Boating – May 2018

BOAT DOCTOR /// BOATINGLAB

52 | BOATINGMAG.COM | MAY 2018

CHECK OUT MORE BOATINGLAB TESTS AT BOATINGMAG.COM.

PHOTOS: ZACH STOVALL

LIFE JACKETS

The numbers are sobering. According to the 2016 Recreational

Boating Statistics published by the U.S. Coast Guard, 80 per-

cent of boating deaths are due to drowning, 83 percent of

victims were not wearing a life jacket, and two-thirds of drown-

ing victims are good swimmers. While boating deaths have

been trending downward, 701 people still died as a result of

boating accidents during 2016. Choosing to wear a life jacket

is the best way ensure fewer boating deaths.

But which life jacket should you choose? There are an as-

toundng array of styles and types of life jackets to choose

from. To help you make the best selection, we’ve tested these

two highly wearable examples for your consideration.

BASS PRO SHOPS

A/24 IN-SIGHT

You wear an infl atable life jacket because it’s like not wearing one, and you want them to look good

too. This one is styled up with contrasting colors, plus refl ective patches that can be illuminated

hundreds of yards from a light source. The neoprene collar adds comfort in the places it inevitably

contacts the neck and face. A handy D-ring makes a good place to attach accessories and tools.

PROS: We like its look, feel, and the proven

reliability of its trigger system. At 22.5 pounds of

fl otation, that’s almost 50 percent more buoy-

ancy than a standard Type III life jacket.

CONS: The dissolving bobbin trigger takes three

to fi ve seconds to infl ate the vest — hence, they

are only recommended for swimmers.

BUOYANCY: 22.5 pounds

TRIGGER: Dissolving bobbin

CHEST SIZE: Fits 30 to 52 inches

CLOSURE: Hook-and-loop tape (not speaking of

the buckle)

REARM: Annually or after use

COST: $139.99

TEST RESULTS: In most of our tests, the

crash-test dummy went straight down to the

bottom, but in this trial, he fell sideways into

the water, fl oundering at the surface. The

infl atable bobbin trigger activated just as

rapidly as it did in competitors and stabilized

the victim.

REARMING: The Velcro collar closures are eas-

ier to manage than zippers and were reliable in

our testing. Choosing between them is a matter

of preference.

CONCLUSIONS: Marketed for inland boaters,

it still boasts over 20 pounds of buoyancy, more

than standard offshore life jackets.

BEST FOR: Because of its smaller bladder

size, it is recommended for inland and inshore

boating, where rescue is apt to be faster and

seas calmer.

MUSTANG SURVIVAL

ELITE 38 MODEL MD5283

Mustang Survival is the brand many commercial mariners have relied on since 1967. That the

jackets are pricier is immediately apparent and supported in style and design. Foremost, the

hydrostatic trigger infl ates the air bladder the moment it sinks 4 inches below the water, which

is when hydrostatic pressure triggers it. Finely woven nylon fabric is tough, the cut minimizes

chafi ng around the face and neck, and rubber reinforcement protects the most exposed areas.

The back is wide and soft for support and comfort and ventilated for warm-weather wear.

PROS: Hydrostatic infl aters are the fastest

infl aters and can’t be triggered by rain or spray.

The provided 38 pounds of buoyancy is enough

to right an unconscious person and hold their

face out of the water in the roughest conditions.

CONS: The trigger system is heavier and bulk-

ier and costs $100 or more than lighter-weight

but slower-dissolving bobbin-triggered devices.

BUOYANCY: 38 pounds

CHEST SIZE: Fits 30 to 52 inches

TRIGGER: Hydrostatic

CLOSURE: Nylon zipper

REARM: Annually

COST: $260

TEST RESULTS: The hydrostatic trigger

activated almost immediately after being dunked

and surfaced in our test.

REARMING: The CO2 cartridge and trigger are

fi xed together, and the cartridge fi ts inside the

air bladder. The process is tricky; once accom-

plished, it’s easily repeated.

CONCLUSIONS: Hydrostatic triggers won’t

deploy because of dampness caused by rain

and don’t rely on a dissolving bobbin.

BEST FOR: These are the most expensive

devices, and the rearming kits include a new

hydrostatic sensor, so we recommend them for

serious offshore boaters or professionals who

are accustomed to detailed maintenance of all

their gear.

The A/24 In-Sight

offers comfort and

high buoyancy.

Mustang’s Elite
38 MD5283 is fast-infl ating
and reliable.