*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: Here's to swiming with bow legged women!!!
I know it been asked before but I'm looking for you guys that have the auto infllate mustang or similar pfd do those pfds inflate during the entire fishing season if they get spray or rain etc. I know there is a alka-seltzer type trigger that slowly melts before the CO2 goes off. Worried it may be costly to replace 2-3 times during the season, after a rough ride in or after alot of rainfall.
Get a hydrostatic inflatable like this: http://www.mustangsurvival.com/produ...d=506&mc=8 It relys on the water pressure created when its submerged under a few inches of water to activate the inflation. I've had some spray on both of mine with no problems. I think its the best option available. Wearing a inflatable that won't auto inflate seems like a waste to me. If I just fall in, I can swim for a long time. I'm worried about hitting my head on the way out, or getting a severe injury if the boat/prop hits me. If that happens I probably won't be able to pull the inflate cord, so I need the auto inflator if I'm going to survive.
BOE Marine (THT Vendor) gave me a great price when I bought mine. I have commericial accounts at both big marine stores that everyone here seems to hate, and his price still won.
I know it been asked before but I'm looking for you guys that have the auto infllate mustang or similar pfd do those pfds inflate during the entire fishing season if they get spray or rain etc. I know there is a alka-seltzer type trigger that slowly melts before the CO2 goes off. Worried it may be costly to replace 2-3 times during the season, after a rough ride in or after alot of rainfall.
The Mustang top of the line unit has two big advantages over their lower end models (and most of the competition). First, the more expensive models are cheaper. Yep, that's right, they are cheaper! Why? Because they only require recharging every 4 years (maybe 5 now, it was 4 when I got mine). Since the recharge kit costs $20, it adds up real fast.
Second, the top end models require both the presence of water and an increase in pressure indicating that the unit is 4" under water before they will autoinflate. That eliminates premature ej.... er inflation! Remember, each premature inflation will require you to buy a recharge kit which is another $20.
Just remember, when buying a Mustang, more is less!
The full replacement kit typically runs $15. This includes a CO2 bottle, trigger actuator and plastic breakaway pin. The pin adds a little resistance to the manual trigger to reduce the chance of accidental inflation.
I have never tried it but I have the impression the automatic mode is fast, not slow.
How much this will cost you in a season depends on how many times you fall over-board, sink your boat or get a serious splash.
My suggestion is that you wear this device on good days and switch to a regular PFD if things become a bit rough. No sense wasting the kits and you wont be startled if the thing goes off!
God luck!
__________________ I'm not a boat expert, I just read THT!
I have two west marine brands (by SOSuspenders) and one Mustang. One of the WM's inflated from spray, the other, a different model the same age is still good. The Mustang has survived more spray than the others and is more compact and easier to wear; best of the lot IMO. The rear vertical strap on the WM's is too short for an adult, pulling the waist strap (belt) up into your armpits. Rearming kit for the WM that inflated was $24 at WM.
Anyone have any experience with Revere. Seen them at a boat show recently. I want to get a couple on auto-inflatables. Carry Type I vests on boat also.
It seems you guys are missing the point of the "more expensive" hydrostatic inflatable vest (like I recommended above) compared to the less expensive auto-inflate models. You could put one on and walk outside during a hurricane and it wouldn't inflate until you fell into the ocean. They REQUIRE the water pressure generated from being submerged before activation. So if you aren't actually in the water, no amount of spray is going to pop it off.
I just bought four Inflatable PFDs form Dan at Life Raft & Survival Equipment which is a vender on this forum. Talk to him and he can/will set you straight. I bought a Mustange Hydrostatic Lift PFD, a Revere Comfort Max PFD and two of the Mustage pouch PFDs. The lift one is for me and the others are for people as needed. I still have some of the old standby el cheapies too just incase there are more than 4 people and they are needed.
Dan will set you straight and at the best price I found.
It seems you guys are missing the point of the "more expensive" hydrostatic inflatable vest ... if you aren't actually in the water, no amount of spray is going to pop it off.
In other words, a bigger investment reduces the operating expense.
Inflatable PFD 
