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Old 04-19-2013, 02:17 PM   #43
AKDoug
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City: Kenai, Alaska
Vessel Name: Melanie Rose
Vessel Model: 1999 Willard PH
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,236
I have a pair of Mustang/West Marine auto inflators, the ones with the 5 year charge are a bargain after you add in one and a half recharge kits over the two year model. I don't let novice kayakers use them, it cost too much to recharge and freight to Alaska is HazMat rate. They are often forgotten until the middle of a hike when you realize you still have it on. I think you have to have several types, for the activity you are involved in. Kayaking there is little chance you will be knocked out, so manual makes sense, and prevents replacing the charge when you slip up. Auto inflate makes the most sense for being underway and not planning on being in close contact with the water, more chance of being injured as well. Novice passengers and the young should have fixed flotation, small ones should have a correct sized jacket with a crotch strap so they don't slip out the bottom if they go over. I carry three different types, wish I had four :-) Grandkid size too...
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