Life Jacket Recommendations

[nathan.barnard]

Hi all
Any solid recommendations out there for good quality life jackets? I occasionally rent boats and to make my wife feel better, I want to get a good quality life jacket for my outings. I'm 6'4 220lbs so most stock life jackets that come with the rental boat do not fit well.

Anything that stands out for the experienced boaters on the forum? Price is not an issue. Looking for quality.

[cgates]

There are so many out there. Do you wear it all day long or only when moving? I like the mustang brand with the pull cord to inflate the flotation part of the life vest. It must be worn at all times and it's not bulky
Hope this helps
Chris

[TheMaverick]

If anything, don’t go to CT, they sell knock offs lo0ol

Also, I’ve always wondered, the manual pull cord PFD’s, if you were to get knocked out and fall in, who would pull the cord then?

We have the Mustang auto inflatable models, 35 lbs lift thrust.
Never cheap out when it comes to safety.

[ShawnD]

the manual pull cord PFD’s, if you were to get knocked out and fall in, who would pull the cord then?

We have the Mustang auto inflatable models, 35 lbs lift thrust.
Never cheap out when it comes to safety.

I remember reading they're now illegal, I have the Mustang auto inflatable model also.

[cndbasshunter]

Don't just get the regular auto inflate, get the HIT Mustang. The regular auto inflate the vest can inflate during heavy downpour, the HIT the vest needs to be submurged 3" to go.

[campnfish]

SAIL has a few that are a bit shorter than regular life jackets - kind of like a kayakers. I like these because they don't bunch up when you sit down and they have large arm holes and no padding below the arm holes, which means less restriction when casting or fiddling with stuff in the boat. Great pockets on the outside, 2 zips with smaller velcro pockets as well. I keep a solar blanket, matches in a waterproof case and a knife in the pockets as my overboard emergency kit. I bought a camo one because it was 50% off - they come in blue, red etc though....camo is probably not the best color in an emergency though.

My buddy wears a kayakers lifejacket - small enough to wear under a jacket on those cold days in the spring and fall. I recently put reflective tape across the shoulders of mine, just in case.