Once and Future
2013-11-26 01:04:17
We had that discussion last spring about inflatable vests and radios. I found a combination I felt safer with so I wanted to relay my experience.
First, I was trying on a Mustang inflatable vest, and noticed by the tag it was made in China. I buy Chinese stuff sometimes, but just wasn't willing to have it for safety equipment. I finally found that Stormy Seas makes an inflatable vest in USA, but it's not Coast Guard approved. Knowing that some of the best life rafts are not Coast Guard approved, I decided to try it out.
It was very comfortable to wear. Soft collar, and a full vest rather than the kind with the strappy profile I think would twist during multiple on and offs. Best part was that it had an internal pocket that fit the small vhf radio Salty recommended perfectly. I was able to run the gear and land fish without thinking about this gear I was wearing.
To allow SeaMar to ship it to me, I had them remove the CO2 cartridge. Luckily, I was able to buy replacement CO2 in Alaska. These vests take the screw-on type CO2.
This is a bit more of a product endorsement sounding post than I would like. But I think it is important enough for me to not hesitate to post it any more. It got to where I felt naked going on deck without it. And my 25 year old son liked wearing one as well.
kingsalmon
2013-11-29 23:38:28
Why do you choose the vest that doesn't auto activate?
Do you have to wear vest on outside, or can it go under foulies?
Once and Future
2013-11-30 02:45:06
The guy who started the company does an excellent job of explaining his theories on safety. On their website, there is a "FAQ" section. One of the questions addresses the water activation feature. After reading his discussion, I chose to buy the simpler vest. I suggest you read that and come to your own conclusion.
My rain gear is big enough that I could wear the vest underneath. I usually did wear it under rain gear to keep the fish blood off. On days when it was just too hot, I wore the vest on top and just sponged off the blood later.
The one scenario where auto-inflate would be good would be if you got knocked unconscious as you went overboard. But my main concern is just losing my balance and going over the side. The vest I got has a ripcord for the CO2 attached to the front pocket, which is held on by velcro. So you just tear off the pocket to inflate. My vest cost about $150. I don't remember how much more for the auto-water-inflate feature.
kingsalmon
2013-11-30 17:20:47
Cool, thanks for the info, I think I will as you did get the manual inflate, the website basically says the auto inflate due to the nature of the design can go off in unforeseen circumstances. Since I am rough on my gear and often get stuff really wet and.... Anyway I could see myself leaving the vest out in the rain and boom it goes off.