Life jacket renewal

[jambo]

Just starting getting things ready for new season. Looking at LJ’s and wonder if it was time to renew.
As rule when do others renew theirs?

[spartacus]

How old are your current life jackets Jambo?

I've just checked mine, they're Seago 175N auto-jackets. They were recalled and replaced back in 2008 by Seago. I renew the re-arming kits every 3 years or so (not the CO2 cylinders).

Still think they are good for a few more years yet. Plan to pressure test them this year before season starts.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by spartacus

How old are your current life jackets Jambo?



I've just checked mine, they're Seago 175N auto-jackets. They were recalled and replaced back in 2008 by Seago. I renew the re-arming kits every 3 years or so (not the CO2 cylinders).



Still think they are good for a few more years yet. Plan to pressure test them this year before season starts.

Mostly round about the same age as yours. Had they professionally serviced a couple of times during that period. There in good condition.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by jambo

Mostly round about the same age as yours. Had they professionally serviced a couple of times during that period. There in good condition.

I service mine myself Billy, weigh the cylinders, check the Hammar heads, inflate the jacket, leave it overnight, repack.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

I service mine myself Billy, weigh the cylinders, check the Hammar heads, inflate the jacket, leave it overnight, repack.

Thanks Dave. So it’s a while since you renewed.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by jambo

Thanks Dave. So it’s a while since you renewed.

My current “best” jackets (crewsaver ergofit 290N) are around 4 yrs old. I’ve got 4 other “guest” jackets that are around 8years old. All in good order. I’ve changed the Hammar heads on the crewsavers & the salt pellet heads on the others over the years. I binned one of the guest jackets last year as it was wearing on a seam. I wash them off after use & hang them to dry.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

My current “best” jackets (crewsaver ergofit 290N) are around 4 yrs old. I’ve got 4 other “guest” jackets that are around 8years old. All in good order. I’ve changed the Hammar heads on the crewsavers & the salt pellet heads on the others over the years. I binned one of the guest jackets last year as it was wearing on a seam. I wash them off after use & hang them to dry.

Cheers mate thanks. [emoji1634]

[lakelandterrier]

I'm not too fussed about the actual age of my lifejackets.
I check them every year - inflate & check they hold air and check & weigh the CO2 cylinders, etc....

[Bobg]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

I service mine myself Billy, weigh the cylinders, check the Hammar heads, inflate the jacket, leave it overnight, repack.

I do the above but include checking for frays in the material.
I also write the weight of the cylinder plus test date on the cylinder in permanent marker. I use a balance which reads to 2 decimal places from ADSA for about £7. All one has to remember is to insert a new battery each year. I had 12 LJs of my own to test each year.

Oh and check the expiry date on the Auto-Inflate cylinder!

[jeffstevens763@g]

Billy
I've got jackets 20 years old issued by companies I've worked for like Dave I just service them myself, I usually fire mine off when the co2 cylinders start to corrode and leave overnight for a test. Having said that I'm currently on a kayak buoyancy aid with my dry suit takes all the risk away of punctures OMO though

[jambo]

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

Billy
I've got jackets 20 years old issued by companies I've worked for like Dave I just service them myself, I usually fire mine off when the co2 cylinders start to corrode and leave overnight for a test. Having said that I'm currently on a kayak buoyancy aid with my dry suit takes all the risk away of punctures OMO though

Cheers Jeff.

[Matty75]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

I service mine myself Billy, weigh the cylinders, check the Hammar heads, inflate the jacket, leave it overnight, repack.

+1

You could have then professionally serviced/inspected by an approved service agent, however there's a good chance they'll try to find a way to get you to part with your hard-earned cash

[RichardinNZ]

This may be interest:

https://www.hutchwilco.co.nz/our-sto...le-lifejacket/

[jambo]

Originally Posted by RichardinNZ

This may be interest:

https://www.hutchwilco.co.nz/our-sto...le-lifejacket/

Thanks. It’s interesting but not about renewal.

[RichardinNZ]

Originally Posted by jambo

Thanks. It’s interesting but not about renewal.

True...

[willk]

Evening Jambo,

If they are physically sound (no wear), the mechanism is "in service" and they hold air - then you have nothing to worry about.

That said, if you're feeling spendy and you "need" to buy new... I HIGHLY recommend the Crewsaver Ergofit style of jacket. They are a revelation when worn after years in a horse collar. You forget you're wearing one and I'm wearing a 290N with hood etc. An absolute godsend on a long day at sea.

GO on, treat yourself. After all, you got to see the Welsh knock seven shades of sh1t outta the English last week and that's better than money in the bank

[jambo]

Originally Posted by willk

Evening Jambo,

If they are physically sound (no wear), the mechanism is "in service" and they hold air - then you have nothing to worry about.

That said, if you're feeling spendy and you "need" to buy new... I HIGHLY recommend the Crewsaver Ergofit style of jacket. They are a revelation when worn after years in a horse collar. You forget you're wearing one and I'm wearing a 290N with hood etc. An absolute godsend on a long day at sea.

GO on, treat yourself. After all, you got to see the Welsh knock seven shades of sh1t outta the English last week and that's better than money in the bank

Evening old friend long time no talk. Been a bad year all round for us!!
Thanks yes I was looking st that particular one Pikey has one as well. My Kru sport is ok but the test are 14 years old so I just want everyone to be safe.
Agree a great result and one that needs to celebrated!! Especially after our woeful display.
Cheers keep in touch.
B

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by jambo

Evening old friend long time no talk. Been a bad year all round for us!!
Thanks yes I was looking st that particular one Pikey has one as well. My Kru sport is ok but the test are 14 years old so I just want everyone to be safe.
Agree a great result and one that needs to celebrated!! Especially after our woeful display.
Cheers keep in touch.
B

I got ours from the boat show, they launched the Spinlock deckvest & the Ergofit at the same time. The Spinlock & Crewsaver stands were next door to each other, they were competing with each other & practically giving the jackets away. We got 2 heavily discounted Crewsaver 290s with hoods & lights, & then they threw in 2 re-arming kits, hold-all, 2 double lanyards & 2 webbing cutter knives. It was getting embarrassing[emoji23]

[willk]

Originally Posted by jambo

Kru sport is ok but the test are 14 years old so I just want everyone to be safe.

Well, I'd consider 14 years a decent life for a LJ. Personally I'd retire them when the mechanisms expire. That said, I'd have no factual reason for doing so - just my own take on what I expect from equipment.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by willk

Well, I'd consider 14 years a decent life for a LJ. Personally I'd retire them when the mechanisms expire. That said, I'd have no factual reason for doing so - just my own take on what I expect from equipment.

[emoji106][emoji106][emoji1634]

A wee shopping coming on I think!