Just a reminder to check the bobbin on your aluto-inflate PFDs. It could save you from disaster. I replaced the bobbin and CO2 cartridge in 2024. I never thought to check mine.

I was out on a small lake yesterday, not another boat in sight and nobody within ear shot. My outboard wouldn't restart, so I took the cowling off and figured out what the problem was. Before putting the cowling back on (a life saving move) I went back to try starting her up.

The next thing I know, I'm in the water and the wind is blowing the boat away. My PFD never auto-inflated!

I was able to swim and catch up to the boat, but had no way to get back on board. I hung on to the gunnel, tired from swimming the 50yrd, and tried to figure out what to do while I rested. I worked my way to the transom and grabbed the top of the outboard. for, what seemed like an hour, I attempted to pull myself up into the boat. I'm 76 and just didn't have the strength to do it, After numerous failed attempts and prayers, I put both my feet on the engine's skegg and trimmed the motor up. I was able to stand and step onto the back deck. She started up when I got around to trying and I headed back to the launch. Much wiser from the experience.

Wow! Glad you are OK and made it back!

But to be honest with you I think a another lesson to take away from something like this- especially as we grow older- is to not go fishing alone.

PFD's are important no doubt. But so is having some help in the boat!

I hope you never go through something like this again. Glad you are OK.

Man I'm glad you made it back safely too!!! I will be 70 in a couple months and hate the fact that my days of fishing solo in my boat are almost a thing of the past. Fortunately I have a pond nearby that gets me through the days when my brother can't take off work to go.

You might want to think k about installing a ladder on your boat, if possible. Glad you’re ok

Glad you're okay. This is a big reason why I wear a NRS Chinook in my kayak. I was on the water one day it was rough and the idea that I could end up in the water became a reality. The next thought I had was would my PFD inflate if I did end up in the water? I couldn't say with 100% certainty that it would. Sure, the indicator is green, but things fail. Foam floats 100% of the time though. I've only gone in once with it on, but it worked perfectly and I didn't have to spend $40 to rearm it.

My inflatable inflated in storage. I threw it away.

I fish solo all the time. Your ordeal was scary.