What bothers me is I watch all these fishing shows and youtube videos of fishing guides that never use a life jacket even when the big motor is up and running. The customers just go along with it and do the same.

Well no Geofisher, I won’t be jumping out of an airplane without a parachute but thanks for asking. Thank you Quillback for the feedback. Was what I was looking for. Since the inflatables have no back up unlike a seat belt or parachute probably be smart to wear the standard PFD while running and the inflatable when on the front deck. Thanks again.

Well. After reading your post about the pedestal breaking. I am going to come.out of the closet. All.these years I thought I was alone in this experience and was embarrassed that it happened and no one would believe my story. I only use a pedestal during windy days because now in my 60's and balance on the front deck during wavy conditions is not good. I was fun fishing Palestine in my Triton. Made a cast while leaning on my butt seat. Next thing I know. Was on my back on front deck. Rod and reel were no where to be found. Back and head hurt like heck. After gathering myself and my thoughts. Saw that the metal.sleeve in the deck had snapped where the pedestal inserted. Had a bad headache and back. So I left the water. Out of being embarrassed the only person I told was a guide friend on Palestine. He asked me where I lost the rod and reel. He was able to retrieve it from bottom of lake the next day and return it to me. Thanks Robert Baxter.

Speaking of things breaking - Couple of weeks ago I was lifting my Fortrexx with the cable and the handle broke off. I went flying backwards and just about landed in my buddies lap. No injuries fortunately. It was a metal replacement cable for the nylon POS lift cable that comes with the Fortrexx. Cable broke right where it attaches to the lift handle. I keep reminding myself to balance when I lift the TM so that if the cable breaks I don't go flying backwards, but keep forgetting to do so.