Jdholmes said:
I got basic preservers that sell for like $10 for $5 on Craigslist...they will only be worn in emergency so I wasn't to concerned on style.
You really should consider a "constant wear" type of floatation.
I'm search and rescue:
So I have a bit of a "unique" perspective on it.
I don't want to sound like your dad, but those I've usually gone out for also had the mindset they were for emergency only.
Most of the ones that didn't make it didn't realize that you usually don't have time to (or can't) grab your floatation.
IE: slip, whack your head, over the side, it's all over -or- leaning over to net that fish, over the side and your trolling motor just idles the boat away -or- tooling across the lake, hit a log or swamp and down she goes, you've got a mile or two to shore, water is 10 degrees, hypothermic after a 1/4 mile and you're done.
Floatation in the vessel itself can help (why manufacturers install it), unless you've removed it for live wells/storage/walking space or the vessel is overturned and you can't get to your PFD stuff.
Then there's the times the vessel gets in trouble, people panic and just jump over the side without thought of a PFD. Don't laugh, it happens. I know....
Ultimately, you're a big boy, it's your choice.
But I've seen it time and time again.
Please get something that is constant wear. Something comfortable that you will wear all the time. With the stuff on the market these days, you can buy something with floatation so comfortable you don't even know it's a floater.
If not for yourself, do it for your family.
This is not the place to save money. Get the very best you can, for everyone that will be on the boat.
I'd rather be the guy handing you a coffee and a blanket on the ride back to base after a very cold swim and a hoist in rather than the guy who has to pull the zipper closed on the bag.
Sorry to be so "heavy", but it's a very heavy subject and I've got far too much personal experience with it.....