Automatic life jackets.

Don R · Post by **Don R** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 11:58 am

I just purchased two new automatic life jackets that should inflate if I go overboard. My question. Will rain set them off?

whazup · Post by **whazup** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 12:22 pm

It can. As will heat/humidity. Personal experience.

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 12:44 pm

Also remember that the Coast Guard only considers them a legal life jacket if they are actually being worn, not once they are taken off.
Since you are required to have one CG approved life jacket per person on board at all times, be sure you have the same number of conventional lift jackets on board, just in case, one for each person. That way you're covered if you or someone else takes their inflatable off for any reason while you're fishing or motoring.

kraetzer · Post by **kraetzer** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 12:46 pm

I think only mustang with HIT (hydrostatic pressure) guarantees no premature inflation due to rain etc.
Also make sure you have regular life vests on board in case you dont wear your inflatatable all the time! If you get inspected, the inflatable vest only counts as PFD if you are wearing it.

TeamBeefmaster · Post by **TeamBeefmaster** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 12:59 pm

ive never had one pop in the rain, even when i speared a wave. i did have one pop when i left it in a humid and damp compartment for a few days...

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 4:13 pm

TeamBeefmaster wrote:ive never had one pop in the rain, even when i speared a wave. i did have one pop when i left it in a humid and damp compartment for a few days...

I had that happen twice, too. Both times it was in a compartment, not while I was wearing it.

Don R · Post by **Don R** » Wed Jul 18, 2012 10:16 am

Thanks to all for the info!
Don R.

hasetak · Post by **hasetak** » Wed Jul 18, 2012 3:33 pm

I have had 2 of them go off twice each. One on the deck of the boat after I got home from fishing in the rain, 1 in a locker that was damp, and 2 that went off just in the floor if the boat on a hot day, dry as a bone. With that said they are both cheaper Cabela's brand jackets, I think made by onyx. The Mustang that I have ( not HIT) has never gone off. Not sure why that is considering the Mustang is the one that I wear all the time so it is exposed to the elemenets more. Not sure if the brand makes a difference but I don't see myself keeping the cheapos if they are going to keep going off for no reason.