I've found the bobbins I need on Amazon. Mine are more than three years old. Good idea to test with the CO2, Dave. I wouldn't have thought of that. Always checked mine by blowing them up with lung power. Rick M17 #633 Lynne L On Thursday, March 24, 2016, Dave Scobie <scoobscobie@gmail.com <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','scoobscobie@gmail.com');>> wrote:
yes, the bobbins (referred to earlier as tablets) usually have a three year lifespan that is noted on the bobbin. lifespan is based on manufacture date, not the date installed into the PFD.
before buying bobbins confirm how old they are ... i've found them on sale and just months from expiration (this is also common for flares).
as usual, read your PFD owner manual for details.
do some searching you can buy just the bobbins.
now, remember you should be testing the PDF chambers. the ones used here at Sage Marine testing is to happen every two months. two ways to do this: manual inflation and firing the PDF using the CO2. i recommend you fire using the CO2 once a year .. i've talked with folks that did the manual inflation testing and the PDF passed. later they inflated using the CO2 and the bladders failed (ie, ripped open).
in addition follow the manual on how long the bladders are to hold air after being inflated. replace the PDF is not up to spec.
i just have to say it ... always wear a PDF when on the boat, good weather and bad. i also wear my PDF when on the dock, or working on the boat at the dock, and others are not around.
-- :: Dave Scobie :: former M15 owner - www.freewebs.com/m15-named-scred :: M17 #375 SWEET PEA - www.m17-375.webs.com
On Thu, Mar 24, 2016 at 11:40 AM, Jazzy <jazzydaze@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi guys, if I'm remembering correctly, the tablet ones have a 3 year rebuild time with the kit thing and the pressure activated ones are 5 years. Trying to remember from the boat show. The CO2 would be indefinite I imagine unless it leaked or the seal got ugly.
Here's a cool link..
http://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvisor/DIY-Check-Your-Inflatable-Life-Vest
Jazz
I have West Marine inflatable PFDs that use water-activated 25g CO2
cylinders. They've had the same cylinders for several years. Should
they
be replaced from time to time, or are they OK as long as all the indicators are green? Any advice appreciated.
Thanks,
Rick M17 #633 Lynne L