Inflatable Life Preserver

silverdoctor · #1 (**permalink**) May 6th, 2007

My young neighbor's mom wants him to have a "Mustang" inflatable while bass fishing. Anyone have relevant experience or comments? I have one of the older types and find it annoying in hot weather.

Thanks, ken

charkins · #2 (**permalink**) May 6th, 2007

I fell between a dock and my boat. NO I wasn't drinking. It was just a freak accident. I hit my hip and head on the dock. I was trying desperately to get back on the dock. The dock was in 12 feet of water and the water was about 58 degrees. I did not have on any kind of life vest, sospenders, etc. If I had hit my head as hard as my hip, I would be dead right now. I now wear sospenders from the time I get to the lake until I get back on dry land. They are not as hot or restricting as a vest. You never know when another freak accident will happen.

lilcraw · #3 (**permalink**) May 7th, 2007

Alot of things are Annoying in life, but you have a life. I wear the suspender type BUT spent the extra money for the AUTO inflate one. I started with the manual pull one and then thought what the heck good is this IF I am knocked out in an accident, I also looked at what our U.S. Navy issues, the key words here are "SAVE YOUR LIFE" even the Auto ones have room for error. When it comes to being SAFE comfort and style is not the issue. Although any is better than nothing at all and the Auto Inflate supenders types are the best for confort and hot weather.

Ask your self this question, " what is my life or my friend or families life worth" should be easy to decide...........

The best part of a fishing trip is returning home..........

charkins · #4 (**permalink**) May 7th, 2007

I forgot to mention that my Sospenders are also auto inflate. Will it auto inflate? Not sure, but it gives me a better chance than one without auto inflate.

lilcraw · #5 (**permalink**) May 7th, 2007

there are two types of inflatables a belt type and suspender type they are manual and auto, the manual you have to physically pull a cord to activate the gas cartridge to inflate it, or you can blow them up by mouth as well, the Auto Inflate is triggered by getting wet (not just rain) they have to be submerged and then they will automatically inflate........ a difference of about $100 in price. the belt type I have never seen in an auto inflate only manual but the supspender type there is both kinds........my partner doesn't swim at all so he wears the manual type belt at all times when in the boat and while we are running big motor he wears his Type III vest also, it is alittle ackward but in an accident it will save him not only by being floatable but also acts as an air bag of sorts to his body flying about. The manual belt would work great if just alling in he can activate it himself.

As I stated before the BEST is a NAVY Type II life saver "bar none" it will keep your head up and above water no matter what condition you are in.....

silverdoctor · #6 (**permalink**) May 7th, 2007

Thanks guys! The mustang has a different inflator mechanism than the "sos" and costs $75 to replace. I understand that it only has to be replaced if activated and is not subject to rain, humidity, etc. (?)

lilcraw · #7 (**permalink**) May 7th, 2007

I always have to LAUGH when putting mine on I am a big guy and my sons always says if mine ever goes off it will be like the movie TOMMY BOY when he demonstrates the inflatables and grab the CHILDS one by mistake, puts in on and activates it, ha ha ha choke