Automatic inflating PFDs

[lakota]

I posted this on a local fishing forum and didnt get much info. I went ahead and bought one today because I think this type of vest would be least likely to wind up on the floor of my canoe on a hot day. I would still like to hear about any one's experiences with this type of PFD. Here is my original post.

Does anyone have any experience with these? Due to a new health concern it would be wise for me to wear a PFD at all times(I know I know I should be wearing one anyway but I cheat sometimes) It seems to me that one of these inflatables might be the easiest to wear all the time.

Without being too specific about my new health problem lets just say that there is a small chance that I could black out, dump my canoe and wind up in the water without being aware of it.

I fish and canoe alone a lot and it is a great relaxation tool for me and I know its dangerous but so are a lot of things. I am not willing to give up my single favorite activity because of this health concern.

I am also concerned about hypothermia should this happen and I would very greatly appreciate anyone's advice or experience with these PFD's or living, boating and fishing with similar health problems.

[quickdtoo]

I've been using them for years, they're great, I've also used a belt type that requires you to push it back over your head once it inflates, it's more comfortable, but wouldn't provide you the protection you need if you're unconscious. The one problem you might see is unintentional inflation, all of those I've used have a tablet that dissolves immediately when it gets wet that triggers inflation, my wife slipped off the side of my cataraft at the take out, she sat down on her butt in a foot of water and instantly had an inflated PFD....much to here surprise!!    The rearm kits sell for less than $10, include the tablet, pins and gas cylinder.

Tim

[BBF]

If I recall, none of those types including the ones that look like a suspender turn a person on his/her back to allow breathing. In your case that pretty much rules them out.
Short of a wet suit, hypothermia isn't helped by any PFD althought that jacket tpes(Mustang) would help a little but are not going to turn you face up either.
That leave those survival suits that offshore sailor use, a real PITA in a canoe.

[lakota]

The one I bought said it was a Type V. It has a harness and says it will turn unconcious users face up. That was a real concern I looke into before I bought it. Wearing it reminds me of wearing one of those old fashioned orange ones with the stuffing removed.

This video is what convinced me to buy one. They duct tape the guys hands and feet together and he jumps off the dock.
http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/video_popup.jsp?productId=755156

I would really like to test this thing out but there isnt any water nearby right now that I would be willing to jump into!

[BBF]

lakota
You got an Indoor Pool nearby??

[quickdtoo]

Here's some good info for ya, be safe. 

Tim


http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5214/pfdselection.asp

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5214/pfdselection.asp

http://auxbdept.org/pdf/InflatablePFDs.pdf

http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/082000c.htm

[greg916]

We use them on dad's boat. I'm pretty sure they will turn you face up. Never used them in an emergency situation. but did have one inflate accidentally when it got wet.

[lakota]

lakota
You got an Indoor Pool nearby??

I was trying to con my wife into going to stay at a hotel last night with an indoor pool in mind but she wouldnt bite!

[lakota]

Thanks for those links Quickdtoo