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.

Wow

Glad your ok

Glad you're OK.

IME, when it comes to Life Jackets, we get what we pay for.

When people call bobbin systems less reliable, they usually mean the vest is prone to going off when you don't want it to.

Here is how they actually stack up against each other:

1. The Humidity & Rain Factor (Unintentional Inflation)

Dissolvable Bobbin (Standard Auto): Because it triggers the moment a small paper/sugar bobbin gets wet, heavy downpours, thick fog, heavy breaking waves, or even storing the PFD in a damp boat locker can cause it to fire off unexpectedly.

Hydrostatic (HIT): Since it requires actual water pressure (being submerged under about 4 inches of water), you can stand in a torrential rainstorm or get hit dead-on by spray while running down the lake, and it absolutely will not deploy.

2. In-Water Reliability (When You Actually Need It)

When properly maintained, both systems are highly reliable when it comes to saving your life. If you go overboard, both the bobbin style and the HIT system will inflate within seconds to keep your head above water.

3. Cost & Maintenance

Upfront & Re-arming Costs: Bobbin-style PFDs are much cheaper up front, and their re-arm kits are usually around $30 to $40. HIT PFDs carry a premium price tag, and a Re-Arm Kit A runs closer to $90.

Expiration Dates: Bobbin systems generally require replacing the bobbin every 1–3 years because the material degrades over time. HIT systems are completely sealed and typically maintenance-free for a full 5 years, which helps close the cost gap over the lifespan of the vest.

If you fish or boat in heavy rain, rough water, or high humidity, paying the premium for a HIT-fitted life jacket is IMO worth every penny just to avoid the headache of a false deployment.

Stay Safe.

A-Jay