neverenuf is correct. When this discussion came up previously, I spoke directly with the boating enforcement group for TPWD in Austin. I was assured that any inflatable with the proper classification (specifically, not TYPE V) counts in and of itself when in the boat. It does not have to be worn to count if it is TYPE II or TYPE III, for instance. They even wanted to know if I had been told this by a game warden, and they wanted his name if so - so that they could give him correct information.

The old wives' tale about "you gotta wear it for it to count" applies if your PFD is a TYPE V product. The label will tell you, and it will also point out that it must be worn to count as a Type III PFD in recreational use. The earliest inflatables years ago were all TYPE V. While there probably are still some TYPE V PFDs in use, and even sold, most of today's leading products are Type III or TYPE II. The dated info some of you have doesn't apply to TYPE II or TYPE III PFDs.

It may be that they must be readily accessible if not worn, where I understand that "accessible" means "not locked in a compartment", but I didn't have a discussion with them about that specific requirement that applies to all PFDs equally.

Traditional, full PFD for me.

Guys, I was lucky enough to pull this man out of the water a while back. His inflatable did not go off. What we found out later was the cylinder was empty, and there is a manual Valve in the back like a straw. He had worn it for 15 years

http://www.tylerpaper.com/TP-News+Local/231304/sailor-searches-for-mystery-fisherman-who-saved-him

Guys, I was lucky enough to pull this man out of the water a while back. His inflatable did not go off. What we found out later was the cylinder was empty, and there is a manual Valve in the back like a straw. He had worn it for 15 years

http://www.tylerpaper.com/TP-News+Local/231304/sailor-searches-for-mystery-fisherman-who-saved-him

Just wondering what everyone thinks about inflatable PFD's. I like the idea about less bulk on your body but I just can't get pass the idea of relying on a mechanical feature to save my life.

We had an incident this weekend on Lake Gaston here in Va. during a tournament where two men were ejected from their boat when they speared a wave in very rough conditions. There are reports that the driver was wearing an inflatable that came off of his body at impact with the water and still can not be found. The other guy was resuscitated and life flighted out.

There are no reports if the inflatable did or did not inflate and I realize if not attached properly that any PFD can be stripped off with impact. Also no reports at what speed they were traveling.

This is the question I ask myself "would you rather be wearing a standard PFD or an inflatable if you were ejected from the boat at 60 / 70 or 80 mph?"

I choose standard.

http://www.rrdailyherald.com/news/breaki...dbbcaee347.html

Guys, I was lucky enough to pull this man out of the water a while back. His inflatable did not go off. What we found out later was the cylinder was empty, and there is a manual Valve in the back like a straw. He had worn it for 15 years

http://www.tylerpaper.com/TP-News+Local/231304/sailor-searches-for-mystery-fisherman-who-saved-him

You are a HERO sir!

I've got a question, who has time to write a 3 and 4 paragraph answer? Really not a slam on anyone just can't find that kind of time. Just wear some type of PFD any is better than nothing!