Auto inflatable PFD with Automatic-Bobbin or the HIT?

[Jack F]

The Mustang auto inflatable PFD with Automatic-Bobbin or the Hydrostatic Inflator Technology?

Has anyone had any problems with the Bobbin type getting wet and going off from rain or mist from a wave?

I’m looking to buy a few and was wondering if the Bobbin type is ok.

 

[Spot]

I have both and have not had any issues with them. Personally I prefer to use the Hystotatic one since I am not 100% sure the bobin may not pop when I don't want it to deploy. I use mine in the NW, at times it really can be wet out on the ocean. If you have a choice and cost is not the issue, Hydrostatic...

The 2 that I have are both Mustang.

 

[Jack F]

Thanks

 

[Four Suns]

I have both types and I have problems with the bobbin ones. They'll fire if they get wet. If people wear them all the time and it rains, they can go off... I've even had them go off in a cabinet and had to cut one out.

I've converted over all the bobbin ones to manual inflation. They actually came with a different cap so you can convert them to manual vs. automatic. If you've ever jumped in the water with one of these, they will totally immobilize you they are so tight around your neck and waste. I want to be able to swim or do what I want and have more control over if/when I need flotation. If I'm getting into a life raft, I don't need the thing inflated.

 

[Jack F]

I have both types and I have problems with the bobbin ones. They'll fire if they get wet. If people wear them all the time and it rains, they can go off... I've even had them go off in a cabinet and had to cut one out.

I've converted over all the bobbin ones to manual inflation. They actually came with a different cap so you can convert them to manual vs. automatic. If you've ever jumped in the water with one of these, they will totally immobilize you they are so tight around your neck and waste. I want to be able to swim or do what I want and have more control over if/when I need flotation. If I'm getting into a life raft, I don't need the thing inflated.

You make a good point about being totally immobilized, I watched one of their videos and and thought the same thing. It looked like the guy in the video couldn't do anything but float on his back.

 

[Turtlesboat]

I go back and forth in my mind with the auto vs manual choice. It seems for every good reason to pick one, there's a downside too. Right now I have the manual but thought I might get an auto for the GF.

 

[Four Suns]

I've gone back and forth as well but the first time I jumped in the water and it inflated and I couldn't do anything but float (and the things are *very* cold when they inflate), I said forget this... And I figure if someone is so stupid they can't pull a rip cord... well... maybe there is a Darwin award in there for them... and if someone "bumped their head" and no one else is willing to pull their rip cord for him/her... maybe no one liked him/her...

I go back and forth in my mind with the auto vs manual choice. It seems for every good reason to pick one, there's a downside too. Right now I have the manual but thought I might get an auto for the GF.

 

[La Maddalena]

Gary:
Do you control the amount of inflation with the manual type (by releasing the cord I guess), or do they just inflate fully once you've pulled the cord? Sounds like you've chosen the manual version so that a) you control the start of inflation; and b) you're not totally immobilized after inflation.

 

[Four Suns]

They totally inflate after you pull the rip cord... I can control (a)... so (b) doesn't happen.

 

[La Maddalena]

Thanks. I was getting ready to buy some so I'll get the manual version.

 

[Four Suns]

I also added these strobes to the packing of each life jacket:

http://www.landfallnavigation.com/s3961.html

I make everyone wear their life jacket all the time (since I spent so damn much money on inflatables) and if they fall off the boat, it gives them a fighting chance to be found...

 

[La Maddalena]

Does everyone get their own personal distress flag too? :grin:

 

[skibum]

I think Mike's on to something. Give the GF a bobbin type one and if she gets out of ine, you can shoot her bobbin with a water pistol... Bada bing... imobilized girlfriend.

 

[Four Suns]

Does everyone get their own personal distress flag too? :grin:

Not yet... but I am thinking of adding a small PWC flare to each vest...

You asked...

 

[Dancin Dave]

I have them for my teenage daughters, if they fall in I want inflation to be failsafe and automatic for a less complicated MOB recovery.

They have there use and application, however I just use a vest type.

In the cold water months or when traveling in the ocean we have these.

 

[Jack F]

I go back and forth in my mind with the auto vs manual choice. It seems for every good reason to pick one, there's a downside too. Right now I have the manual but thought I might get an auto for the GF.

I'm with you Mike, I’ve been looking all winter, I guess get both types. Manual and HIT.

 

[Turtlesboat]

I have them for my teenage daughters, if they fall in I want inflation to be failsafe and automatic for a less complicated MOB recovery.

They have there use and application, however I just use a vest type.

In the cold water months or when traveling in the ocean we have these.

Dave, your throttles are a little uneven.

 

[tbirdvet]

Depends why you are buying. If someone on board (like on the bow) falls and hits head and then falls overboard a manual inflate is useless. I have my wife wear an auto inflate when she is on the bow just in case.

 

[Four Suns]

Depends why you are buying. If someone on board (like on the bow) falls and hits head and then falls overboard a manual inflate is useless. I have my wife wear an auto inflate when she is on the bow just in case.

And if an earthquake happens and a tsunami hits and I bump my head on the dash and monkeys fly out my butt...

What's interesting about the manual vs. automatic discussion is that I did a poll on who wears their pfd underway sometime ago and it was over 95% did not wear them but "kept them close" just in case. So I guess if you "need" to put on the pfd (which is a very manual process), it's safer to have that last step of inflation "automatic" to be safer...

I would argue that if you don't wear the things all the time, this discussion is pointless as you are better off with manual activation models because you can't put these things on after they are inflated... they are *very* tight around your neck and waist once inflated... You don't want to be in the water trying to put on an already inflated pfd... it won't happen.

 

[Cruisinguy]

I have owned both and without consideration of cost I would definitely go with the Hydrostatic. The Bobbin style in my experience went off too easily and can't be worn in the rain or wave bashing in the inflatable. I learned last summer when I fell overboard that the Hydrostatics are much more expensive to recharge. If you are buying them for extras to have on the boat than I wouldn't hesitate to buy the older less expensive style. You can debate Automatic versus Manual all day, but I'll take the automatic.