Wanted to see what type of PFDs you all keep in your rigs, I don't want to use up a huge amount of my storage space with PFDs so was thinking of getting like 4 inflatables and 2 regular (no way im buying 6 inflatables) then my required throwable but have always just had deep V boats with endless storage so have always just had the regular ones (no experience with inflatables).

Do the inflatables save you that much space? Want to get some input before I buy since they are expensive.

Also, possibly a dumb question BUT how wet do the auto inflatables have to get before they auto inflate? Can they be stored where there might be a little water (bow storage which isn't sealed), used in rain etc? I assume they have to be submerged to inflate but have no idea. Thanks guys

One note for you...

The inflatables MUST be worn for them to count as a PFD....

I have one inflatable that I will wear sometimes, but have a couple of the "orange" cheapos that I have tucked up in the front storage compartment and then one good zip up style that I hook on the back of the seat when boat is in water.....

I don't need 6 cause I am not hauling 6 people around in my boat....

That's real good info, saved me a lot of money too lol. I will probably get 1-2 inflatables and the rest regular vests than. I want to be able to wear one at all times when in deep water by myself (my schedule is a lot more flexible than most of my hunting buddies lol) and not have to worry about it being so bulky. My average hunt load will be 2-3 people but bow fishing ill have 4 most of the time, occasionally one or two more depending how the boat takes the load etc. Thanks!

$5 orange cheapos from Walmart

2 Auto Inflatables for people on the boat... A throw-able cushion and also a few standard orange life jackets.

go with a comfort mesh vest, there lit and comfortable.

i have this for hunting season, insulated and USCG approved

Find one that is comfortable for you.

I wear this one for hunting, I also hunt a lot of days by myself. I like the pockets for PLB, strobe light, knife, whistle, etc.

http://store.extrasport.com/products/462137/Osprey

I have an inflatable harness that I use for offshore sailing. It is comfortable but it will not put up with the abuse of being thrown around a duck boat, covered in mud, hosed off like the one above.

My life is worth a whole lot more than $260

http://www.landfallnavigation.com/resqlink2881.html

In addition I have a rechargeable VHF and I carry SOLAS level flares and smoke on all my boats. I was part of a flare demonstration for an offshore safety seminar and difference between USCG and SOLAS approved is huge (so is the price). I have one small dry box with a few emergency items like heavy duty space blanket, bug spray, parachute cord, fire starting kit, etc. I always have drinking water on board.

I'm with you on the $260, Thanks, good info! I know nothing about PLBs, do they signal rescuers immediately or is it a reference if you make a distress call? Is there a general list of acceptable situations where it can/cannot be used?

What VHF do you have?

Standard Horizon VHF. Waterproof & Floats.

PLB is for life or death. It is just a personal size EPIRB. You have to register it with NOAA. When you push the button it sends a message that tells rescue who you are and where you are. The one I use has a built in GPS so it will tell the USCG where you are within about 100 meters. You can also get a "Spot" or one of the other satellite communicators that can be programmed to call friends for less serious situations or even text via satellite. Those require a contract for service.

By the way, I do a lot of mid week hunting when I am the only one at the launch.

Thanks again. I am self employed and have some good hunting 15 min from my businesses so will likely do a lot of solo mid-week hunts as well. I assume they consider ending up in freezing water life and death? Of course in the event that you cant get back in your boat with the dry change of clothes that should be there...so basically for situations where you lose your boat? Most other things such as simply stranded should be taken care of by letting people know when and where youre going?

I don't have any personal experience with it nor do I know anyone who has had a problem but I have accounts of where the inflatable PFD don't inflate. It could have been operator error or something else where they did not check the CO2 tanks. But regardless, just be careful with those things and make sure to keep an eye on them. I posted the article below for those wishing to read.