Recommendations on Automatic Inflatable PFDs

Keeping the Mustang HIT Hydrostatic automatic inflatable Type II (Recreational) and the West Marine Deep Water Automatic Inflatable Life Jacket Type II (Recreational). Really like the Mustang's hydrostatic activator. The Deep Water jacket was very comfortable to wear and had a small zippered pocket for strobe, PLB, etc. We really can't see a use for the harness rings on the West Marine Offshore Sail with Harness Type V life Jacket.
We are going to go with Sue's practice and wear them at all times when the Tug engine is on and add to that when going forward even if the engine is off and when using or making ready the dinghy.
 
Wish I knew crewfits were on sale need two. West Marine coastals,sale price not showing will keep checking.
 
The Crewfits were sold out within minutes of Dave's post. The sale I mentioned at West Marine for their inflatable life jackets that started this thread began Thanksgiving Day morning and ended Monday midnight.
There is still a sale going at Defender fora Kent Water Sports A-33 In Sight Automatic Inflatable Type II (Recreation) for $74.99 and a Mustang HIT Type II (Recreation) for $157.
 
Just in case anyone looking for an automatic inflatable PFD the West Marine Deep Water PFD Type II Offshore rated is on sale again! Half off the regular $190 price for $95 with free shipping at West Marine through 8/6. Vicki finds hers very comfortable! Other models on sale too.
 
Hi guys: just out of interest, is it compulsory in the US to wear a lifejacket when underway? From the sound of it, it seems your Coast Guard are very proactive in enforcing compliance. Good to see, too, from my perspective. Unfortunately, here in Australia, nowhere is it currently compulsory for recreational boaters to wear a lifejacket when out on the water. We just have to carry onboard sufficient for each person embarked. Bloody silly, it you ask me! Being ex-Navy, whenever I leave the jetty I wear an RFD 150N, manual inflation-type jacket. Just pull the cord and it inflates. I prefer these to the automatic ones as sometimes they are prone to inflate unexpectedly when drenched with sea water- just personal preference, I guess. In any case, anyone who comes onboard my vessel gets to wear a life jacket, especially children. I also wear a PLB whenever I am at sea on my own - it is linked to the main EPIRB in the wheelhouse. Our marine safety organisation is now conducting a survey around the possibility of making it compulsory to wear lifejackets when recreational boating here in Australia: about time, I say. It's a bit like seat belts in cars: back in the sixties they didn't exist - now they are just a part of driving a car. It all takes time to educate and convince the general public I guess. Just some thoughts to ponder. Regards to all, Stevan.
 
No it's not compulsory in the US and it's not common to see used - at least in southern California. It is compulsory for children. Like your rules, we are required to have the same number of life jackets on the boat as people plus a throw able float that is immediately accessible. The USCG will check on the life jacket count.
 
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