What You Should Know About Inflatable PFDs

Onyx automatic/manual vest (left) and manual-only
vest (right)

Some time ago, I saw some advice on this topic but put off making a copy of it. Eventually, so much time had passed I couldn't remember where I had seen it, so just forgot the whole idea. 

Then, just the other day, I found the same kind of info published by Jay Kumar, editor of BassBlaster, and immediately made a copy, so I could share it with everyone here on the blog. If you use an inflatable PFD now, or are thinking about getting one at some point in the future, you might want to take a look at what Jay has to say in the following article.

Do inflatable PFDs work reliably? Do they only work in certain conditions? Research reveals that you should NOT be wearing an inflatable PFD when it's cold...or when the water's cold.

Don't believe it? Read your owner's manual.

It probably will say that when temps are below 40 degrees, the PFD inflates "very slowly" (with the CO2 cartridge). AND if that PFD is stored outside in your boat when air temps are below freezing, it may not work at all until the cylinder warms.

It's worth noting that inflatable PFDs "are not to be worn when the [air] temperature is below freezing," according to inflatable PFD maker Onyx Outdoors, unless the PFD "is partially inflated" manually. BUT that could cause other issues--check this out from a Mustang PFD owner's manual:

     "When the temperature is below freezing, a fully discharged cylinder may not adequately inflate your PFD. Do not use your PFD under these conditions unless it is already partly inflated. Warning: CO2 inflation could over-pressurize and damage your PFD if already fully orally inflated."

Above freezing, in cold temps, the PFD will inflate but will do so slowly--the colder, the slower. And it's likely that a partially inflated PFD won't support a fisherman in the water.

In case you're tempted to warm your PFD inside your jacket, the manufacturers say that an inflatable PFD should only be worn on the outside of clothing or rain wear.

We all probably have heard or seen reports of PFDs failing to inflate when wearers were dumped in the water. Onyx says it rigorously investigated each situation involving its own PFDs [Note: Mustang did not respond to repeated requests for interviews]: "We have not seen any issues of a properly armed and maintained automatic [inflatable] not inflating when needed," said Wayne Walters, director of compliance for Onyx.

In some of the cases Onyx investigated, fishermen were wearing manual PFDs--which means that the wearer has to manually trigger the inflation. If the cord isn't pulled, the PFD won't inflate. That might seem obvious, but fishermen who are used to wearing automatic inflatable PFDs may not realize that manual versions exist.

This means that when you put on an inflatable, it's imperative that you check what kind it is, as well as the status indicator of the PFD. To check whether the PFD is functional,  you need to look at the bobbin--a moisture-sensing device found in the inflation mechanism. The bobbin has a date stamp on it and should be replaced every 3 years. Standard rearming procedures should be followed.

How to maintain an inflatable PFD:

     * Routinely check the status indicator, as well as the condition of the bladders, cover and webbing. It's key to make sure there are no punctures, tears or worn spots in the bladder or cover.

     * Besides the visual inspection of the bladder and service indicator on the inflator, the PFD should be orally inflated every 2 months--especially so if it's stored in a place where it can be inadvertently punctured by something like a hook. It should hold air for 2 hours or so after oral inflation.

     * After the PFD has been inflated once, the CO2 cylinder must be replaced.

     * As is the case with all PFDs, inflatables need to fit the size of the person wearing it--check the sizes in your boat.

     * Don't just take it out of the package and throw it in the boat. The webbing should be adjusted for a snug fit.

     * Onyx says people under the age of 16 should not wear an inflatable.

When an inflatable is properly maintained (check the owner's manual), and its "working conditions" are met, it should work fine--but again, cold weather/water makes it function slower or not at all.