Recently I acquired a 8' Pelican boat, and I need a vest. Im not the worlds strongest swimmer honestly I probably havent actualy went "swimming" since 94-95. I want something I will wear as Im setting this boat up to fish solo, mainly cos the guys I fish with that would be on the water for any amount of time already have boats and the other guys well thats for another day.

Im debating on getting one of the $100 inflatable versions, but if I dont wear it is it worth the money? I thought about buying just one of the floating squares, but then if I fall out who's there to toss it to me? I had a traditional style when I had my other boat, and it was uncomfortable(probably help if I lost about 30lbs).

Would you guys suggest one of the inflatable versions, maybe even the fanny pack type? Who's used them, anyone have to inflate one? What should I watch/look for?

If you spend the money on an inflatable, wear it. Being that you fish in a very small boat, I'd wear it and that is your most comfortable option. If you're just going to throw a life jacket in the boat, just to have it there, get a standard vest style from Cabelas or Bass Pro for 20 bucks. I would get a square too, you can use it to sit on but you never know when you'll need it. I keep both in my boat.

I'm sure you'll get all types of opinions here so good luck.

The only thing with the "auto" inflatables is that if you get caught in a thundershower or steady rain, be prepared to have it self-inflate on you. And to re-charge it is a bit expensive, depending on the make/model. If I were you though, this is what I'd go for without a doubt. Out of sight, out of mind.....except when you need it. Then it's always there for you.....like insurance.

The only thing with the "auto" inflatables is that if you get caught in a thundershower or steady rain, be prepared to have it self-inflate on you. And to re-charge it is a bit expensive, depending on the make/model. If I were you though, this is what I'd go for without a doubt. Out of sight, out of mind.....except when you need it. Then it's always there for you.....like insurance.

How about the manual version? Seeing that everytime I go to this one lake it rains on me! Plus honestly that the ones Im looking at, I know it shouldnt matter but $100 is enough for a life vest imo.

I fish alone more often than not and up until last season NEVER wore a life vest unless I was operating the big motor. Last year, I fell overboard while attempting to unsnag a lure that I thought I could reach. No problem, I just swam back to my boat and climbed in, no worse than if I'd jumped in to cool off. Later that year, I went overboard again when my partner made a quick move in the back and I was off balance in front. The water temp was 52 and it was windy. It took me 20min. in the water to catch up to my boat (my partner wasn't schooled in operating either the electric or gas motors). Luckily, I keep a cushion attached to a 50ft. line on deck and he was able to toss it to me and pull me in.

I still didn't learn my lesson and I almost paid for it with my life this spring. While fishing an unfamiliar lake I'd been following a drop from about six feet down to just over 15ft. I turned to reacquier the drop and was met by a five ft. boulder. The boat stopped, but I kept going. Luckily for me, I was tossed into the deeper water and not into the boulder ridden shallow side. The water was again on the cold side although it wasn't as windy as before. I was alone however, not only in my boat, but on the lake.

I now wear an automatic inflatable and although it was expensive, I think my life is worth much more. My wife made me promise to always wear it. I don't have to worry about breaking that promise, alone or not that vest is on my person.

Go for the automatic. If I'd have hit my head on a boulder, my wife would be a widow and my kids without a father not to mention I wouldn't have experienced the great fishing my first full year of retirement.

I just got a NRS Chinook PFD. its not an inflatable. But its made to wear in boats with no padding on the lower back. Its very comfortable and doesnt over heat me. It also has 10 pockets. Which is great because I can keep all the tackle I need right on me. I would deffinately reccomend it for any small boat owner.

The only thing with the "auto" inflatables is that if you get caught in a thundershower or steady rain, be prepared to have it self-inflate on you. And to re-charge it is a bit expensive, depending on the make/model. If I were you though, this is what I'd go for without a doubt. Out of sight, out of mind.....except when you need it. Then it's always there for you.....like insurance.

I have a Mustang Hyrdrostatic AI model. It has NEVER inflated unintentionally, even in the worst downpour.. In fact it inflated only twice. The first time was when I tested it in my neighbors pool. The second time it actually saved by buddy's life when he turtled a kayak in near freezing water. The OE recharge kit for this model was less than $40.

I just got a NRS Chinook PFD. its not an inflatable. But its made to wear in boats with no padding on the lower back. Its very comfortable and doesnt over heat me. It also has 10 pockets. Which is great because I can keep all the tackle I need right on me. I would deffinately reccomend it for any small boat owner.

Sounds interesting but how does it fit a guy walking around with a pony keg for a gut?

You guys make valid points about the auto, my thinking was in the fact that Ive yet to go over and the price. Ive gotten pretty good of just dropping to my knees or sitting down when I feel the slightest wobble. But after hearing your tales I have to admit auto sounds like the only way to go.

A life preserver is worthless unless you are wearing it. If you can't swim well, and even if you can, what happens if you fall out of your boat and strike your head on a stone, or have some type of seizure? You either need one with a hydrostatic system that will inflate the device, or the bulky old fashioned type. The manual type work well, provided you are conscious and coherent. Other than that, they are worthless.

There is one other reason that has been stated here before. If you have a heart attack and drop dead, your body will remain afloat, and you can readily be found. Fall over the side and sink to the bottom may necessitate dredging the bottom with grappling hooks attempting to snag your carcase. In the meantime, your loved ones are riding a roller coaster of emotions, hoping against hope that you are still alive.

How about the manual version? Seeing that everytime I go to this one lake it rains on me! Plus honestly that the ones Im looking at, I know it shouldnt matter but $100 is enough for a life vest imo.

The problem with the manual inflatable ones, if you fall out, hit your head and get knocked out it's not going to do anything for you if you can't inflate it since you are comatose...I'm not a big fan of the inflatable ones myself. A buddy of mine has one of the automatic ones and we were kayaking one day on a local stream. He wasn't wearing it and had it in the back of his kayak. All of a sudden we hear a "POW!" and I look back and his vest had inflated by itself. It's a Bass Pro vest so it's not a cheapie, and it made it pretty much useless the rest of the trip since they are quite big when they are inflated. That's another thing, if you do happen to fall in, make sure you have a recharge cartridge with you so you can reset it, he didn't have one with him at the time.

I personally use a standard type III kayak vest. It's lightweight, has lots of ventilation, and it's a fishing version with zippered pockets on the front for some lure storage. It's made by Stohlquist...Don't even know I'm wearing it most of the time unless it's 100* outside...Then I just jump in and get it wet and it helps me keep cool...I got it on sale for around $75, and my wife thought that was pretty pricey for a life vest, but then I convinced her it was what I needed because my life had better be worth $75.

I wear this -

I guess you have to ask yourself - what's your life worth ?

A-Jay

http://www.mustangsu...sion=recreation#

I purchased one a couple of months ago and wish I had have done it sooner. I wear it all of the time I am in the boat and don't even know I have it on. You should get one. Mine was about $120 from Bass Pro Shop.

Sounds interesting but how does it fit a guy walking around with a pony keg for a gut?

It actually will fit just fine. It has front adjustable straps from top to bottom as well as side and back straps to adjust.

From all the reviews I read, many of those saying that they were worried about the same issue said after adjustments it fit just fine.

This model vest is also made to not ride up even when sitting in a boat/kayak/canoe.

What if the inflateble fails?

What if the inflateble fails?

It means without a doubt, that your number is up.

^^^^^Exactly.