybe even a little less, as me buying a winning lottery ticket. Swim or not. Life jacket or not. Now I'm not talkin about going out on Lake Sonoma or Clear Lake, or even Tahoe. We're talking Lake Superior, which might just as well be the Altantic Ocean.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Yeah brother, I've never been on such massive water as that. Did go on a fishin charter to the Farallon Islands bout 40 years ago though. Other than that, Tahoe is bout the biggest water I've been on.

DC Loc: Washington state

I agree it seems like it would be good to be able to keep yourself afloat to increase your chance of being picked up even in big bodies of water. I use to be unsinkable in the water and could float and swim all day although now with two fake knees and a fake hip and decreased lung capacity and getting old swimming is not what it use to be I have to work at staying afloat and tire easily so I always wear a PFD now on the boat. However I am not sure it will hold me up or not I think I will have to jump in a lake some day when it is hot just to see how it does or if it just slips off over my head but at least if it does I can always swim over to it and hold on to it if I need to. But I think it is as you say just plain nuts not to have a properly fitting PFD for everyone on board and most of the time have them on. What good will they do if some racing bass boat runs over you and you end up in the water if your PFDs are stashed away someplace in your boat with out you.

greyghost

You definitely do not want to go overboard near the Farralons, with or without a life jacket.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Yeah, breedin grounds for Great Whites. They feed heavily on the seals around there.