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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 84
Campfire Greenhorn
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OP
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 84 |
This is the 3rd year of a full restoration of my 1988 16' Smoker Craft Magnum 162. It will be completed within a week. I'm looking at Type I and III life preservers. The Stearns I600 is a finalist due to the buoyancy of 22 pounds, obviously suitable off shore use. Also considering the Type III Mustang Survival Search and Rescue model. I'm soon to be 66 years young, at 6' 3"and weighing in at 225. I have a 40 year old Stearns but I think it's time to retire it. I'd also consider an inflatable, might not get roasted so bad in hot weather What can you guys recommend?
�The constitution shall never be construed...to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms.� Alexander Hamilton
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,708
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,708 |
I use a Mustang inflatable. The PFD and kill switch are life savers.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 84
Campfire Greenhorn
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OP
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 84 |
I just posted a couple of photos of the Smoker Craft restoration in the image gallery. Yup the "Kill Switch" lanyard is a life saver.
Last edited by pinback01; 04/29/20.
�The constitution shall never be construed...to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms.� Alexander Hamilton
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 10,068
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 10,068 |
That's a very nice looking boat, pinback.
Mercy ceases to be a virtue when it enables further injustice. -Brent Weeks
~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 61,115 Likes: 23
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 61,115 Likes: 23 |
Most should work well, make Shure you wear it.
These premises insured by a Sheltie in Training ,--- and Cooey.o "May the Good Lord take a likin' to you"
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,216 Likes: 5
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,216 Likes: 5 |
I fish lakes, but an inflatable tends to get worn when a regular one tends to get stowed/not worn. A couple things to note, an inflatable doesn’t ‘count’ per coast guard regs unless it is worn. In other words, make sure you have a foam one on board as well. Someone on the fire said they fish quite a few old guys out of the lake dead with their fly down and no life jacket on. Unzip to take a leak and fall off the boat and can’t get back onboard. I really like the comfort of an inflatable.
Last edited by K1500; 04/29/20.
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13,259 Likes: 3
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13,259 Likes: 3 |
Get the inflatable, you'll hardly notice your wearing it.
Let's Go Brandon! FJB
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 97
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 97 |
I'm about your size and 73 years old. I bought this one off Amazon last year and really like it. The shape of the neck fits me much better than my old one, especially with a hoody on. I wear it anytime I'm on the boat. It has the increased buoyancy I was looking for. Well made and Money well spent. Don't forget it uses a larger CO2 cylinder for recharge, which is also available.
Bluestorm Gear Arcus 40 Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD Life Jacket for Adults Sold by: Bluestorm Gear
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,703 Likes: 6
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,703 Likes: 6 |
Inflatable, just remember to store it in a dry area.
My biggest fear is when I die my wife will sell my guns for what I told her they cost.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,997
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,997 |
Another vote for the auto inflatable. I bought a couple for wife and I. Found them on sale thru West Marine. Awesome and since I fish alone most time I always wear it. My promise to her.
Last edited by gkt5450; 04/30/20. Reason: Sp
America, Our Country and we’re taking it back.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 24,305 Likes: 13
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 24,305 Likes: 13 |
Another vote for the auto inflatable. I bought a couple for wife and I. Found them on sale thru West Marine. Awesome and since I fish alone most time I always wear it. My promise to her. Smart Im a lifelong swimmer but just picked up a mustang and will wear fishing
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 7,980
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 7,980 |
I have both went back to old-style heard stories of some failing to inflate when needed, lanyard to kill switch is a must, plus loop of rope tied to stern that you can step in to get back in the boat. In our cold waters in Alaska if you go overboard even with life jacket you may not make it! Last night running on local river, river rescue were training in full suits. If you fly comercial most will not let you fly with self inflator cartridges. https://www.instagram.com/p/CAwnnJIhNgg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Last edited by kk alaska; 05/29/20.
kk alaska
Alaska 7 months of winter then 5 months of tourists
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8,591
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8,591 |
KK not being a ball buster but I just don't see the inflatables not being dependable I agree in your cold water everything must work and even so survival is tough That being said I would wear my inflatable if I was on your boat and have no worries
Hank
Cool Instagram post
Last edited by boatboy; 07/20/20.
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