Automatic PFD, IS THERE A STORM BREWING?

Trashman

i've been shopping for an automatic person flotation  device recently for my trip.  I've discovered something a little alarming   EBay seems to be flooded with these devices that are not labeled and do not say US Coast Guard approved    Some of them have tricky wording like "SOLAS approved reflectors".  They all seem to ship from California Also I see how many of these have sold it's a little alarming to know these are out there and not approved    You can always make the argument that any life jacket is better than none but I think people are relying on these in case of an emergency and they  May not perform in an emergency situation.  I'd be curious to know if anyone else noticed this. 

Willhound

Haven't noticed but just the price alone would ring alarm bells. I own three auto inflatables from my last boat when I was fishing more. Love them. Still wear mine on the FV270 if out alone or when up on deck checking anchor and such. Stick with the brand names, you definitely get what you pay for. 

Ian

The typo "manuel" rings bells for me. If you can't describe it correctly, what is the product really like?

davidbrooks

In the fine print it says "if you go overboard then Manuel swims out and inflates it for you..." yeah would not bet my life on this.  I thought about these but the cost to replace the important parts every year made them a non starter.

Dream_Inn

The parts are typically good for three years.  The 4 of us wear ours every time the boat moves.  I agree, go with a better product.

06Rinker270

Get the good one.  I use mine all the time just as @Willhound does.  West Marine constantly has sales.  I got mine for I think $79 on sale.  

Trashman

Agree, I would never buy one of these unless they had the proper certs. I did read they are not approved for kids under 16 but I have to say. I'd rather my son wears one of these.  My younger son wears his regular pfd all the time.  I would wear my regular pfd while underway but they are very uncomfortable.       Just can't believe these are flooding the market unnoticed.  

Handymans342

Its the Chineeessseee

reneechris14

Defender also has them on sale from time to time,think the brand was Mustang.these are stamped US Coast gourd approved.

Willhound

Pull handle is wrong too. Any I've seen have a yellow colour tee shaped handle, a mandated design I believe. 

Black_Diamond

I just added another inflatable PFD to my collection, 2 are the older automatic versions (downside getting wet can trigger them) and now have 2 of the Mustang Survival HIT Inflatable PFDs (this one has to go under 4" of water to trigger, rain/spray do not trigger it). 

http://www.landfallnavigation.com/inflatablepfds.html

That $38 one I would not use for free.  Just my .02.  BTW - With the inflatables, people will wear them and all 'kids' (under 18) wear a PFD when underway on my boat.  The inflatables can only be worn if age 16+ per USCG.  they also do NOT count as a PFD unless you wear it.

andyd

I was once shopping for a motorcycle helmet and I remarked to the sales guy how expensive the top brands were and I couldn't afford to spend that much. He replied "How much is your head worth?" Sold!

Andy

LaRea

For the vest in the picture from @Trashman, the eBay ad actually says:  
*NOT US Coast Guard Approved

Which is the same as saying "NOT worth buying."

bry1429

SALE ALERT  !!!

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--inshore-automatic-manual-inflatable-life-jacket--14897425?recordNum=18

Stodge

I was able to get 2 West Marine brand auto/manual Type V inflatable PFDs over Christmas for $60 each.  They are similar to the ones @bry1429 posted.

[Putting on my C.G. Aux hat] I would not wear a PFD that is not approved by "some" Coast Guard.  I'd prefer US, but if it said Canadian CG approved, I'd wear it.  It would not count if your boarded and they ask to see PFDs.  But it's gonna do the job.

Bottom line, how much is your life worth?
[Removing hat]

IMO the WM PFDs on sale look like a good option.

Handymans342

Did you see any offshore life jackets?

J3ff

arg. I paid 109.99 for mine a few weeks ago.. SIGH

randy56

x2 on the sale.  50% off   https://www.westmarine.com/sale/life-jackets-pfds/west-marine?cm_mmc=EM-_-Promo-_-N/A-_-N/A