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PFD A
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Murphy Sportfishing
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Murphy Sportfishing
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Murphy Sportfishing
By David at Murphy Sportfishing
There are many choices when it comes to personal floatation and the ones that I am going to focus on are the self inflation type. Basically there are two types that will inflate if you fall into the water.
The first one is called an automatic inflatable that has a small powder filled bobbin that dissolves when exposed to water (image B). The powder dissolves and a small spring loaded point punctures the CO2 cartridge, which inflates the life jacket. The life jacket also comes with a manual tab that can be pulled to inflate.
Since this jacket uses a soluble powder that dissolves quickly in water and given that we live in such a wet climate, this might not be the best product for along our wet west coast. I have had many of these in the past and they can go off at anytime. If they are wet and riding in the boat, or truck they are prone to inflation. They are relatively easy to repack and recharge, but if you don't have a replacement cartridge handy it can leave you without a life jacket.
The second jacket is similar to the first, but uses a hydrostatic device that will puncture the cartridge when the jacket is submerged in more than 4 inches of water(image A). So in other words as soon as that orange circle is 4 inches below the water it will inflate (as in the bottom image).
For the past couple of years we have gone to the hydrostatic inflatables which are good for 5 years before you have to change the cartridge out. It will not inflate unless submerged. Both jackets have a warning device that lets you know if there is a problem with your cartridge. If the sight window is red you need to replace the cartridge. It is a good idea to have a quick look before you go out.
Both of these inflatables will self right you into the face up floating position, if you become immobilized, or you are unable to right yourself. You don't fall in on purpose and if you do, being in the water may only be one of your problems. These inflatables are light weight, easy to put on and fish in and will only save you if you are wearing one.
We discourage anglers from using the pull chord inflate only models (no picture shown) because they are 100% dependent on the angler being conscious and having an available hand to pull the chord. The chord is impossible to reach if you are hanging onto a boat or log with both hands. If you're in that kind of position you want confidence that your life jacket is doing its job automatically.