Looking for PFD Comfy Enough to Fish In

[NorthernBasser]

Appreciate the replies/tips everyone. I'm gonna head to a few places this weekend and try some on and go from there. 

[Bassun]

17 hours ago, TOXIC said:

I can guarantee you that you need both.  I have seen tickets issued for only having inflatables and a throw cushion.  Stipulation is that the inflatables must be worn to be counted.  

Toxic -- I have to disagree with you on this one.  We had a coast guard vessel check a few years ago, and there was no comments about having only inflatables (plus the Type 4).  Last year, the water police boat did a license etc. check while fishing.  No jackets on, and only inflatables and Type 4.  They didn't board, but did ask a bunch of questions and wanted to see the charge of the jacket, cushion and fire extinguisher.  No comments and certainly no citations for not having standard vests.

 

Given the seriousness of this convo, I pulled the DGIF boater info (https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/wog/equipment-regulations/#Personal_Flotation_Devices)
And found the following:  
 

There must be one wearable (Type I, II, III, or V) USCG approved life jacket for each person on the boat. The life jacket must be the appropriate size for each intended wearer.

• Each wearable life jacket needs to be “readily accessible” if not worn. Readily accessible means the life jackets are out in the open ready for wear or stowed where they can be easily reached. Readily accessible life jackets cannot be in protective coverings or under lock and key.
• In addition, you should check each life jacket for proper fit. This is especially important for children. Check theDoes Your Life Jacket Really Fit section.
• A Type V life jacket needs to be worn according to the manufacturer label to meet safety requirements.
• This requirement applies to all boats including paddlecraft (canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards).

In addition to the wearable life jacket, there must be at least one (1) USCG approved Type IV throwable (ring buoy or seat cushion), on vessels of 16 feet or greater. 

 

Inflatable Life Jackets must meet all the requirements for life jackets listed above plus the following:

• A properly armed inflation mechanism, complete with a full inflation cartridge and all status indicators showing that the inflation mechanism is properly armed;
• Inflatable chambers that are all capable of holding air;
• Oral inflation tubes that are not blocked, detached, or broken;
• Inflation status indicators that are not broken or otherwise non-functional;
• The inflation system of an inflatable life jacket need not be armed when the life jacket is worn inflated and otherwise meets the requirements above.

A Special Note about Inflatable Life Jackets

Inflatable life jackets are lightweight, comfortable to wear and take up about one-tenth the storage room of conventional foam-filled life jackets. Most are USCG approved only for persons 16 years of age and older who are not engaged in whitewater or skiing activities or riding on PWC. They are a great choice for adults on the water!

 

 

Don't get me wrong, I am certainly not calling you a liar --- but, if someone is getting ticketed for that, they should simply challenge in court as that is not the law.  *note to other readers, this is in Virginia.

[J Francho]

There is nothing to disagree with, it's the law.  USCG law supersedes Virginia laws.  If you look at the label that details what Type vest it is, you'll see the phrase, "while being worn."  @TOXIC is a guide, and therefore knows the rules.  My uncle was a charter captain, and kept a couple of bricks of the old fashioned orange vests in dry storage of the boat, while he and 1st mate wore the inflatables.

 

Here's an article about inflatables:

https://www.thoughtco.com/legal-requirements-for-inflatable-pfds-2915456

 

Quote

The PFD must actually be worn to meet the USCG carriage requirement for having one PFD onboard per person—unlike inherently buoyant life jackets, which are not required to be worn at all times (except by children) but which must be readily accessible.

 

[Bassun]

Well, I stand corrected and props to Toxic... So, when the USCG Aux did their safety inspection and when the wardens did their check I guess they just ignored that, as I definitely did not have two standard vests on board.  Haven't in years.  And I've been checked by wardens a few different times.

 

I wonder if there is some difference between off-shore vs on-shore regs?  I'm guessing not, but I'm really surprised that both the game wardens and USCGA neither addressed having an inherently buoyant vest on board.  I mean, not even a warning, or any comment.  Hence my full belief that the VA laws were equal in terms of PFD's.  

 

I will have to stow a couple of backups under the seat.  Thanks for the correction!

[A-Jay]

I terminated many a voyage for this very thing - 

Made everyone sad - but no one on these vessels died that day.

A-Jay

[Bassun]

Hey A-jay -- maybe you can speak to likely reasons why I wasn't asked about having an inherently buoyant vest?  The USCG check was a courtesy safety check by the auxiliary -- so I guess maybe they assumed I would be wearing it the whole time, but that seems a bit of a stretch.

 

Actually, as I typed this I realized that I was actually probably not breaking the law.  I did have a couple of old orange floater vests that I kept in the bottom of the rod locker.  I got them for like $1 at a yard sale and kept them on the boat as a just in case someone needed one.  I probably pulled them out when getting my distress flag out for the check.  Quick access, and fits the bill I guess.  So that explains that, and I really feel like an idiot now lol.  But, I wouldn't have gotten that out for the wardens.  I guess they only enforce local rules not federal? 

 

None the less, I will have to double check that I have something in there currently... :S

[J Francho]

In my experience, the Auxiliary give tougher inspections.  When I was getting my boat certified, they were iffy on my reg letters location, and insisted I attach a line to the throwable.  At any rate, getting the boat certified, and having a sticker generally means a less invasive check on the water.

[A-Jay]

1 hour ago, J Francho said:

In my experience, the Auxiliary give tougher inspections.  When I was getting my boat certified, they were iffy on my reg letters location, and insisted I attach a line to the throwable.  At any rate, getting the boat certified, and having a sticker generally means a less invasive check on the water.

Or perhaps no check at all.

Often times units will by pass vessels with stickers as there's usually plenty on previously 'unchecked' vessels to board.

Taking the time to have your vessel checked & certified by the U S Coast Guard Auxiliary for compliance is a really good idea but not a 100 % sure way of not being part of a 'random boarding'.

A-Jay

 

[Quarry Man]

the one from cabelas that is 89.99

[kayl.]

On 5/29/2018 at 10:43 AM, KayakFish107 said:

If you do happen to be interested in regular pfd’s, the NRS Chinook is a great one. It’s a high back design meant for kayaking, but I use it for everything. It probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to stop into a local store and see what they have to try on. What works, is comfortable, and fits well for one person maybe be less than ideal for another. Example: A lot of people recommend the Stohlquist Fisherman or Keeper, and I tried a Keeper on and didn’t really like it. Tried on the NRS Chinook and it feels totally different and I like the fit. Might be the exact opposite for a different person

+1

I have the NRS Chinook and it's a fantastic PFD. I use it on my kayak, but wouldn't hesitate to use it on a boat. Austin Kayak and LL Bean both carry it and often have coupon codes or sales...