Check your Inflatable PFD's

Mike Cork · July 01, 2012, 04:39:06 PM

I have a Sospenders inflatable PFD. It's been a blessing on the hot days when a full vest is very uncomfortable.

Occasionally it explodes in my rod locker

Not from moisture but because I make sure the handle is loose and can be easily pulled should you need it. Sometimes in really rough water the handle will get caught on something and pull just enough to inflate the PFD. It's a hair trigger, which is a good thing, I honestly believe that the water would pull it enough should you fall out of the boat under way. Anyway back to the topic at hand....

Time gets away from us. Before you know it you've gone through a couple seasons of fishing. The charges and dissolvable tabs for these inflatable PFD's have a self life of three years. SO, mostly for life saving sake inspect them and replace them if they are out dated. In many states this could save you a very expensive ticket too.

If yours is out of date, I highly recommend buying the replacement charge and tabs, but before you change them... Put on the PFD and jump in the lake. You will be very surprised at what it feels like, how loud and fast it happens. It is good to have experience in at least part of an emergency situation before it happens.

bass1cpr · July 01, 2012, 04:46:58 PM

Hey Mike you asked for it you crossed too many T's and I know it should be a W. You asked us to proof read.

Great tip though. Keep em comming sir.

Ron Fogelson · July 01, 2012, 04:53:40 PM

Great tip Mike,,,, I need to check mine.

By the way I told D if they ever find me floating on the water someday and can't figure out why because the life jacket worked. Told her to skip the autopsy the dam thing went off while I was wearing it and the shock killed me.

Mike Cork · July 01, 2012, 05:11:11 PM

Thanks Bass1cpr

Quote from: Ron Fogelson on July 01, 2012, 04:53:40 PM
By the way I told D if they ever find me floating on the water someday and can't figure out why because the life jacket worked. Told her to skip the autopsy the dam thing went off while I was wearing it and the shock killed me.

When they first go off you swear it's a gun blast

Ron Fogelson · July 01, 2012, 05:15:46 PM

Quote from: Mike Cork on July 01, 2012, 05:11:11 PM
When they first go off you swear it's a gun blast

I KNOW! It's a good thing they kept my SAW

oldjim · July 01, 2012, 07:10:55 PM

Gave mine an unplanned test. Caught in rain storm on caddo a few weeks ago and was leaning Over back hatch when auto bilge came on and blasted me with water right in chest. Boy it was a supprise when it went off,

about pied my pants. I was already soaked and the stream of water set it off. does work good and you are right on dates marked on units. Had to read instructions several time when rearming, but seems simple enough after you understand how it works.
Oldjim

-Shawn- · July 01, 2012, 10:00:47 PM

The New Mustang Elite............... Is it really waterproof? I know they say it won't go off in the rain,but that is hard to believe. $:-\$

Mike Cork · July 02, 2012, 09:44:20 AM

I think that's just a claim to fame if you will Shawn. Most of these type of PFD's the dissolveable tab is up in the folds of the life jacket. The only way to get them wet is to have water enter the bottom of the jacket and travel up to the tab. This happens instantly if the jacket hits the water but rain, unless you turn the jacket upside down, can't get to the tab as it runs off the jacket. I've worn both Mustangs and Sospenders in the rain and not had a problem. However under our current state law (Louisiana) the inflatables don't count as a life jacket in the boat unless you're actually wearing it. So, because I take my life jacket off to fish, it becomes useless by letter of the law. This means I also carry the standard chest life jackets to be legal when fishing. What I'm getting at here is, if it's raining I don't temp fate and use the standard jacket now.

You would be able to make $10,000 on Funniest Home Video if you had a camera on me going down the lake at say fifty (because it was raining) and the PFD inflated.

It would probably cause me to flip the boat

oldjim · July 02, 2012, 03:21:09 PM

Mine is a mustang MDL 31, airforce type.
Oldjim

-Shawn- · July 11, 2012, 06:49:53 PM

Mike, I saw that Mustang had the new Elite certified as an actual type III instead of a IV with TyPe 3 capabuilities, That supposedly means they will be legal on and off. That is what I was told at the classic. $:-\$

Mike Cork · July 12, 2012, 05:09:44 PM

I did not know that. I will have to do some digging. Thanks for the intel

Flyswatter · February 19, 2013, 08:03:23 AM

I keep the charge date tag that came with my refill canister and put it in my step box glove box for future reference so I don't forget.

Pacific NW Ron · February 25, 2013, 10:41:07 AM

Boating and Fishing season is coming. I know this thread is older but it got me thinking that I needed to check mine. So I wanted to bring it back to the top for others to remind everyone to check yours. Don't want anyone to get caught with an expired one.
Just in case anyone needs a new one or a rearm kit, just a reminder, I do sell them.
The Best PFD is the One You Wear!!!!!

Mike Cork · February 25, 2013, 10:43:38 AM

Quote from: sportsmansfriend on February 25, 2013, 10:41:07 AM
Boating and Fishing season is coming. I know this thread is older but it got me thinking that I needed to check mine. So I wanted to bring it back to the top for others to remind everyone to check yours. Don't want anyone to get caught with an expired one.
Just in case anyone needs a new one or a rearm kit, just a reminder, I do sell them.
The Best PFD is the One You Wear!!!!!

Pacific NW Ron · August 30, 2013, 11:36:36 AM

Just thought with a long weekend coming it would be a good reminder for everyone to bump this thread.
Ron

reitzells · September 06, 2013, 10:05:17 AM

On the Mustang I am trying to re-arm mine but it says I have to have a Key?

I don't have no stinking key $:-\$ . Where can I get one and what does it look like? Thanks guys!

Pacific NW Ron · September 06, 2013, 11:15:26 AM

reitzells, what model vest do you have? Depending on your vest model number the rearm kit comes with a key. You can PM or call me, Ron at (360)757-8171, and I can see if I can help you. I do have rearm kits. They are not all the same.
Ron