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PostPosted: Mon Dec 17, 2012 10:06 am 
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Joined: Sun Apr 01, 2012 6:50 am
Posts: 6
I would like to get my wife an inflatable life vest for Christmas, but I don't have time to do the research on my own. Do any of you have any advice you can share?

She would like a vest that is not bulky, allows her more movement, and also makes it easier for her to get a tan when she desires.

She's currently using a traditional life vest, so we have absolutely no experience or knowledge on the type that automatically inflate as needed.

Thanks


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PostPosted: Mon Dec 17, 2012 1:17 pm 
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Joined: Mon Nov 26, 2012 7:16 pm
Posts: 160
Location: vero beach, fl
Hard to go wrong with the Hobie inflatables.


Cheers.
Drew

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PostPosted: Mon Dec 17, 2012 3:08 pm 
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Joined: Mon Dec 17, 2012 11:52 am
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Location: Chicago il
Just stop by West Marine or shop their online store. They have several models from basic ripcord style to the more expensive hydrostatic deployment. I picked up This one for my dad last year.

The basic models should be fine for regular hobie use, the hydrostatic ones are good for heavier sailing and larger boats

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PostPosted: Mon Dec 17, 2012 3:18 pm 
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Joined: Mon Apr 26, 2010 6:06 am
Posts: 734
Location: Amelia Island, FL
I have fished with the inflatable vest for the past 8 years and love it. Minimal coverage of the body and find they are great for summer. They also make an inflatable waist lifejacket. Might wish to check that out also.


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PostPosted: Mon Dec 17, 2012 5:34 pm 
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Joined: Sun Aug 12, 2007 5:17 pm
Posts: 679
Location: Auckland NZ
Don't get an automatic one - they can get wet enough to inflate from just spray alone on a kayak.

I cannot vouch for this but I learned from my local dealer just the other day that he does not recommend, to ladies, the newer trendy type of inflatable jacket that is in the form of a loop (looking like a horse collar) that goes over the head - apparently these tend not to fit ladies comfortably so he always recommends the 'normal' type of inflatable where the material part of the vest is in the shape of a horseshoe with a strap that clips at waist level.

If you are serious about safety in the event of needing a lifejacket then a crotch strap is a must... and every person on board should carry a sharp and easily deployable knife at all times.


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PostPosted: Tue Dec 18, 2012 7:44 am 
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Joined: Mon Apr 26, 2010 6:06 am
Posts: 734
Location: Amelia Island, FL
There are 3 different types of self-inflatable life vests.

Manual only inflates when you pull the cord. Not exactly the safest if you get knocked out. Self-inflating will inflate when it gets wet. Yes, a strong rain storm will do it. The hydrostatic version which inflates only when submerged.

The hydrostatic version WILL NOT inflate due to rain/etc. It requires that the vest be submerged 6-8 inches below the surface of the water.

Dependent upon the type of water you are paddling, here is another popular version of a life vest that can be worn around the waist. I would only consider this if you are fishing rather calm waters.

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/p ... SHOP_96882


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PostPosted: Tue Dec 18, 2012 9:50 pm 
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Joined: Sun Aug 12, 2007 5:17 pm
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Location: Auckland NZ
Fair comment - I wasn't aware of Hydrostatic - all I know is that mine popped open while I was sitting in the cockpit :?


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PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 6:21 am 
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Joined: Mon Apr 26, 2010 6:06 am
Posts: 734
Location: Amelia Island, FL
stobbo wrote:
Fair comment - I wasn't aware of Hydrostatic - all I know is that mine popped open while I was sitting in the cockpit :?


My buddy decided to rinse all the mud off his with a water hose :mrgreen:

The best part was that I was there to witness the whole thing :!:


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PostPosted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 8:42 am 
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Joined: Mon Nov 26, 2012 7:16 pm
Posts: 160
Location: vero beach, fl
It would have almost been worth the cost of the recharge to see how high he jumped.

Cheers.
Drew

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