PFD's 2025
Tin Man reply :
Need to outfit the boat with some PFD's. Looking at Cabelas Guide Ware 3500 Auto PFD'S What I am wondering is Will these things inflate if I get caught in the rain ? Can you temporarily over ride the auto feature ?
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12poundbass reply :
My assumption would be if they started inflating while you're fishing in the rain they wouldn't sell worth a darn and you'd have a lot of ticked off anglers.
Dave Mercer on Bassmaster live last year jumped in the lake with a Mustang PDF and it took like 4-5 seconds for it to inflate, so my guess would be it has to be submerged for a bit.
3dees reply :
you shouldn't have any problems with rain. check your state regs. in many states if these PFD's are not being worn, they do not count as having one so you would still need a regular one to be legal. I only wear mine when moving with the outboard so they are pretty useless to me. if you fish wearing a PFD on then they are probably the most comfortable.
BrianinMD reply :
They do not inflate in the rain, have to be submerged to dissolve the pill and inflate.
Ohio Archer reply :
Some of the "pill" models will self inflate if left in a high humidity environment for long periods of time. Under normal use and care they should be fine. But I'm leaning to the HIT style that requires water pressure to inflate (Mustang line). These are not sensitive to high humidity and have to be submerged to inflate.
I would not have a vest that you can override the auto capability. If you do that and forget, or accidently disable it, and go into the water you may end up drowning, especially if you're unconscious.
Tin Man reply :
Sounds good. I've been researching these for a while now but decided to wait because of the price. So now they are on sale. Space is at a premium on the Stinger 175 so I bought 3 of them. One for each seat. As they were on sale I jumped on them while I could based on what I've read and your feedback. They seem to be made very well and come with a lifetime warranty. I also like the fact that they have ripcords to actuate in case the the auto feature fails. I saved $210.00 over what I would have had to pay last week. Still have other items to buy for the rigging so I was glad to have saved some money. I like the idea that the PFD is 2.5 times as buoyant than the foam vest and it is much more compact. 1 Black, two Crawdad. Now for some raingear. Check off PFD's. Glad I waited.
Tin Man reply :
Note: Just spoke with a product rep. from Cabela's. Seems that the 3500 auto PFD will actuate if you get caught in the rain. It has to be a pretty heavy rain though.I don't care much for the rain but I don't mind fishing in it if it's not too uncomfortable. Rained day and night when I was stationed in Washington State.
Since the PFD is so light and compact it can easily be worn below a quality rain suit / jacket which should keep it dry enough so problem solved. I figured in the rain gear so I should be good to go. I used this kind of PFD in the service so I'm pretty comfortable with the purchase. They are very reliable.
A-Jay reply :
Depended on this brand to get me home alive for many years while on the North Atlantic.
Been very satisfied with these so far on sweet water too.
A-Jay
Goose52 reply :
On 2/27/2017 at 1:46 AM, Craig Sellers said:Note: Just spoke with a product rep. from Cabela's. Seems that the 3500 auto PFD will actuate if you get caught in the rain. It has to be a pretty heavy rain though.I don't care much for the rain but I don't mind fishing in it if it's not too uncomfortable. Rained day and night when I was stationed in Washington State.
Since the PFD is so light and compact it can easily be worn below a quality rain suit / jacket which should keep it dry enough so problem solved. I figured in the rain gear so I should be good to go. I used this kind of PFD in the service so I'm pretty comfortable with the purchase. They are very reliable.
I have been wearing that exact model of PFD from Cabelas for 7 years now - I wore the first one for 3 years, then re-armed it and wore it for another 3 years. Then at the 6 year point I bought a new one. The original unit would have still worked OK, but it had been worn for about 2,000 hours on the water and was fairly grungy with sweat, sunblock, etc. In those 7 years, I've never had an unintended inflation...but then I generally don't fish in HEAVY rain. The bobbin is inside the front of the vest, behind the clear window area. It shouldn't get direct rain...unless you are bending over of whatever and some moisture migrates upward...
In regard to the highlighted part of your quote - ABSOLUTELY DO NOT WEAR THE PFD UNDER ANY OTHER GARMENT. You DO NOT want to have anything prevent the PFD from fully inflating. If you haven't tested your PFDs for inflation (using the manual inflate valve), then take a look at the photo - this is how BIG they are after inflation !
A-Jay reply :
On 2/27/2017 at 1:46 AM, Craig Sellers said:Since the PFD is so light and compact it can easily be worn below a quality rain suit / jacket which should keep it dry enough so problem solved. I figured in the rain gear so I should be good to go. I used this kind of PFD in the service so I'm pretty comfortable with the purchase. They are very reliable.
NEVER DO THIS !
Ever.
A-Jay
kschultz76 reply :
I have 2 of the next model down from when they went on sale for like 89 a couple years ago. I keep sealed rearm kits in the boat and don't worry about unintentional inflation. If it happens I can repack and rearm. Been in the rain with no issues. With these types of pfds there is frankly no reason to take them off on the boat, ever, no matter the heat or other conditions. I wear mine in my kayak as well no issues. As others have said this has to be the last thing you put on over top of all other layers. Do not wear it under rain gear.
If accidental inflation is a concern spend the coin for a HIT version. Even those are cheap for the safety and peace of mind they provide.
Tin Man reply :
Question. Do these PFD'S have manual blow up tubes ? Appreciate info. Not concerned about unwanted activation now. Will not be wearing under jacket. Makes sense, thanks guys. Wife appreciated pic of the bladder.
kschultz76 reply :
Yes they all have manual pull cords for armed inflation as well as tubes to allow fully manual inflation.
Just pay attention to the weight and size requirements. These are not appropriate for children.
WIGuide reply :
You shouldn't have to worry too much about them inflating in the rain as they're designed to keep moisture out. Make sure the ones you put in your storage stay dry though and if they do get wet be sure to hang them up to dry. Personally, I chose one of the HIT models from Mustang to avoid that issue fully since they have to be submerged to go off. All the inflatable vests will have blow up tubes for extended wear in the water. They are much more comfortable to wear and fish out of than the regular foam vests and you will grow to appreciate that. You definitely don't want to wear them under any clothing as it could prevent them from fully inflating which defeats the purpose of wearing them. If you haven't seen them inflate before, it's impressive how quickly they fill and just how big they get.
NYWayfarer reply :
I have the Cabelas 2500 PDF To avoid it inflating in precipitation situations I don't take it out when there is a chance of anything more than a light drizzle. That's most of the time anyway as I don't want to fish in torrential downpours. I have the foam kind I take instead.
BassnChris reply :
FYI.....Check your state laws......found out that in OK you have to have a regular life vest onboard for boaters under 16 yrs of age.....even if they are wearing one of these. The age limits they place on these are kinda silly....my son is not 14 quite yet and has been taller than me for a year or more.
TOXIC reply :
In Virginia if you have an inflatable you have to have a traditional PFD on board "IF" you take the inflatable off. If you leave it on all the time (even when the big motor is not running or you are up front fishing) you will be fine.
webertime reply :
I have one of the Cabelas autos. Made long runs through big water and storms with no issues. I have had it go off in my garage and in my Jeep (the day of a tournament). So don't be afraid of rain, but sweaty butt humidity will make them go off.
Tin Man reply :
Thanks guys. I went ahead and ordered 3 of them. One for each seat. I'm sure I will be happy with them.
Peter Eikenberry reply :
- I have been wearing an inflatable life jacket for about three years now, in all kinds of weather including rain. I am in western Washington and as has been mentioned, it rains a bit. You do not need to worry about it. As was also said do not wear a jacket over the lifejacket. If you go in the water and it does inflate you are going to be in serious trouble. However, depending on the jacket and how it fits, it may not inflate at all. I fell in the water in the Strait of Juan De Fuca many years ago (won't do that again, too cold). Wasn't wearing a lifejacket (big mistake). It was about 100 feet to shore. Fortunately I was warmly dressed with a good snug winter jacket. I swam to shore. The inside of that jacket never got wet! If an inflatable were under your jacket it might not inflate at all. And as i said if it does inflate it is going to strangle you. Keep it on the outside.
Tin Man reply :
Received one of the three jackets I ordered from Cabelas. The other two are on back order. Very happy. When I first saw the jacket in a catalog it looked like the auto module was mounted on the outside of the jacket which would be directly in the weather. It's not though. It sits behind a very dense clear plastic window. Not worried about the rain at all now. These things are very well built. Armed it this morning now its good to go. To have saved an additional $70.00 per jacket makes this an awesome buy. Sweet.
Fishing Rhino reply :
On 2/27/2017 at 1:54 AM, A-Jay said:Depended on this brand to get me home alive for many years while on the North Atlantic.
Been very satisfied with these so far on sweet water too.
A-Jay
Hydrostatic?
A-Jay reply :
On 3/10/2017 at 8:39 AM, Fishing Rhino said:
Hydrostatic?
Yes ~ Built on a revolutionary 3D chassis, the Elite™ Inflatable PFD stays put at high speeds,( big selling point for me) lets you move the way you want and NEED to and provides automatic inflation powered by Hydrostatic Inflator Technology. The 3D chassis reduces drag at speed, the wide shoulder system eliminates neck fatigue, a wicking mesh liner improves all-day comfort, dual-side adjusters ease fit and an exclusive sleek inflation handle prevents snags. The bright fluorescent yellow-green inflation cell provides 28 lb buoyancy when inflated and improves visibility in a rescue scenario.
A-Jay
Fishing Rhino reply :
On 3/10/2017 at 8:42 AM, A-Jay said:Yes ~ Built on a revolutionary 3D chassis, the Elite™ Inflatable PFD stays put at high speeds,( big selling point for me) lets you move the way you want and NEED to and provides automatic inflation powered by Hydrostatic Inflator Technology. The 3D chassis reduces drag at speed, the wide shoulder system eliminates neck fatigue, a wicking mesh liner improves all-day comfort, dual-side adjusters ease fit and an exclusive sleek inflation handle prevents snags. The bright fluorescent yellow-green inflation cell provides 28 lb buoyancy when inflated and improves visibility in a rescue scenario.
A-Jay
The EPIRB and Givens Rescue Buoy on my lobster boat were hydrostatically activated.
I have a Mustang, Alka Seltzer pill activated PFD, and it did inflate while in a locker on my boat. The humidity was enough to compromise the pellet.
A-Jay reply :
On 3/10/2017 at 9:03 AM, Fishing Rhino said:
The EPIRB and Givens Rescue Buoy on my lobster boat were hydrostatically activated.
I have a Mustang, Alka Seltzer pill activated PFD, and it did inflate while in a locker on my boat. The humidity was enough to compromise the pellet.
Never had a problem myself.
A-Jay
Skeeter Dan reply :
On 2/27/2017 at 1:46 AM, Craig Sellers said:Note: Just spoke with a product rep. from Cabela's. Seems that the 3500 auto PFD will actuate if you get caught in the rain. It has to be a pretty heavy rain though.I don't care much for the rain but I don't mind fishing in it if it's not too uncomfortable. Rained day and night when I was stationed in Washington State.
Since the PFD is so light and compact it can easily be worn below a quality rain suit / jacket which should keep it dry enough so problem solved. I figured in the rain gear so I should be good to go. I used this kind of PFD in the service so I'm pretty comfortable with the purchase. They are very reliable.
I have an Onyix and one thing that is stated is not to wear it under rain gear.
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