PFD choice??

A question for you Chinook owners. I use a pram with a standard flip-up backrest, rotating chair. Does the back flotation pad clear the height of the backrest.? I couldn't use my kayaking pfd, because the back float pushed me forward in the backrest and made it uncomfortable. I would prefer a foam pfd but only if I can lean back into my chair. I'm now using a rip cord inflatable religiously...
 
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A great theread!

I use the AM24 whenever in my pram, whenever on the salt and when fishing alone in my larger boat I always wear it and most of the time in my lager boat (16') even with others in the boat. Always have at least 3 standard life jackets that come out in nasty weather.

As getting older (currently 77 ) thinking of getting a water activated inflatable.

Curt
 
Wetswinger said:
A question for you Chinook owners. I use a pram with a standard flip-up backrest, rotating chair. Does the back flotation pad clear the height of the backrest.? I couldn't use my kayaking pfd, because the back float pushed me forward in the backrest and made it uncomfortable. I would prefer a foam pfd but only if I can lean back into my chair. I'm now using a rip cord inflatable religiously...
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Can’t say exactly for that style chair but I am able to lean back in my Fishcat Panther chair.
 
Smalma said:
A great theread!

I use the AM24 whenever in my pram, whenever on the salt and when fishing alone in my larger boat I always wear it and most of the time in my lager boat (16') even with others in the boat. Always have at least 3 standard life jackets that come out in nasty weather.

As getting older (currently 77 ) thinking of getting a water activated inflatable.

Curt
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Curt, you're the first person I know with an entire boat designated for beer drinking. Well played, Sir.
 
I use a Mustang foam fishing vest PFD. It is comfortabe and has useful pockets and attachment points for tools. I always wear it in the boat and may start using it streamside. It's probably a level below the NRS Chinook, but it fits well and is comfortable.

www.westmarine.com

Topwater Foam Vest PFD | West Marine

Check out our Topwater Foam Vest PFD and more from West Marine!
www.westmarine.com www.westmarine.com
 
I’m obviously not as cutting edge as I thought in my NRS chinook vest! I use that in my kayak and on moving water, and sometimes in the whaler in the winter. Summertime in the whaler is time for the self inflating horse collar that I got from west marine. It is not hot and not in the way.
 
Wetswinger said:
A question for you Chinook owners. I use a pram with a standard flip-up backrest, rotating chair. Does the back flotation pad clear the height of the backrest.? I couldn't use my kayaking pfd, because the back float pushed me forward in the backrest and made it uncomfortable. I would prefer a foam pfd but only if I can lean back into my chair. I'm now using a rip cord inflatable religiously...
Click to expand...
Even with PVC coated raingear on, I don't feel encumbered with my NRS Chinook (there is a lot of adjustment in the vest); my pram's seat is padded, folds up/down. I absolutely never notice any problems with the vest and seat. I keep the vest zipped up with the bottom buckle fastened. I have a boater's whistle in the top vest pocket.
DSCF0466.JPG

(I know, way too much stuff in a small boat.)
 
Wetswinger said:
A question for you Chinook owners. I use a pram with a standard flip-up backrest, rotating chair. Does the back flotation pad clear the height of the backrest.? I couldn't use my kayaking pfd, because the back float pushed me forward in the backrest and made it uncomfortable. I would prefer a foam pfd but only if I can lean back into my chair. I'm now using a rip cord inflatable religiously...
Click to expand...
The back of the seat in my Hobie is about 16" higher than the seat bottom. My Chinook's back flotation doesn't have any conflict with the top of the seat back...but I suspect much depends upon one's torso dimensions.
 
Buzzy said:
Even with PVC coated raingear on, I don't feel encumbered with my NRS Chinook (there is a lot of adjustment in the vest); my pram's seat is padded, folds up/down. I absolutely never notice any problems with the vest and seat. I keep the vest zipped up with the bottom buckle fastened. I have a boater's whistle in the top vest pocket.
View attachment 120628

(I know, way too much stuff in a small boat.)
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My seat back seems about like your prams, tho my trout are definitely much smaller 😅.
 
Buzzy said:
Even with PVC coated raingear on, I don't feel encumbered with my NRS Chinook (there is a lot of adjustment in the vest); my pram's seat is padded, folds up/down. I absolutely never notice any problems with the vest and seat. I keep the vest zipped up with the bottom buckle fastened. I have a boater's whistle in the top vest pocket.
View attachment 120628

(I know, way too much stuff in a small boat.)
Click to expand...
If I hooked and had a picture of a fish that big there'd be nearly no thread topic I couldn't somehow insert it in the conversation.
 
I like the Chinook. Hey it's summer. I encourage anyone that buys a PFD to just jump in the damn water and take it for a spin. Even if that is in your swimming pool. "Safety drills" are part of any professional boating operations. There is a reason for that. Just buying and wearing a PFD is not an acceptable substitute for "safety drills". These "drills" can be be done with a light hearted "let's have some fun" attitude at any swimming beach, swimming pool or even on a vessel. Oh did I just say that I encourage safety drills?
 
Chadk said:
I really like my Stolquist Keeper. They have a few models designed for fishing. It is very adjustable and comfortable for all day wear. I wear it kayaking mainly.
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I've got a Stolquist Keeper as well. Fine PFD, and especially high rear floatation pad allowing good clearance above seat back, but found the front pockets sticking out too far for my tastes.... but maybe the Chinook just better accommodates my huge beer gut.
 
I didn’t realize the NRS Chinook was so popular with fishermen and it looks like it owns this category. No wonder Simms just came out with a fishing PFD that looks a lot like the Chinook…
 
Buzzy said:
Even with PVC coated raingear on, I don't feel encumbered with my NRS Chinook (there is a lot of adjustment in the vest); my pram's seat is padded, folds up/down. I absolutely never notice any problems with the vest and seat. I keep the vest zipped up with the bottom buckle fastened. I have a boater's whistle in the top vest pocket.
View attachment 120628

(I know, way too much stuff in a small boat.)
Click to expand...
Nice catch by the way..
 
Ive got what is now currently called "The Sturgeon" from Astral. Great PFD, built for fishing. Super comfortable, very well designed and incredibly durable. Cant say enough good things about it. The price is $150.00 but at times, you can find it on sale. Not water activated to inflate.....old school technology. I put it on and its like seeing an old friend.

Good luck in your search.

Bob
 
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I got rid of the Chinook. To bulky and too much crap for the line to wrap around.

Since I’m a svelte 230 pounds, I opted for the NRS Ninja so it doesn’t hinder my fluid and deadly movements. Much like Neo, I need freedom of movement, especially when reaching for the cooler.
 
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Water inflatable with a rip cord for manual use. I tuck the the rip cord up inside a bit because of accidental inflation. (unplanned test)
Whistle attached also.
 
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