04-24-2020, 02:05 PM
There appears to be two types of automatic inflating PFD vests available to boaters. One uses Hydrostatic Inflate Technology (HIT) which uses water pressure to actuate the inflate function. This eliminates any chance of the vest auto inflation from any source of moisture. These are expensive and cost over $200 each.
The other type uses a water soluble bobbin that dissolves in about 2 to 3 seconds to actuate the inflate function. These are the most common types and can be purchased for about $90 up to about $160 - depending on brand and features.
Cabela's/BPS sells both types and the cost runs from About $90 up to $250. I have 4 of the water bobbin types from Cabela's that I bought on sale for around $70 each 5 or 6 years ago. I used to store them in a below the deck storage box until the moisture level in that box inflated one in storage. The higher humidity level below deck was enough to erode the bobbin enough to set it off. They are now stored in an above deck seat box and have never inflated in storage there.
The other type uses a water soluble bobbin that dissolves in about 2 to 3 seconds to actuate the inflate function. These are the most common types and can be purchased for about $90 up to about $160 - depending on brand and features.
Cabela's/BPS sells both types and the cost runs from About $90 up to $250. I have 4 of the water bobbin types from Cabela's that I bought on sale for around $70 each 5 or 6 years ago. I used to store them in a below the deck storage box until the moisture level in that box inflated one in storage. The higher humidity level below deck was enough to erode the bobbin enough to set it off. They are now stored in an above deck seat box and have never inflated in storage there.
Bob Hicks, from Utah
I'm 82 years young and going as hard as I can for as long as I can.
"Free men do not ask permission to bear arms."
I'm 82 years young and going as hard as I can for as long as I can.
"Free men do not ask permission to bear arms."