Today's Question: Life jackets - yea or nea?

[Online Editor]

Do you always wear a PFD (life jacket or inflatable device) on the boat? If not, when will you put one on (high seas, running a dangerous inlet, etc), if ever?

[Ooger]

I always wear the PDF when the outboard is running. Whether it's up on plane or running slow no wake. When the outboard is off and we are either drifting, anchored, or have the electric trolling motor going, I will take the PDF off.

[Zecura]

Never wear one. Always make the kids wear em'. Gonna get an auto inflate and start wearing it.

[deadweight]

Only time I've ever worn 'em was in bass tournaments where the rules required the use of PFDs when the outboard was running. I've never worn one when fishing salt water, but that's normally been done from a fairly substantial boat. Yes, I know I probably should, but if the captain doesn't suggest it, I'm pretty comfortable without one.

[LBI Girl]

the old sailor told us if the water is deeper than your armpits, the vest goes on.. it's just in my blood..
canoe, kayak, sailboat.. i always do.. curiously, riding in my brother in law's big boat (power) i didn't feel the need....
maybe i link the vest with interacting with the boat.. the distraction of being at the helm and the need for it???
not sure, but since i usually am in wind or paddle powered vessels.. i wear it and stay the course

[reddogonthegulf]

Negative on the PFD, and don't require it for my customers but I give them the option if they so desire. I have not ever put myself or my customers in a position which would call for the donning of the life jacket but I certainly would if the seas got that bad that I was worried.