What's the deal with these. I was told you had to wear them constantly while on the water or it is a violation. Fellow told me he got a ticket because it was lying in the boat. I read the info on one and it clearly states that it must me worn. Is this so? I want one, but not if I have to wear it all the time to be legal. Anyone got the lowdown?

Thanks

Never heard of that before but in looking at the Texas TPWD page your required to have a PFD for every member on board. But the curious thing is under the type 5 (hybrid) it is listed "TYPE V (Hybrid Device) Required to be worn to be counted as a regulation PFD."

Hmmmm............ Guess it only counts as a PFD if your wearing it.

Here's the page I got that from

http://tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/safety/life_jackets/#remember

A good vest or suspenders should be comfortable and as non restrictive as possible. you should have no problem wearing it all the time.

Bill

I was told that the ruling was because it would probably not deploy if it were not on a person thus making it worthless.

I have one that I bought for winter wear just in case.  It isn't as restrictive as a vest but puts added weight on my shoulders by the end of the day.  I don't use it this time of year.

Thanks guys, I guess I am going to have to talk to a game warden to find out. Will let everyone know if I get a solid answer. Anyone else that might have the answer let me know. Thanks

Why not just keep an extra PFD aboard your boat.  That way if you are not wearing the inflatable, it will not have to count as your PFD

I talked to a game warden a few months ago about it and he said that, if you don't want to wear it all the time, just carry a regular life vest in the boat that will qualify.  

Why not just keep an extra PFD aboard your boat. That way if you are not wearing the inflatable, it will not have to count as your PFD

That's what I do......................Al

The Red Mustangs we see everwhere do not have to be on to be considered a legal PFD.  All the ones that must be worn to be considered an legal are labeled " Type 3 or 4 when only being worn" These are the ones that we must have a traditional PFD on the boat to be legal if you decide to remove the inflateable.

The Red Mustangs we see everwhere do not have to be on to be considered a legal PFD.  All the ones that must be worn to be considered an legal are labeled " Type 3 or 4 when only being worn" These are the ones that we must have a traditional PFD on the boat to be legal if you decide to remove the inflateable.

That is not true, at least in SC.  Some of the mustang auto PFd's are classified as a type V, which must be worn to count as a PFD.  If you are concerned obout it , get a type II Mustang, which is in the same class as those orange around the neck PFD's and does not nee to bo worn all the time

The wife and I took a boater safety class and the warden told us about those auto inflators, even though they are expensive, how much is your life worth. I got one after that class because of how they work and the wifes worry that I might fall out of the boat. I wear it all the time on the water, dont even realize it is there. I also keep another PFD on board.

There are Type III inflatables available, but are not automatic. I use that one. It is not of another type with a Type III rating, it is a Type III which is the same CG rating as the vests. It does not have to be worn to be legal.

The Red Mustangs we see everwhere do not have to be on to be considered a legal PFD. All the ones that must be worn to be considered an legal are labeled " Type 3 or 4 when only being worn" These are the ones that we must have a traditional PFD on the boat to be legal if you decide to remove the inflateable.

That is not true, at least in SC. Some of the mustang auto PFd's are classified as a type V, which must be worn to count as a PFD. If you are concerned obout it , get a type II Mustang, which is in the same class as those orange around the neck PFD's and does not nee to bo worn all the time

My Red BASS Mustangs are Class II I also have a Sospends that is a Class V with Class 2 performance when worn and label says " MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES"

I feel safer with my Sterns full bulky vest one while doing XX mph down the lake.

Mustang while fishing.