Autoinflate PFD's - Forums Archive

mattakfish

2012-12-16 19:31:57

I'm looking at buying some autoinflate PFD'S. I was considering the mustang delux auto inflate pfd with harness (I am also considering purchasing tethers). I'm also looking at the stearns ultra 4000. Ideally, I want something comfortable enough that I will use it whenever I'm on deck. Not sure how susceptible the mechanisms are to being accidentally activated by splashes. Anyone have a certain kind of auto-inflatable pfd they like and would recommend...or any models to avoid? Also, I was wondering if anyone uses tethers on deck? I plan to fish solo a good bit so I thought that might be a good idea.

Thanks!

fvsedna

2012-12-16 23:27:52

I too am looking for the perfect fit ....I have them on board but do not wear them as I should, I have various excuses why, but here Is what I have found, most Importantly: get over the sticker shock...I wasted enough $$ on what I thought would be adequate functionality but reasonably priced. They turned out to be lemons for our Industry...or for boating on the lake. Like my wife says.."what Is your life worth.." I found some qualities I want In a work vest ; Wide straps for securing around the waist, as many of the available models now have, low profile, Automatic & manual Inflation (a must). & "D" rings Installed on the front. The closest models having these attributes I have seen online anyway have been sailing vests.....(the models without the crotch strap). Once you have tried to lift someone out of the water up onto deck of a commercial vessel of reasonable free board use realize the value of the "D" rings. I though, have been belligerent about purchasing because I still need to actually try one on. As far as tethering...sound good but I could Imagine the headline...." unfortunate troller found entangled & strangled by a line tied to a boom....headed out to sea"

Be serious about your safety @ sea.... do not get caught up In satisfying the "minimum requirements"....required by USCG.

Andrew

ericv

2012-12-17 18:30:11

Matt, I'd take Andrew's advice to heart and I applaud your forward thinking on what safety measures we need to have in place as single-hand fisherman such as myself. Sticker shock of quality safety gear can cause a person to hesitate on such purchases, my philosophy is like Andrew's spouse's - what is your life worth? I consider my category 1 EPIRB, highest quality parachute flares, PFD's, survival suits etc as my (and my families) life insurance policy.

For 30+ years of fisheries work I have without fail, worn a close fitting vest style PFD before I cast the final line off the dock. I'd need to start a new thread to go in to how many times these PFD's have added warmth, prevented broken ribs and kept me afloat affording all strength be dedicated to rescue as opposed to trying to keep from going under. I plan to look in to the inflatable vests myself and will take Andrew's input seriously as I move forward. Thanks for posing the question, this site is covered by the finest maritime folks around.

Eric - F/V New Hope - Sitka, AK

Drew

2012-12-18 16:21:38

I want to find something that I will wear as well. I bought some PDFs to wear last year and never wore them.

In the AMSI course I took last year they had an autoinflate raincoat that was fairly comfortable.

What do any of you wear that wear PDFs?

fvsedna

2012-12-19 02:26:16

Another nice benefit by living In Sitka Is this Is also home of AMSI. This thread got me thinking about re-researching for an Inflatable work vest. So, I drove out there this afternoon to check out the stock that they have on hand for demo & training...they had a good number of vest type pfds with a wide range of features. There was one model made by Stearns called Sospenders, there Is actually several different models under the same "Sospenders" handle.

Back home I got online: www.stearnsflotation.com

www.mustangsurvival.com........

Stearns website Is less Informative on their equipment, especially after visiting the Mustang site....which Is very descriptive......I encourage all Interested to check them out & research what may fit with your operation. I found a model that has the specs I am looking for, the Mustang model MD3184; 1) built the style I want..less Intrusive...2) Has all three types of Inflation: auto (or hydro), manual & oral. many models do not have all three. 3) heavy SS 'D' rings. It It also Is made In N. America; Canada & some In USA. Stearns Is manufactured In China....good luck..

Andrew