[BigLew]

"Un-intended" inflation of the automatic type vests can and do happen, and rather regulary at that. The cause is how the auto trigger works. Most, if not all of the "auto" have a salt crytal type tablet preventing the cartridge piercing from occurring. It is designed to dissolve in the presence of water (most any other liquid), thus allowing the cartridge to be pierced and the vest to inflate. Add to that they significantly add to the cost of "recharging" the vest. The manual pull is probably the best choice except in the case of going overboard while unconscious and being alone to boot. Even if you are unconscious, some one else could pull the trigger. Make sure your boating buddies understand the safety equipment on your boat, if nothing else!! See below- it's part of the plan.