Life Jacket

[brijones1]

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.  

[brijones1]

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

[IrishAyes]

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.

[Maritime Matt]

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.

[PeggyLee]

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.   

[Still Running]

Would you get an auto, manual or the Hydrostatic inflators?

[Bucktail]

An auto inflate is the way to go!   If, for some reason, the auto doesn't work there is a manual backup.

[bassnblues]

I would use the belt pack in the warm weather as a "better than nothing" solution. And something more robust for the cold weather.

[blynch]

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.