PFDs
Dec 28, 2021 11:59:23 #
Grizzly 17 wrote:
FT. I see so many running wide open no kill switch lanyard or jacket. I use to do it also. I have auto inflate. Someone asked me why auto. I explained if you go over n in some way you can't pull to cord what then. In Swift water even with a buddy you can disappear in a hurry. If you do go face down n drown at least they can find your body. 🥴
Yeah, after 20 years running Delaware Bay in my Welcraft I've finally come to the conclusion that I didn't ALWAYS make the best choices. I saw a guy go overboard once out there . Spring run blues. He and his wife? were anchored up like we were and over he went. Current was somewhere between 4 and 6 kts. She didn't even know enough to throw a flotation cushion. She just stood there screaming. I had a hard time with the anchor so another boat got to him first and pulled him out, but it could have gone bad just as easily. When my daughter's first started fishing with me they were both trained in emergency procedures. The younger could run that boat as well as I could.
Dec 28, 2021 12:02:30 #
greenfrog wrote:
Plumbob this guy did a test for what you said.
Will a LIFE JACKET ACTUALLY Save your LIFE? Video
Will a LIFE JACKET ACTUALLY Save your LIFE? Video
Thanks GF, very informative.
I have vests in my boat, but never wear them. As I age, have thought about wearing them more and more.
Especially when I am by myself.
Dec 28, 2021 12:21:10 #
Flytier wrote:
Plum, from what I understand the pfds are designed to turn you over if you're unconscious. The flotation material is concentrated on the belly side of the vest.
Well I just watched the video that was posted and I might have to rethink. I like the idea of the auto inflate and it was on my shopping list anyway
Dec 28, 2021 12:49:50 #
Larry M wrote:
Better to wear it and not need it then need it and not have it.
Larry: That's the same saying I have toward a personal fire arm! If you need one and don't have it, you may never need one again! Just Sayin...RJS
Dec 28, 2021 13:09:42 #
NoCal Steve wrote:
Cold weather I wear one all the time in the boat. The rest of the year? Haven't found one that looks good on me when I'm wearing my speedo!
Dec 28, 2021 13:13:34 #
bapabear
Loc: Blaine, Washington
I am confused. Why does everyone support kids wearing jackets but not themselves? You can pull a kid out of the water and back into the boat. They can not pull you back in. Many of you may get mad at me, but I am going to be blunt. Not wearing a jacket on a vessel with less than 40 inch rails is just plain irresponsible and foolish. It is while you are fishing or doing some other activity that you are likely to slip and fall in, not when you are just sitting and driving. With all the comfortable jackets out there, there is just plain no excuse not to wear a jacket except foolish arrogance. P.S. don't forget to zip your pants back up when you are done.
Dec 28, 2021 13:21:21 #
MuskyHunter
Loc: Torrington, CT
Ben Bragg wrote:
I’m gonna share my preference on this. br Would l... (show quote)
PFDs are Important, but you should also remember to use the safety shutoff switch when underway. From personal experience, I know that this could be a life or serious injury saver.
Dec 28, 2021 13:29:10 #
If I’m depending on a PFD to save my life then I’m going to wear a non mechanical one. Remember that all machines fail eventually so when you really need it be sure you have the safest gear.
Dec 28, 2021 13:32:35 #
Dec 28, 2021 13:46:11 #
Apollo
Loc: Grand Lake, Ok
Grizzly 17 wrote:
I never wore them till I had to before. Now older n not positive about my ability to get back in my boat if I fell out. I have auto inflate n I wear it as long as I'm on the water. Promised Bug I'd stay as safe as possible. I also attach my kill switch lanyard when running. Stay safe out there everyone. 👍👍
You have a valid concern. On a hot day this past summer, I jumped in the water to cool off. There is a small ladder on the rear of my boat and was surprised how difficult it was to get back in the boat. Scared me a bit.
Dec 28, 2021 14:03:45 #
bapabear
Loc: Blaine, Washington
Hogwaller wrote:
If I’m depending on a PFD to save my life then I’m going to wear a non mechanical one. Remember that all machines fail eventually so when you really need it be sure you have the safest gear.
good idea. I quit trusting the auto inflate a few years ago when mine did not work on a curiosity test while replacing the air cartridge and auto inflate tab.
Dec 28, 2021 14:09:19 #
Pippin
Loc: Palm Desert, Cal
I agree. PFD at all times. Additionally, if you intend to paddle far from shore, where you will likely be in the water a long time if you fall out and cannot get back into your boat, you need to dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. That means a wet or dry suit if the water is even a little bit cold.
Dec 28, 2021 14:20:39 #
bapabear wrote:
good idea. I quit trusting the auto inflate a few years ago when mine did not work on a curiosity test while replacing the air cartridge and auto inflate tab.
Did your auto inflate have a back up tube for self expansion in the event like what happen to you?
Dec 28, 2021 14:42:48 #
I wear one that inflates upon contact with water. Shoulder (right) is in very bad shape for one reason and the other as Ben mentioned is body recovery.
Dec 28, 2021 16:20:27 #
DLancer7676
Loc: East Tennessee
First, I agree wholeheartedly with you about full time wearing of a PFD. I have a Cabela’s self- inflating PFD and like you, I forget it’s there and have it on full time. Secondly, I solved the “pissing off the side of the boat” while delicately balanced. Ya know those pee jugs that the hospital sends home with you after every stay? Yup, I take one in the boat and use that to relieve myself into. Empty into the lake, rinse it out, ready to go again. And NO inadvertent swimming.
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