How often have you had to replace a CO2 cylinder +/- a UML Auto Thinghy

ShinyShoe · 12 July 2015, 19:22

So I've had an Auto life jacket about 5 years now. The UML bit was due for renewal soon anyway, but then I had a little mishap last week and now need to repalce the UML and the cylinder!

It got me thinking. I don't carry replacements in my kit bag which had it happened at the begining of the week might have ruined my week away as there was no-where nearby would sell stuff like that (Actually I had a bouyancy aid in the car so I may have been fine). So I was thinking should I be buying 2 complete replacements... but in the otherhand the UML was at end of life so will it just sit in a kit bag and fester?

So wondering how often relative to the amoutn of boating people are doing are they having to re-arm a LJ? I know thats going to depend on conditions etc. But my activation was a stupid moment not a life-saving situation nor a big wave.

Would I be better carrying a spare CO2 but not a UML and can I then install a cylinder without UML to basically make an auto a manual in the event of an unexpected re-arming?

lakelandterrier · 12 July 2015, 19:27

I've never had to replace a cylinder yet (I know that's tempting fate) but I do carry 2 re-arming kits in case, and a spare manual LJ as I have one.

willk · 12 July 2015, 19:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

So I've had an Auto life jacket about 5 years now. The UML bit was due for renewal soon anyway, but then I had a little mishap last week and now need to repalce the UML and the cylinder!

It got me thinking. I don't carry replacements in my kit bag which had it happened at the begining of the week might have ruined my week away as there was no-where nearby would sell stuff like that (Actually I had a bouyancy aid in the car so I may have been fine). So I was thinking should I be buying 2 complete replacements... but in the otherhand the UML was at end of life so will it just sit in a kit bag and fester?

So wondering how often relative to the amoutn of boating people are doing are they having to re-arm a LJ? I know thats going to depend on conditions etc. But my activation was a stupid moment not a life-saving situation nor a big wave.

Would I be better carrying a spare CO2 but not a UML and can I then install a cylinder without UML to basically make an auto a manual in the event of an unexpected re-arming?

IMO, you'd be better with a spare LJ (in a way, you had one) - at least an unexpected arrival can wear it. If you have a suite of jackets for boating then maybe a spare kit is a good idea (as one is bound to pop eventually) but I still think a spare jacket in the bag is perfect. I've often had to deploy my spare - a couple of jacket pops but mostly when crew shows up without.

spartacus · 12 July 2015, 20:31

Never had to replace a CO2 cylinder, but re-arming kits need to be renewed every 3-4 years. Sometimes the little retaining clips (United Moulders) fail, so I carry spares. I carry spare CO2 bottles too having accumulated a couple of spares over the years.

jyasaki · 12 July 2015, 22:31

In the US, I think the bobbin has to be replaced every two years. Not sure about the cylinder. Actually, I probably should look that up, as I have a couple of inflatables...

jky

ShinyShoe · 13 July 2015, 06:51

Jky cylinder doesn't usually have an expiry. They can corrode. They are stamped with a weight. They need weighed and provided they are heavier than stamped and have no corrosion of concern you can still use it.

mattwarner · 13 July 2015, 10:40

One of mine "went off" and a I need to get a replacement cylinder and whatever else, any links to where I can get them from?

jeffstevens763@g · 13 July 2015, 13:20

most main chandlers stock cylinders & re-arming kits try force 4 chandlers

jyasaki · 13 July 2015, 15:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

Jky cylinder doesn't usually have an expiry. They can corrode. They are stamped with a weight. They need weighed and provided they are heavier than stamped and have no corrosion of concern you can still use it.

Thanks, Shoe;

Sort of what I remembered; I know you can get the bobbin itself as a replacement part; the kit (bobbin and cylinder) aren't a whole lot more.

Now I just need to remember to check when I last changed the bobbins.

jky