Inflatable Life Vests

[gmcdaniel1964]

I talked to a guy today that said that if you have an inflatable life vest in Alabama the water patrol will ticket you because they do not meet some code. Don't know what he's talking about because the one I was looking at said that it was a class III PFD and USCG approved and yada, yada, yada. Does anyone here have any idea what he was talking about?

[TampaJim]

They most definitely meet Federal guidelines - USCG.
Check Alabama State Laws regarding their use.

[Triton 19x2]

Some inflatibles do not meet state laws. In SC, certain class inflatibles, you must be wearing it at all times or have a higher class vest in the boat. You can be ticketed. I can't remember the classes. Didn't believe it my self untill I asked a DNR officer.

[gmcdaniel1964]

Thanks y'all. I have to have a class I, II, III, or V for each person on the boat. Plus, since my boat is over 16 feet long I have to have one class IV device. Sometimes it's good to have a regulation check thrown your way. I'm legal and knew I was, but I was just looking at a new inflatable vest when this guy told me that. Thanks for keeping honest pal, whoever you were.

[ClaySlayer]

Yup, that's why I always keep a traditional vest in the boat for each person on board that way I can wear and remove e inflatable as I please without penalty. I fish AL & TN waters and I know both states are that way and I'm sure many more...

[Marc Marcantonio]

Yes, the key is that a USCG approved inflatable only counts if it is being worn; it does not count as a valid life jacket when not worn.

[TampaJim]

Yes, the key is that a USCG approved inflatable only counts if it is being worn; it does not count as a valid life jacket when not worn.

It depends on the state. USCG regulations do NOT require it on certain vests. My Mustang BASS Tournament Automatic vests are USCG Type II for pleasure use, Type V for commercial use. That means they do count when not being worn on a pleasure boat. Florida defers to Federal law. Every state is different. We don't title outboards or trailers here, many states do. Everyone should read, and know, the laws for their state. Those on border waters, have a bit more homework ... since you are required to meet two or more sets of requirements.

Everyone also needs to know the difference between the various types of life vests ... Type I through Type V. Not all vests are created equal. In addition, if you are going to use inflatables - keep them clean, check your inflation system on a regular basis and keep them puncture/damage free.

[gmcdaniel1964]

I would think it advisable to also keep a spare air cylinder as well. Would it not? I'm doing all the homework I can on these before I go and spend a lot of money one them. Which brand do most people prefer? Seems like whenever I do a search for them Mustang ad Onyx come up the most. I know there are others out there.

[grayline]

Here In Ga. you cannot use a Inflatable for sport use...(skiing,Wakeboarding,Etc.) and cannot be used as a throw able must be as in a life vest form .

[TampaJim]

I highly recommend Mustang brand. I like the BASS Tournament Automatic, some prefer the HIT.
I keep three vests on board. Rather than have a spare cylinder, I have a extra vest that's "ready to go". I have no desire to attempt repacking and rearming while on board.
I also keep one Type IV cushion on board, as required.

Florida has the same law regarding sport use (skiing, jet skis, etc.). They have to use a non-inflatable vest.

[jeremyt]

In NC they count as a pfd if they are worn at all times. If not you have to have the standard pfd's on board.

[cubswin]

think here they only count if worn all the time, don't count as a pfd if just in the boat.

[gmcdaniel1964]

Seems like they would be easier to wear all the time. I tried one on at Academy the other day and it was a night and day difference betwwen it and a traditional vest.

[ClaySlayer]

Here In Ga. you cannot use a Inflatable for sport use...(skiing,Wakeboarding,Etc.) and cannot be used as a throw able must be as in a life vest form .

Yeah, that would get expensive! HaHa!

[catdude28]

Seems like they would be easier to wear all the time. I tried one on at Academy the other day and it was a night and day difference betwwen it and a traditional vest.

I started wearing one four years ago. It stays on all of the time now. Easy to get use to.

[gmcdaniel1964]

I think I'm gonna go buy a couple of them this weekend.

[TampaJim]

I think I'm gonna go buy a couple of them this weekend.

Buy quality vests, pretend your life depends upon it. I would suggest Type II vests, they offer 35# of buoyancy. Type III vests only offer 22# of buoyancy. This is important to keep your head out of the water, especially when it is rough and/or when used by folks that are larger bodied.

[gmcdaniel1964]

Good point

[Mini]

Buy quality vests, pretend your life depends upon it. I would suggest Type II vests, they offer 35# of buoyancy. Type III vests only offer 22# of buoyancy. This is important to keep your head out of the water, especially when it is rough and/or when used by folks that are larger bodied.

No need to pretend. It actually DOES depend on it!

[rlcriss]

USCG is doing away with life vest designation beginning October 22. Read the notice about this recently , but can't remenber where. It's tough getting old. Lol