Inflatable PFD Question

S

swimpy

Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2005
RO Number
19550
Messages
122
I'm looking at an automatic/manual inflatable PFD that states it has a 2 yr. service interval.

Is this 2 yr. ser. something I can do or does it have to be sent somewhere for certified service?
 
You do it yourself. Purchase a "rearming kit" and have one hand as a spare. I would also recommend you put it on, adjust it correctly, and jump into some water [lake, river, pond, pool] to see how the PFD reacts. It is very different from the regular PFDs. I'm glad I know what to expect if I do have to abandon ship.......

After you test it out, you will need to install the rearming kit. And get a new spare one.
 
The ones I have can also be manually be inflated if needed. The spare cartridges are available at most marine stores. We love them and wear them every time we are prepping the boat to leave the dock until we return home and are tied up. No we don't sleep with them on when on the hook.
Bill
 
Flutterby offers some good advice. I put mine on one day just to test it out and jumped into a pool, It seemed to take forever to auto inflate, but when it did, I found that it rode over my head and shoulders. If It were a real situation in rough water I would of been screwed. I readjusted the straps and rearmed it.
 
Oh yeah, don't make the straps too tight either. Hurts like a mother when when they go off like that. First time I did it I could barely breathe.
 
<< Hint: Put it on. Using the "blow tube", inflate it. Then adjust the straps. Deflate. >>

2 yr is better than my earlier model which was "6 mo or more often if in a 'humid environment' "
 
2 Years is short. Mine are 4 years before rearming. That said, you also might want to look at the hydrostatic models. No bobbin, just a CO2 cartridge to replace.

On the bobbin models, I usually test them before rearming them. I just dive in with one on. That way you can test for vest integrity. Then dry it out, deflate it, and re arm.
 
That's good advice Radio Active. I only use mine when I'm on my Zodiac.
 
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