[Guest]

What type of lifevest is required for a 20' bassboat?

 

[Boat Cop]

The standard would be a 50 mph impact vest. the law says you have to have 1 life vest that fits each person on the boat plus a type 4 throwable ( butt cushion type). You can also use the inflatable vest type in the boat. allthough they do not count as a vest unless they are worn. So, if you have 4 people on the boat and 4 inflatables in the hatch, they are not going to count. They have to be worn. the other mandatory equipment you need is a fire ext. then you are good to go. You do not have to have a oar, horn, whistle so on.

 

[Fishless]

I be confused

Boatcop,I am confused :shock: (that is easy to do). I understand about the standard life vests and throw cushion (make sure throw cushion is in good shape with straps intact) but you talk about inflatable vests?? do you mean the new style life vests that are light and compact and you either pull the ripcord or they auto inflate?? they are coast guard approved as life vests? I just bought one for my boat rather pricey. (you said stored it isnt legal it has to be worn??) that is where I am confused. Regular life vests unless it is a child doesn't have to be worn just be on board and accessable?? Sorry for the dumb question. :?:

 

[Boat Cop]

Yes, those are the ones i am talking about.There are basicly 5 types of flotation devises
Type 1- rough water, long rescue time these are self righting
Type 2- calmer water, inshore calmer water shorter rescue time, most are self righting
Type 3-inland waters, short rescue time most are not self righting, ski jacket type
Type 4- throwable rescue type
Type 5- specialized pfds, full floatation suits, work pfds and auto inflate vests.

if it is a manual inflate jacket it counts as a pfd Type 3 when not worn
if it is a auto inflate/manual inflate model it is a type 5 not any good unless it is worn.

The best type to get is the type 3. if you become unconscious in the water they will keep you face up. ski jackets will not do this.

 

[Boat Cop]

I messed up, sorry. the best type to get for our lakes is the type 2 not the 3

 

[Guest]

They have a belt in bassproshops. is this considered acceptable?they saw it a type 3.Auto inflates

 

[Boat Cop]

It is good to go if it says USGG approved then it will say the type. if it says type 5 it has to be worn to be good.