Reliability of CO2 Inflated PFD's

[fishineer]

I've been thinking about replacing my standard foam PFD and getting one of those more comfortable CO2 inflated PFDs.

With my bulky foam PFD, I know that if I fall in the water, I am going to float (I hope :smile: ). However, with the inflatable PFD, I think I am relying on a mechanical device to operate correctly to keep me afloat. So, I am wondering how reliable is this mechanical device and how much increased risk am I trading for more comfort.

Anybody else think about this, or am I just being too paranoid? :smile:

[spinner53]

The Misses just got me an auto inflate ( and manual pull or mouth tube) Stearns.
I do have access to an older style Stearns that has has oral and manual inflation, its the vest style, meanining it looks like a regular fishing vest, has pockets, etc. New $ 100.00. Worn twice, very clean, Askin' $ 50.00.
PM me if interested.
Reminder, NOT an AUTO inflate. Has oral and pull inflator, comes with 3 extra co2 cartridges and the plastic pins that are broken to inflate with cartridge.

[Phil Layer]

I don't think you're being paranoid and I really can't answer your question.

I wear a self-inflating PFD. I have for two years now. The thing is comfortable and I wear it whenever I get on my boat. Numerous times, I've forgotten to take it off and have found myself in restaurants or stores with the thing one. Pretty strange looks when that happens!

Before I got the CO2 vest, I wore a life jacket...sometimes. I know I am improving my chances by always having this thing on.

Now, if I go into the water and the auto trigger doesn't work, I can pull the rip cord and make it inflate that way. Of course, I have to be conscious to do that. What are the chances I will be conscious, I don't know but I'm guessing pretty good.

If I pull the ripcord and the CO2 cartridge misfires, I can still inflate the thing by blowing in the air hose. I figure I'll grab something floating before I do this.

Now, I usually fish with a buddy who considers himself a comedian and it is common for him to grab the rip cord on our inflatables and give them a pull. He does this for a laugh but he also figures it may be time to replace the CO2 cartridges (once a year). Every time he has done this, they have worked flawlessly. Another time, we wrapped a rope in the prop and his wife climbed out on the transom to unhook it while we held her legs. She got a little too close to the prop and POOF, her vest inflated. This is the only time we tested the auto inflate mechanism.

So, I can't swear that the things will operate every time although they have every time I tried them. I figure I have a pretty good chance if I go in with one of these on. And, I am sure I have a better chance than if I go in without any PFD on.

I love these things and recommend them whenever I can. I really don't think you'll be sorry if you get one.

[Hoosier Daddy]

They have to be more reliable than the standard PFD that you are usually sitting on or looking at from across the boat, right?

[SteelieSlammer]

As soon as i get my pontoon boat i am going to get one of these. I have always been careful when I wade. It would probably not be that bad of a thing to get. Sterns makes an inflateable belt too if you didn't want the jacket. But i am sure the jacket probably has better floation qualities than a belt simply because its on your torso rather then around your waist.

[kenai]

I'll second what Phil said, I bought one 2 years ago and countless times I've climbed into my truck with it still on. They only work if you wear em. The flotation is considerably more than a standard vest and it shoots you out of the water like a rocket when the auto inflate goes off. dont ask.

[Catching Nemo]

I have a Stearn's harness, a Stearn's inflatable belt and a Mustang. All of them have work when tested. The inflatable belt is not as good as the others as you have to lift the horseshoe above your head after it has inflated.

None of them are auto-inflating.

[ 02-27-2004, 03:03 PM: Message edited by: Catching Nemo ]

[hawgcatcher]

I like mine and so does my friend, however there is sometimes a problem. Do not leave your vest in an area of the boat that rain can find it. He did and poof, it worked .

[boater]

Originally posted by fishineer:
I think I am relying on a mechanical device to operate correctly to keep me afloat.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">you are, i bought 2 afew years ago and dont feel as safe as i would with somthing that i know would work without having to do anything to it or rely on anything mechanical, i am going to go back to some sort of vest`s.

[fatfish]

Hawgcatcher, does that mean that I need to wear it under a raincoat when it rains? I can see it now, down in Tillamook during a fall rain storm, hooked into a nice nookie and POOF, I'm encased in a balloon.

How are suppose to wear these things when you dress in layers of clothing for fishing?

[Carver_OR]

I believe the directions said to wear them on the outside of all clothing for proper inflation...now you have that to worry about.

I wear mine wading, its the pull cord type, I like it. I wear a float coat fishing in the rain or cold.

Pat

[wade]

Fishineer,
Good question. I've never owned or even tried on an SOS, but I've seen somebody with the bejeezus scared out of him because of one. A few years ago a group of us were chatting around the fire after a long float through one or two hazards for a couple of pontoon newbies. One fellow was beaming about his new SOS suspenders. We all had questions, and he decided to inflate it for us as he was curious himself. It didn't inflate. Upon examination he found that The CO2 cartridge had already been dischargeded -it was brand new from the store! We couldn't find any way to inspect or test the cartridge without discharging it, and they're &gt; $10 apiece. I equate it to handling a gun in reverse. You gotta check that its loaded every time you handle it, and that's assuming there's a way to tell.

I've been saved by a foam PFD, no doubt whatsoever. TC, get a size XXL fishing vest and oversized rain jacket, it works, and the PFD is another insulation layer in the cold. If you're in a boat the need for a vest is diminshed anyways.

Kevin

[fishhog1]

I own the sospenders manual/auto inflate and wear them when anchoring in the dark or fishing behind the south jetty (Tilly) or mouth of the columbia ect.. My wife purchased it for me after one of these type saved my friend D.L's life last year on the Nahalem bar when he flipped his boat. You all read the thred on ifish and many bashed D.L. for being in the wrong place at the wrong time but the important thing is that D.L. is alive and will live to fish another year. He said when the boat flipped all he could think was to swim, he had the manual pull cord model and we figure he either pulled it himself or it hung on the boat as he went over. D.L. is 84 years old and has been fishing and living in the Nedonna/ Bay City area for 50+ years and I for one know his inflatable vest saved his life. If you don't wear a Mae West wear an SOS. The fishhog

[ctflyfish]

I am in the search and rescue business and have given this issue a lot of thought. I think that inflatables are much better than nothing at all, but nowhere as good as a standard PFD or a float coat, both of which provide some hypothermia protection as well as impact protection. Standard PFD's always work - there are no moving parts. They will float even when badly damaged. They should be worn as they are very difficult to put on when in the water and may be swept away in a capsize.
Inflatables will fail if the bladder is punctured, if the firing mechanism fails, and if the cartridge is defective.

[Birdnest]

Another time, we wrapped a rope in the prop and his wife climbed out on the transom to unhook it while we held her legs.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">

I wear them ALL the time, don't know if I could say that about a regular pfd.

Joe

[ 02-27-2004, 07:23 PM: Message edited by: Birdnest ]

[skookummark]

I've owned a Stearns inflatable fishing vest for ten years now and I have never had a problem with it. Thankfully I've never had to inflate it in an emergency but I test it every few years. There was a period of about five years where it sat in storage and when I put it on and pulled the cord, it worked great. I think as long as you inspect your inflatable for rips/damage regularly, replace the CO2 cartridge and test the bladders every few years (or whatever the manufacturer reccomends) you shouldn't have an issue.

[duckcall]

I have the Stearns auto inflate. It is a lot cooler when working the oars on my driftboat and in the summer and fall salmon ventures. I asked a friend who has them on his boat and I asked how he liked them. "They wear them."

[TheCamel]

I have been using Stearns inflatable PFD's for a long time. The inflatable vest probably saved my life about 10 years ago, when float tubing. The idiot that inflated the tube(that would be me!) did not lock the valve closed, and the tube slowly deflated which resulted in water entering the cavity where the bladder should have been. It pitched me forward into the water. The crotch strap of the float tube prevented me from turning around to use the inflatable backrest, and I started to panic. Almost lost my flyrod/reel. I finally pulled on the inflation cord, and that gave me time to figure out how to get out of the float tube. I ended up towing the tube back to shore by kicking with the fins. The vest was stolen several years ago along with other fishing gear, so it was replaced by the Stearns suspender style inflatable. I like it much better, because it is lighter weight and cooler in hot weather, hence I tend to wear it under all fishing conditions. They are USCG approved, so they have to meet stringent safety criteria. If I was going to make a purchase today, it would probably be one of the auto/manual inflatables. Other than any problems mentioned here, the only problem I have any personal knowledge, is when my Dad was fishing, he usually partially inflated the vest as a precautionary measure. One day after fishing he decided to test the inflation mechanism without fully deflating the vest. KABOOM! Had to order a new vest bladder from Stearns.

TheCamel

[ctflyfish]

The Camel is correct, they are USCG approved. However, there was heavy industry pressure to get them "on line" when they were approved. At least one Federal agency has expressed their concerns to the CG, but at this time,
without an offical response. CG pilots and some boat crews wear them and I recall one time inspecting a rack of "ready to go" vests by puling the inflation lanyards. Something like 2 of the 8 vests did not work. And these are maintained by professionals.
In summary, they are MUCH better than something not worn, and are really very good in still water, but please be aware of their limitations (see my previous post) when in moving water.

[TillamookChinook]

I am usually bank fishing and wading, and the self-inflating ("Jerk to Inflate") PFD has to provide more safety than wearing no PFD. There is no way I could wear a foam PFD and fly vest and rain coat, etc. I assume it will inflate when I need it, but only if I have it on.

I have to say that is quite an image Phil hints at: Dangling the wife upside down over the back of the boat to unwrap the rope from the prop, when her PFD inflates. Is that the end of the story?

TC

[SCStinger]

Has anyone mentioned that it says on the device that you should be a good swimmer.I ask the coast guard about this at the sportsman show and they were not aware of this fact.

[boater]

if im reading this correctly, it looks like the coast guard requires a backup system for crew members ??


Dear Coast Guard Commanding Officer or Officer in Charge:

Mustang Survival is pleased to announce our introduction, and recent acceptance by theCommandant's (G-OCS) Rescue and Survival Systems Manager of our Automatic Inflatable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and Accessory Pocket designed specifically for use by U. S. Coast Guard Boat Crew and Boarding Team Members. Mustang's Model MD3031 Version 22 Inflatable Vest includes required Coast Guard markings and when combined with our MA6000 Accessory Pocket, is now authorized for use by Boat Crew and Boarding Team Members. Modified to address the requirements set forth in a recent change to the Coast Guard Rescue and Survival Systems Manual, the MD3031 Version 22 is based on our USCG-Approved Type V, which provides Type II performance, and provides the wearer with better flotation characteristics. An easily identified three-bead inflation toggle is strategically positioned to prevent accidental inflation by snagging or interference by suspects during boarding operations. A D-ring is located on the vest's harness for attachment of a "buddy line" or kill switch. When inflated, the MD3031 provides 35 pounds of buoyancy and will turn most wearers face-up in the water. A spare CO2 cylinder and conversion cap stowed conveniently in the vest allow for conversion to manual inflation in the event of an inadvertent inflation, thus allowing continued operations. Re-arm kits are also available from Mustang Survival, Inc

[fishbike]

I’m the proud owner of four of them – three autos and one manual. As this is my first post, and I do not wish to receive the wrath of the entire ifish community for not telling a story my first time out – I might as well share my tale………

Last April I was fishing for springers with two of my best friends – college roommates from 30 years ago – on the Willamette near Kelly Point. The day before, we slammed ‘em – five fish – and about 80 pounds of steaks. In the morning of my “SOSpender incident”, I landed a 30 pounder. All in all, it was turning out to be a great weekend – and we were having the time of our lives…

We were in my 3 week old 18’ Hewescraft w/ Honda 90 and 9.9. I had spent many long hours getting it outfitted for the springer season – and the boat - and the fishermen were dialed in.

I was trolling against the current, near marker #4 just off Sauvie Island, running on the 9.9 w/ a steering bar connected to the 90, watching the depthfinder, and following the break at about the 25-35 foot curve.

Before I go any further, let me say I have heard all too many stories about boat accidents and drownings. I bought SOSpenders so the passengers in my boat could wear a PFD without being encumbered. They are comfortable. You do not even know you are wearing it. I, like others have already posted, have often “forgotten” to take it off until I got back to my truck.

Anyway - my one friend refused to wear one – I heard the same old story – “I do not need it – we are going so slow” and “I can swim from here to the shore” etc. But I finally talked him into wearing it – I was insistent - he is about 60 pounds overweight, had major abdominal surgery three months prior to our outing - and is terribly out of shape. And the water was…..maybe 45 degrees????

So we were trolling along at about ½ mph with the 9.9. I heard one friend yell from the back of the boat “hey watch this guy – he is coming awfully close”. I could not figure out what he was talking about – I looked around - no boats in front – or to the side……… what is he talking about?

Then someone yelled “LOOK OUT!!!!”

I turned completely around and about 20 feet behind me - just to the port side - was a 27” glass i/o making a HARD turn to his port. He was headed right up our transom. I yelled “get down” and that boat slammed into us so hard it threw my overweight, out of shape friend out of the boat. He was wearing two layers of fleece, big tennis shoes, blue jeans - and my Helly rain gear – jacket and bibs.

As soon as he hit the water his auto SOSpenders lit off ---- and he almost shot out of the water. My other friend ….injured but alive - was able to throw him a rope and pull him to the boat. The PFD saved my friend’s life – I am sure.

The 27’ slammed my boat on the port stern with his starboard bow, then spun my boat around to the port - like a top - and then went across the stern of my boat. My one friend was injured when the other boat ripped over his back. Luckily he was thrown - or had dived - to the floor of my boat or he would be in two pieces. Two big, bloody pieces.

The 9.9 was knocked to the bottom of the river and my brand new boat was eventually totaled. We survived – and there is much more to this story – the “rescue” from drifting down the Willamette without any power, calling 911, the Sheriff’s report, the Coast Guard and the CG Auxiliary reports, the Portland Fire Department towing us home – Lyman and his Sea Tow boat finding the other boat after he sped from the accident scene – and of course the trial, the verdict, the penalty, etc….

The other boated did not have any insurance, of course.

I’m luck to be here. I am grateful every day I wake up. This was a once in a lifetime experience (I hope) but no one will ever get in my boat without wearing some type of PFD. They save lives – buy one – then use it. You never know what will happen.

Oh yea……..my girlfriend knows they work also – she was washing down the boat (bless her little heart – she is ALWAYS welcome) and when she dipped down to get her sponge wet she accidentally dipped the bottom of the auto PFD in the water – and she was also quite surprised about how fast they act

[fishhog1]

fishbike, scary intro story with a happy ending. Glad to hear you guys made it out alive to fish another day! Sounds like the sospenders saved at least one life that day and I hope that moron in the other boat got his wings clipped. Welcome aboard and may all your future fishing trips be good ones. The fishhog

[fishineer]

Wow fishbike, what a story. Glad to hear that you and your friends survived your hopefully once-in-a-lifetime experience. Another good reason to wear your pfd (any kind).

I sent an e-mail to Stearns and asked them about the reliability of their auto-inflate pfds. Here is the response I got from them:

Thank you for your interest in our products. U S Coast Guard approved
inflatable devices are very popular, due to their compact and
comfortable design. Inflatable PFD's are manufactured with the the
highest quality and strict standards of parts, however, an inflatable
will require additional inspection, care and maintenance versus an
inherently bouyant device.

An inflatable device must be properly armed at all times. Automatic
devices feature a "water soluble tablet" which should be replaced every
six months and more often in some climates and conditions ... even if
not used. The tablet can break down under certain conditions, such as
high humidity and excessive vibration.

Keep in mind a manual only device requires the wearer to "pull the
cord" to activate inflation. If a person is unconscious or disoriented,
they may not be in a mental or physical capacity to operate the jerk
cord. Also, some devices require 2nd stage donning .... once inflated,
the wearer is required to perform additional steps to properly done the
vest. Also, Stearns inflatables are approved for swimmers over the age
of 16 years of age. These devices are not recommended for children and
non-swimmers.

Inflatables can be the best choice for many people, however, it may not
be the best for everyone. Read the owners manual completely and become
familiar with the device and it's operation before going out on the
water. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to
contact us.

[Thumper]

I just wear my Stormy Seas inflatable partially inflated at all times. With just a few puffs of air in the bladder I float like a ping pong ball. That way you're gonna float no matter what.

[Lured In]

I think there is misconception about PFD's that is being echoed in some of the above comments.

1. Just becuase a foam PFD is worn does not mean you won't drown with it on. The 'comfort' style vest (like ski type vests) provide ample floatation, but will not necessarily save you if you are unconscious. There is a reason that the old orange PFD's were designed as they are. The provide floatation on the front of you body and behind your head. In the event of being tossed into the water uncounscious, they will roll you over, face up, with floataion behind your head. You will notice this design is very similar to an inflatable PFD when inflated.

Anything less than the old orange vests is a comprimise. With that said, I don't know anyone (myself included) that would wear them.

The reality is that the auto inflation design, when working properly works better than ski-type vests in all conditions because it is designed to keep you from ending up floating face down.