Installing MOB1 On Sospenders Automatically Inflating Vest

jviss

.
Feb 5, 2004
7,089
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
I have some concerns on this. Has anyone here installed the MOB1 on a vest?

The way I understand it, there's a ribbon that is pulled to activate the MOB1. One is to wrap this around the bladder so that when the vest inflates the ribbon is pulled.

On my vest the outside fabric of the vest is integral to the bladder, so the ribbon will be exposed when the vest is folded/deflated. I'm concerned that the ribbon could catch on something and the MOB1 could be activated accidentally.

Has anyone encountered this and solved it?

Thanks,

jv

MOB-LIFEJACKET.jpegDSC5643_CROP.jpeg
 
Jan 11, 2014
12,882
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
What brand of vest?

The two brands I'm familiar with (Mustang and TeamO) the bladder is separated from the vest. If the bladder and the jacket are fully connected, then I would look for an attachment point that will put pressure on the string when the bladder inflates, perhaps somewhere down by the zipper or the belt. That or look for different vest.
 
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jviss

.
Feb 5, 2004
7,089
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
Thanks Dave. It's an Sospenders vest. It has an integrated harness. I have two of them. I'd rather solve this than spend on a new vest!

I just ordered re-arming kits, too, as one went off in the hanging locker on its own. The bobbin is supposed to be renewed annually for non-commercial applications.

One is set up for manual inflation, I'm searching for an auto cap, with no success so far. But I only need one vest for now.
 

dLj

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Mar 23, 2017
4,392
Belliure 41 Back in the Chesapeake
One is set up for manual inflation, I'm searching for an auto cap, with no success so far. But I only need one vest for now.
There may be some debate on this, but for solo sailing, autoinflation may not be the best choice. Once these vests are inflated, there is not a lot the wearer can do other than hope to be rescued.

With manual inflation, you are free to do things before inflating the vest to get yourself back on board.

Food for thought.

dj
 

JamesG161

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Feb 14, 2014
7,760
Hunter 430 Waveland, MS
With manual inflation, you are free to do things before inflating the vest to get yourself back on board.

Food for thought.
Stay aboard your boat with a harness.
Jim...
 

jviss

.
Feb 5, 2004
7,089
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
There may be some debate on this, but for solo sailing, autoinflation may not be the best choice. Once these vests are inflated, there is not a lot the wearer can do other than hope to be rescued.

With manual inflation, you are free to do things before inflating the vest to get yourself back on board.

Food for thought.

dj
Thanks, yes, I've given that a lot of thought, indeed. My concern is the case where I'm knocked unconscious and end up in the water.

I'l clip on, too.
 
Jan 11, 2014
12,882
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
There may be some debate on this, but for solo sailing, autoinflation may not be the best choice. Once these vests are inflated, there is not a lot the wearer can do other than hope to be rescued.

With manual inflation, you are free to do things before inflating the vest to get yourself back on board.

Food for thought.

dj
Interesting point. If one goes overboard and is not conscious, auto inflate will save you. Of course if single handing and if you are are unconscious when/if you wake up you will be floating quite alone, it might be better to not wake up.
 

jviss

.
Feb 5, 2004
7,089
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
What brand of vest?

The two brands I'm familiar with (Mustang and TeamO) the bladder is separated from the vest. If the bladder and the jacket are fully connected, then I would look for an attachment point that will put pressure on the string when the bladder inflates, perhaps somewhere down by the zipper or the belt. That or look for different vest.
Looking at this I think I can stitch the ribbon to the velcro at the edge of the vest so that when it inflates there will be sufficient pull to activate it.

I've read the instructions a couple of times already. Am I correct that if I activate it, to test automatic activation, that I have some time to turn it off before anything is broadcast?
 
Jan 11, 2014
12,882
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
The test procedure is pretty simple. Just follow the directions. When the alarm goes off you will be quite motivated to stop the test.
 
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jviss

.
Feb 5, 2004
7,089
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
The test procedure is pretty simple. Just follow the directions. When the alarm goes off you will be quite motivated to stop the test.
How did you program yours, with the PC app or the web page app?

Do you know if it's possible to automatically activate the all ships distress DSC message?
 
Jan 11, 2014
12,882
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
How did you program yours, with the PC app or the web page app?

Do you know if it's possible to automatically activate the all ships distress DSC message?
To be honest, I don't remember, it was several years ago.
 

jviss

.
Feb 5, 2004
7,089
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
To be honest, I don't remember, it was several years ago.
OK, thanks, I'm going to read the manual a third time, and also do some research on individual vs. group MMSIs.