Suggestions for Personal Flotation Devices

W

Werner

Active member
I need to buy 2 P.F.D.s for my new (to me) Merrymeeting Bay Gunning Float -the boat was hand built in 1980. As you can guess I am rather pleased at acquiring the boat.

Some particulars that may aid in providing advice.

Both my son & I are the primary users. We are both 6' + tall. He is a young adult. We will hunt a fresh water tidal river that is roughly 1 mile wide.

We will be restricted to using the MMBGF as a floating blind in water 2 to 8 feet deep. (I know I have a scull boat but the wild life management rules and state lines on the river limit our use at this point.) The river channel can be as much as 28 feet deep.

I am very interested in the inflatable life jackets because I think my son & I are more likely to keep them on while hunting. I have seen models on sale on ebay for around 100 dollars. They inflate with C02 cylinders.

Any thoughts would be very welcome.

Thanks,

Werner
 
I have a cheap traditional camo colored PFD. It has mesh in the shoulders so it does not affect shouldering a gun. I wore it Sunday while layout hunting, and was able to sit up and kill the 2 whistlers that decoyed. While an inflatable may be less bulk, I have concluded there is more compromise than benefit to me. Mine is many years old, like at least 25. The material is faded, but not yet rotted, so I will keep it for a few more I am sure. I have seen similar to mine for less than $50 still.
 
I have a cheap traditional camo colored PFD. It has mesh in the shoulders so it does not affect shouldering a gun. I wore it Sunday while layout hunting, and was able to sit up and kill the 2 whistlers that decoyed. While an inflatable may be less bulk, I have concluded there is more compromise than benefit to me. Mine is many years old, like at least 25. The material is faded, but not yet rotted, so I will keep it for a few more I am sure. I have seen similar to mine for less than $50 still.
Click to expand...


Same here. I bought mine in 1997 and its held up well. Not sure which brand but it came from either Walmart or Academy.
 
Werner,

I have been wearing a manual inflatable for pretty close to 15 years. I'll be honest, I don't wear it 100%of the time BUT I wear it way more than any other pfd I have. I wear it a lot more when alone, always when going out in the dark but less often when chasing cripples. Originally I had a Stearns but traded it in back to Cabelas when they changed the design and couldn't find a replacement CO2 cartridge. I replaced it with a Cabelas brand and extra CO2 cartridge about ten years ago. Though I have shot successfully with it on I admit I take it off most of the time to shoot.
 
I've got both a standard camo vest and an inflatable vest. I carry the traditional vest as a backup to my inflatable. I don't always wear my inflatable 100% of the time but there have been numerous times I forget that I already have it on. One advantage to using a camo inflatable is that, once deployed, it is no longer camouflage.
 
Dave,

I do not live that far from you! Did you have a chance to swing by the nation's gun show this weekend?
 
I found a nice kayak life jacket blown off on the side of the road this summer and I used it today. Very comfy and easy to move in....mesh shoulders like Dave and Carl mentioned...added bonus for if you lay back or lean against gunnels: the more traditional life jacket offers more padding too and if you're like me and get cold easy it also helps to keep you warm too

That said, I do like the inflatable PFDs a lot too....very light weight....not very bulky....easy to move around in....though here's a question I don't know the answer to and have never looked it up. What are the inflatable PFDs rated to weight wise? How much person will one of those PFDs float?
 
I did not know about the gun show, bummer, as I am in need of a carry piece.... have my eye on a Ruger LC9, having handled and shot one this past week.
 
Huntindave,

I see your point in having a traditional vest as a back-up. Seems safer if the inflatable fails for some reason.

Werner
 
Dave,

That Ruger LC9 is pretty cool. I know what you mean about having the need for a carry piece ...especially now where we live.

The show is open tomorrow.

They expanded the show and opened up a second large room. Fist time I have seen that done. Also, they invited us back tomorrow without paying & even gave advice on how to protect our hands so the stamp won't fade. I have never heard of them doing that before. The place was crowded too.
 
Gander Mt has the LC9 on sale starting tomorrow.... for $214! but it is in raspberry (pink frame, black slide). Since it will be holstered until, not, might be able to accept the color for the 50% savings?
 
Dani,

"What are the inflatable PFDs rated to weight wise?" That is a good question. I am not sure.

The MIT 100 Inflatable Manual PFD - Camo "Provides 26 lb (100 N) buoyancy when inflated."

But I do not know what that means in terms of its rating weight wise.

I guess what I am wondering is what does 26 lb buoyancy mean in terms of how much weight will if keep afloat.
 
Last edited:
Werner, I use a mustang inflatable when underway. I have a camo cushion I sit on. Have a extra 4xl orange vest under the deck if I forget my inflatable. The inflatable come in all sizes and weights, just look at the specs. I had mine when I worked for Tow Boat and used it when underway. Tough to get a big camo one to fit over all the gear. Don't chase birds without it on. Too hard to wear and shoot. Sales should be going on now.
 
It's my understanding that the inflatable vests don't count as PFD's on board unless they are being worn. So, if you only have inflatables on board, you must wear them otherwise you can be ticketed.

Personally, I don't like relying on a mechanical device working to save my life. A traditional foam vest will float no matter what.
 
It's my understanding that the inflatable vests don't count as PFD's on board unless they are being worn. So, if you only have inflatables on board, you must wear them otherwise you can be ticketed.
Click to expand...


That is certainly true in FL. Had a fish and game guy tell us that while we were loading up the boat during gator season last year.

It may not be true in other states, so definitely worth checking out.
 
Yep, its a USCG rule. Inflatables must be worn to "count" in any state.
 
I have not yet seen one of these up close but, as they say, the best PFD is one you'll wear all the time and I think these guys are on the right track. Pricey for sure but I hope they push inflatable innovation from other manufacturers as well.

http://www.hydewingman.com
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top