Self inflatable Life Vests

[Capt.Nick]

These look(on TV) like the way to go.They're compact & very buoyant looking.You just pull the ripcord.Where can I get one?

[rick c.]

Take a closer look at them. Sure they are bouyant when inflated but at the same time very bulky. I think you would have a difficult time climbing back inside your Yak wearing one. Also, after being inflated, you need to recharge them for use with another CO2 cartridge. You would be better off with one of the many extremely comfortable PFDs on the market now.

[Capt.Nick]

True I never thought about getting back on with it inflated.Do you know for a fact that you can't get back on if it is inflated?There's only 1 way to find out.I already have the regular flat type + I use a cushion type that I sit on.I just thought they'd be better.

[Sandtiger]

Capt.Nick originally wrote:
These look(on TV) like the way to go.They're compact & very buoyant looking.You just pull the ripcord.Where can I get one?

I've got an auto inflatable one, but don't use it on my kayak. You can buy them at West Marine or Boater's World.

I only use it on my power boat when out alone or when fishing on anyone's boat (mine included) at night. Having to pull the rip cord after getting dunked in my opinion is not a good idea because the decision to make it work is up to you and you may not be in the position (mentally) to do that. Auto-inflating (about $150) is better in that sense. An inflatable that is worn like a fanny pack is okay I guess except that once it inflates, then you have to get it on!

Another problem with these is that the CO2 permeates the container (life vest) and if in the water for any length of time you'll need to start pumping it back up by use of the mouth piece. For the yak, I'll stick with my Stohlquist PFD. If I get out of my kayak to fish and am walking around and fall into a hole with the Stohlquist I do not have a life jacket that is now blown up for the rest of the day. [wink][wink]

[stevej00]

Capt. Nick,

As you may have heard me mention my expirience in a kayak is limited....but one a canoe in deep water flips/rightings getting back on with a conventional vest is hard...

I use an inflatable but I've never tested it. This past year was it's second full season in use and it's due to tested and repacked, which I was going o wait until spring and test, but If you'd like to come buy and jump in with it on and test it you're more than welcome too ... [grin]

The inflatables are puffy rings and I could definitely see them getting in the way somewhat, but to what degree past a normal vest until I try I'm going to guess that it is not much...

With all of my "how about this and that" posts I think I'm either waiting until a good vest deal comes along or I'll use my inflatable...I've used it on my little boat around our areas in the dead heat and it's much more comfortable than a conventional vest and sport vests and I've used it off shore....It by far allows more freedom than a vest...

As Rick mentioned after firing it has to be repacked, so if you get in a bad position and it fires you have to let stay inflated and donned for any benefit....then you have to deal with the puffed up balloon effect....which too me looks like you may get strangled..

[fishingroach]

We wore them (auto inflatable when it sensed water) as pilots in case of an ejection. Pain in the ass getting into a rubber raft with them, which unlike a kayak, gave some and there was special procedures to learn and follow to enable you to get in with the least hassle. Practiced every year in the water. Three thoughts come to mind.

1. If you hit your head going over and it stuns you or KOs you I would rather have a PFD.

2. If something catches on it and it rips you lose one lobe. For a PFD it is just a rip.

3. It is hard to climb into a raft with them, I'm positive a kayak would be tougher. I've practicedwith a PFD and a kayak, I would rather have a PFD.

My 2 cents based on my experience.

Roach

[Cory ruthless Routh]

I say go with a paddle specific pfd.

[Capt.Nick]

It sounds like I'll scrap that Idea.

[loudog]

i heard cabellas had manual inflate for 20 bucks

[Tailing Loop]

Cabela's does have them.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/standard-pod-wrapped.jsp?rid=&indexId=cat601114&navAction=push&navCount=53&cmCat=MainCatcat21276&parentType=index&parentId=cat601114&id=0033707

I opted for a kayak specific pfd. I didn't want to hassle and i like the pockets on my pfd.

[Linstad]

Paddle vest gives you pockets to keep your VHF radio (which is better to keep on you in case of an emergency...boat is out of reach..etc...)

Chris from ND...