so what kind of inflatable allows us to not have it on in the boat (which defeats the whole reason of buying a smaller, lighterweight jacket) a TYPE II?

I have both an HIT Mustang and an SOSpenders Sentinel model which has a dissolving tab. I have never had either of them go off in rain, spray or when even when I submarined a wave on Fork last summer. The high end Mustang is well worth the money both from the HIT technology and the fact that they just fit better / are better made than the cheap models.

Type I, II, and III just have to be easily available, and not worn. Whether or not the PFD is inflatable is beside the point. What matters is what TYPE of PFD it is. The TYPE is stated somewhere on the PFD. If it�s a Type V inflatable then in all probability you�ll have to be waring it for it to count.

I own one of the first SOSpenders models. It is a Type III, and thus if it is aboard and readily assessable then I�m legal.

YOU MUST CHECK THE LABLE to find out what TYPE PFD you have, and act accordingly.

TFP

ok thank you, the one I am going to buy is a type II

The Mustang HIT model mentioned #MD3183, which I do own/carry is fully Coast Guard Type II approved/labeled for recreational use and as such, does NOT HAVE TO BE WORN TO COUNT AS A PFD IN A RECREATIONAL BOAT IN TEXAS.

Sir,

We have a misunderstanding. I was not labeling your post as misinformation. I do not in any way doubt your statements. The misinformation that I was referring to is the idea that all inflatable PFDs must be worn to be in compliance with applicable water safety statute, and regulation. I perhaps should have been more precise in what I was referring to as misinformation.


If I might � Texas statute has been, at least for the last ten years, such that any, and all Type I, II, and III PFDs need only be on board, and readily accessible to meet the Water Safety requirements as per Sec. 31.066 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code . As a matter of completeness, and clarification I point out that SOSpenders produced models of their product that were rated Type III when they first introduced their products several years ago. I can personally attest to this as I purchased my SOSpenders from Mo, and Joe�s Fishin� Stuff in Tyler. I believe that it was one of the first SOSpenders purchase made in that store. I can also attest that they had received a written communication from the Commandant of the USCG, as per their inquiry, as to the legality of the SOSpenders Type III PDF, and this communication confirmed that indeed this model as a Type III carried only the restriction associated with any Type III PFD.

I would also note that I have over the past several years been posting on this issue here on the Texas Fishing Forum. Questions on this topic have reoccurred on a pretty regular basis for the past ten, or so years, and because of my inquires, and research into this matter with both the USCG, and TP&W I have nominally posted the same information as I have in this thread.

My comment on the reoccurrence of misinformation in this matter is simply an expression of a bit of frustration on my part that this issue is still causing problems for the boating, and fishing public.


TFP

I would get the HIT models. I have two and love them. I don't have to worry about them inflating in high moisture or rain. We have had one deploy, but one of our buddies fell in. They work. Little more expensive to reload. Most are $75+. I found a place for $49 and bought two.