NJ Saltwater Fisherman Forums
NJ Saltwater Fishing Reports and Information => Helping Each Other Out => Topic started by: PHIL on March 09, 2009, 03:37:18 PM
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Hey guys. Looking at buying a life jacket for myself. I will be fishing alone half the time.
As some of you know, I have a 20ft. c.c. I'm looking at a Mustang Automatic inflatable life jacket. It's small and comfortable. It's about $160.00. Does anyone know this jacket. Is it good?
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Mustang makes good products. I have never used their PFD's, but I have used some of their other products and they are basically top of the line. I am sure someone else has experience with their PFD's and can comment directly on them.
TT^
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you don't need to wear one at all times, you just need to have 1 for every person on your boat along with a floatation throw.
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I salute your safety foresight. Especially if you fish by yourself. It is nice to have all those vests and throws but if a fluke accident happens and you go overboard without a PFD who is going to throw you a jacket or flotation device?
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I have one made by SOSpenders. Once you wear it a few times you forget you even have it on.
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Go for it! Like the previous poster, I have the Sospenders as well, but they are similar. I used to fish by myself a lot, at night, behind the sod banks. And I wore mine all the time. t^
Like Mikey said, after you wear it a bit you'll forget you have it on. Plus, if you're fishing alone, who's going to throw you a life jacket if you go over? 5hrug
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you don't need to wear one at all times, you just need to have 1 for every person on your boat along with a floatation throw.
Sorry Nick, I have to disagree on this one. Always wear one when fishing alone. Fishing with others, then I would agree. <'((((><
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I don't think Nick was giving advise not to wear it, just giving what the law requires.
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<'((((>< t^
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I learned my lesson a couple of years ago about wearing a life jacket while alone. Flopped out of the boat while cleaning off a cutting board in the water. Would have been fish food if someone hadn't heard me yelling...
I will NEVER AGAIN be on the water in a small craft without wearing a floatation device...I have a Mustang floatation jacket for the cool weather and a pouch style for the summer.
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how is that pouch style? is it made for the ocean or just smaller bodies of water.
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Seems like it would do the job.
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Life jackets really do make the difference between living and dying if you go into the water. They are probably one of the most under used water safety items. Sort of like the seatbelt was to the automobile several years ago. Even when you are fishing with someone, you never know if you will be able to grab what they throw to you. Short of them jumping in for you, which is deadly for them, unless they have the proper training, there may be no saving you if you go in.
I always hated them and make any excuse not to wear one...bulky, uncomfortable, I am a great swimmer, etc...now with the new inflatables there isn't any excuse not to wear one. I have had a few close calls and don't want them to get any closer. I consider myself a good swimmer, but water is POWERFUL and very unpredictable.
I have even considered wearing one for the surf and when I venture out in the back. Probably wouldn't be a bad idea at all.
Better safe than DEAD!
TT^
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Well said.
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This is a good subject, and the thought of buying and wearing a suspender type vest has my interest. Lots of times we go out alone just to check things out or fuel up and stay out longer than expected (fishing).
I've seen them in Cabela's catalog.
Do any of you guys have these if so what type do you suggest? Thanks for your imput. AJ.
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how is that pouch style? is it made for the ocean or just smaller bodies of water.
The pouch style is 100 times better than nothing! t^ But, it won't help you if you're knocked unconscious before hitting the water. nosmly
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Here are a couple of links with some good PFD information. It can really be overwhelming trying to pick what is right and best for your water situation.
http://www.uscgboating.org/SAFETY/fedreqs/equ_pfd.htm (http://www.uscgboating.org/SAFETY/fedreqs/equ_pfd.htm)
http://www.pfdma.org/ (http://www.pfdma.org/)
TT^
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Thanks. I think its best to go and try them to see what is most effective and comfortable at a affortable price.Taking everything into consideration.
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Matt at Task Marine could get them, he's a sponsor here, resonable prices too.
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I referee crew (rowing) regattas, most of us spend a good portion of the day standing in small boats, hence the need to wear the auto inflates in case we take a unexpected swim. I have been wearing the auto inflate for over 4 years and mine has never unexpectedly inflated even when worn in the rain. Nor have I ever seen one inflate except when someone actually took a unexpected swim. I really don't seen the sense in having a manual inflate when there is a good possibility you could hit your head and potentially be knocked out if you are thrown overboard.
I wear the Mustang Model # MD3031, sometimes I am wearing for up to 12 hours a day at regattas and for long periods of time when I am fishing on my boat. In the winter I wear the Mustang Flotation Jacket for Striper Fishing.
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you don't need to wear one at all times, you just need to have 1 for every person on your boat along with a floatation throw.
Nick is right, any boat over 16ft needs one pfd per person on the boat and one throwable. You don't have to wear one unless your under 12yrs old. Inflatables are now approved by the uscg for people 16 and over, so It would be a good idea especially if your fishing alone at night.
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O, and the problem with inflatables is that they are considered type III pfds. That means that if you do knock yourself out you will be face down in the water because they are set up for you to have to lean your head back. Only type I and II pfds turn unconscious wearers face-up in the water
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For an inflatable to be considered a PFD it must be worn. If it is not being worn it is not even considered a PFD to count for any one aboard.
As far as it not turning you over if unconcious, that is correct. However, most of the PFDs carried aboard a private vessel also will not do that, and you will not even be wearing the ones that are typically carried aboard. They will be stowed away under a seat somewhere.
I do agree that the self inflatables would be the better of the two.
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Lot's of good info said here. The belt packs worn around your waist must be slipped over your head after inflation. Keep in mind that in a panic situation, if that water is cold the shock of entering it may cause your body to react quite differently and you may not be able to pull it over your head, besides the ability to ingest some water. For myself, I would think that an auto-inflate vest would be the type I will buy and where especially when venturing out alone.
I deal with several vendor's and have lot's of options and prices on safety gear.
Let me know what your looking for in particular and I'll see if I can save you some coin.
Matt.
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Thanks for the information; very important and appreciated.Its true many keep those PVD tucked under a seat or in storage in the cabin.The self inflate one can REALLY safe your life. t^
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Would you get an auto, manual or the Hydrostatic inflators?
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An auto inflate is the way to go! t^ If, for some reason, the auto doesn't work there is a manual backup.
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I would use the belt pack in the warm weather as a "better than nothing" solution. And something more robust for the cold weather.
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Hey guys. Looking at buying a life jacket for myself. I will be fishing alone half the time.
As some of you know, I have a 20ft. c.c. I'm looking at a Mustang Automatic inflatable life jacket. It's small and comfortable. It's about $160.00. Does anyone know this jacket. Is it good?
I like the west marine brand inflatables.