If I disarm an automatic PFD in foul weather fearing inapproriate discharge aren't I just changing it to a manual ? Anything wrong with this?
Disarming Automatic inflatable PFD's
- Thread starter Calif. Ted
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Have you had one go off?
Ted: Have you ever had one of these vest go off because of foul weather? I am just wondering because that is what they made for!
Ted: Have you ever had one of these vest go off because of foul weather? I am just wondering because that is what they made for!
No, Never had one, just rumors
might be easier to fly with a manual. Ordered 1 recently then realized the stupidity of only getting 1 so gonna order another. I've just heard stories of auto's going off unwanted, could be alligators in the sewer, wondered if you couldn't just go to manual mode if it's real. Or if when you fly you could just get CO2 cartridges at destination and not worry about auto arming
might be easier to fly with a manual. Ordered 1 recently then realized the stupidity of only getting 1 so gonna order another. I've just heard stories of auto's going off unwanted, could be alligators in the sewer, wondered if you couldn't just go to manual mode if it's real. Or if when you fly you could just get CO2 cartridges at destination and not worry about auto arming
Ted, The
CO2 cartridge can be removed and not damage it. Remove the CO2 cartridge fly with the vest buy one when you get there and when you get home , install the original. I have only heard of one instance of an auto inflate going off. It was a foredeck person who had slipped a sweatshirt on over his auto inflate vest. The vest inflated in side his sweatshirt stopping his basic breathing function. He deflated it with his knife. I heard that story and don't know if it was true, so take it for what it is worth. r.w.landau
CO2 cartridge can be removed and not damage it. Remove the CO2 cartridge fly with the vest buy one when you get there and when you get home , install the original. I have only heard of one instance of an auto inflate going off. It was a foredeck person who had slipped a sweatshirt on over his auto inflate vest. The vest inflated in side his sweatshirt stopping his basic breathing function. He deflated it with his knife. I heard that story and don't know if it was true, so take it for what it is worth. r.w.landau
Horse Manure
In the interest of safety; PLEASE don't spread the rumors about auto inflatables! Logic tells us the sweatshirt on the "fordeck crew" would have been made of kevlar not to stretch. I have been in Oregon rain storms with others and NOBODY had an accidental deployment except one guy who caught the pull ring on something, but he was playing with the unit and the ring should not have been exposed. Even then; there was NO problem! so you got breasts all of a sudden! Big deal! The little bobbins and cartridges are cheap, folding the thing back up is not even that bad. What is all the crap about "flying"??? Put the thing in your checked baggage and drive on! Remember; the switlik vest for PILOTS is the same cartridge and mechanism. These things are the greatest thing since bottled beer.. quit fretting for heaven sake and have safe fun.
In the interest of safety; PLEASE don't spread the rumors about auto inflatables! Logic tells us the sweatshirt on the "fordeck crew" would have been made of kevlar not to stretch. I have been in Oregon rain storms with others and NOBODY had an accidental deployment except one guy who caught the pull ring on something, but he was playing with the unit and the ring should not have been exposed. Even then; there was NO problem! so you got breasts all of a sudden! Big deal! The little bobbins and cartridges are cheap, folding the thing back up is not even that bad. What is all the crap about "flying"??? Put the thing in your checked baggage and drive on! Remember; the switlik vest for PILOTS is the same cartridge and mechanism. These things are the greatest thing since bottled beer.. quit fretting for heaven sake and have safe fun.
I’ve Had a Vest Go Off
If you haven’t experienced it yet. You ought to try it. They go off with a really big bang. Two things to consider. First, the neck hole is unbelievably small for a full grown man (Eastern Aero Service). I found it hard to breathe, it was so tight. And second, you do not have to cinch the waist strap very tightly to get a snug fit while inflated. Again, if you adjust it snug to begin with, it will be very tight (and hard to breathe) when inflated. If you replace the little “pill” triggers periodically, you shouldn’t have an accidental inflation. If you don’t, they can (and will) inflate in a locker. I now have mine switched to manual as I figure that the probability of needing it to inflate while I’m unconscious is many times smaller than the need to control when to inflate. (e.g. the need to swim away from the boat or untangle from rigging.) In regards to flying, you need to check with your airline's ticket agent first. CO2 cartridges are not allowed in checked baggage (UAL). Checked luggage is xrayed. We carried on our PFD's but had to leave the CO2 cartridges with the ticket agent (LAX, UAL). You may have had a different experience, but this is what happened to me.
If you haven’t experienced it yet. You ought to try it. They go off with a really big bang. Two things to consider. First, the neck hole is unbelievably small for a full grown man (Eastern Aero Service). I found it hard to breathe, it was so tight. And second, you do not have to cinch the waist strap very tightly to get a snug fit while inflated. Again, if you adjust it snug to begin with, it will be very tight (and hard to breathe) when inflated. If you replace the little “pill” triggers periodically, you shouldn’t have an accidental inflation. If you don’t, they can (and will) inflate in a locker. I now have mine switched to manual as I figure that the probability of needing it to inflate while I’m unconscious is many times smaller than the need to control when to inflate. (e.g. the need to swim away from the boat or untangle from rigging.) In regards to flying, you need to check with your airline's ticket agent first. CO2 cartridges are not allowed in checked baggage (UAL). Checked luggage is xrayed. We carried on our PFD's but had to leave the CO2 cartridges with the ticket agent (LAX, UAL). You may have had a different experience, but this is what happened to me.
Figured they were probably protected from
rain at least marginally but wondered if a direct hit from seawater would set it off (you know how sometimes you just take one in the face). From George's post I gather the pills may absorb moisture and as long as you check & change them occasionally & don't store em armed accidental discharges shouldn't be a problem.
rain at least marginally but wondered if a direct hit from seawater would set it off (you know how sometimes you just take one in the face). From George's post I gather the pills may absorb moisture and as long as you check & change them occasionally & don't store em armed accidental discharges shouldn't be a problem.
Rain /spray protected
I can't speak for all of them, but the auto inflating PFD I bought is designed to only inflate when submerged. It's the West Marine off-shore model made by SOSpenders. I called SOSpenders to ask what the difference is between the WM-branded and the SOSpenders branded PFDs is. I was told that the WM brand has a better inflation trigger that has been tested to be submerged before it will inflate. Rain, spray, or a wave will not set it off. SOSpenders said the trigger mechanism has a "tortured pathway" so that water must travel from the bottom of the device in order for the "pill" to disolve, and it requires a couple seconds of being submerged to activate. It also has the outer plastic window to protect from spray, so that reduces false activation. Testing was done to 6 Sigmas to ensure it will only activate when the PFD is actually in the water. I'm pretty confident that this model won't accidentally inflate on me unless I do something dumb, like pull the cord. Of course this doesn't preclude the "pill" from deteriorating from age and humidity so it's a good idea to replace them per the manufacturer's schedule. Brad
I can't speak for all of them, but the auto inflating PFD I bought is designed to only inflate when submerged. It's the West Marine off-shore model made by SOSpenders. I called SOSpenders to ask what the difference is between the WM-branded and the SOSpenders branded PFDs is. I was told that the WM brand has a better inflation trigger that has been tested to be submerged before it will inflate. Rain, spray, or a wave will not set it off. SOSpenders said the trigger mechanism has a "tortured pathway" so that water must travel from the bottom of the device in order for the "pill" to disolve, and it requires a couple seconds of being submerged to activate. It also has the outer plastic window to protect from spray, so that reduces false activation. Testing was done to 6 Sigmas to ensure it will only activate when the PFD is actually in the water. I'm pretty confident that this model won't accidentally inflate on me unless I do something dumb, like pull the cord. Of course this doesn't preclude the "pill" from deteriorating from age and humidity so it's a good idea to replace them per the manufacturer's schedule. Brad
Your next of kin will care
When the boom smacks you in the head and you are unconcious when you hit the water and drown your next of kin will surely care. I wear an auto-inflatable in all sorts of wet weather and it has never gone off. P.S. Anybody who put any sort of clothing over an auto-inflatable is a complete idiot.
When the boom smacks you in the head and you are unconcious when you hit the water and drown your next of kin will surely care. I wear an auto-inflatable in all sorts of wet weather and it has never gone off. P.S. Anybody who put any sort of clothing over an auto-inflatable is a complete idiot.
Overblown Risk
Quick poll: How many of you have been knocked unconscious by a boom? How many have been knocked overboard by one? Now, how many have gone over for any other reason? Of all the people I personally know who have gone over, none was the result of the boom. The times that I have come close myself were all caused by loosing balance, not by the boom. If getting hit in the head by a boom is truly a concern of yours, you ought to be wearing a motorcycle helmet while sailing. After all, if you are concerned about drowning while being unconscious, you should be equally be concerned about brain damage and the prospect of a persistent vegetative state.
Quick poll: How many of you have been knocked unconscious by a boom? How many have been knocked overboard by one? Now, how many have gone over for any other reason? Of all the people I personally know who have gone over, none was the result of the boom. The times that I have come close myself were all caused by loosing balance, not by the boom. If getting hit in the head by a boom is truly a concern of yours, you ought to be wearing a motorcycle helmet while sailing. After all, if you are concerned about drowning while being unconscious, you should be equally be concerned about brain damage and the prospect of a persistent vegetative state.
I need to ask this question because
I am a member of the CRS (can't remember stuff)club or is it organization......? I posted earlier in this thread that I had heard this. I am sure that I read this and not heard this. I think it was in a book by William F. Buckley but then again I am not sure. Has anyone else read the book I am thinking of? (EDITED: then again the book I read was a few years ago and I am sure advancements have been made) It was either a sweater or a sweatshirt on a casual cruise (not a race but I believe it was bluewater)on the fore deck. Again, I am not down playing the auto inflate. Heck it is as big an issue as Airbags in autos. It may have saved the life of a sailor in a race in Erie PA. about 5 or 6 years ago. Bad conditions, man overboard and no requirement for any PFD to be worn. I have no doubt that the auto inflate has many advantages but it will not always save lives and is not guaranteed not to inflate when least expected, at the same time increasing the possibility of saving someone. Good issue, good debate. r.w.landau
I am a member of the CRS (can't remember stuff)club or is it organization......? I posted earlier in this thread that I had heard this. I am sure that I read this and not heard this. I think it was in a book by William F. Buckley but then again I am not sure. Has anyone else read the book I am thinking of? (EDITED: then again the book I read was a few years ago and I am sure advancements have been made) It was either a sweater or a sweatshirt on a casual cruise (not a race but I believe it was bluewater)on the fore deck. Again, I am not down playing the auto inflate. Heck it is as big an issue as Airbags in autos. It may have saved the life of a sailor in a race in Erie PA. about 5 or 6 years ago. Bad conditions, man overboard and no requirement for any PFD to be worn. I have no doubt that the auto inflate has many advantages but it will not always save lives and is not guaranteed not to inflate when least expected, at the same time increasing the possibility of saving someone. Good issue, good debate. r.w.landau
Auto needs a lot of water (= submersion) to go off
I have worn one of these for 10 years in all kinds of weather including/mostly cold wet windy Western Europe and it never went off by accident. I did set it off once by throwing it into the water (not entirely intentionally) and it inflated when it was submersed during retrieval - so wear them, even in the rain and don’t worry about it!!! You are much more likely to have issues caused by not wearing a jacket and hitting the water than being injured by a false inflation … my 2c’s worth …./)
I have worn one of these for 10 years in all kinds of weather including/mostly cold wet windy Western Europe and it never went off by accident. I did set it off once by throwing it into the water (not entirely intentionally) and it inflated when it was submersed during retrieval - so wear them, even in the rain and don’t worry about it!!! You are much more likely to have issues caused by not wearing a jacket and hitting the water than being injured by a false inflation … my 2c’s worth …./)
Been There Done That
Couple of years ago I took part in a test of all auto inflating life-jackets available in the UK. They have been recommended standard fit over here for at least 20 years. First we dressed in normal foul weather clothing and boots. Then we were hosed down (and up!). Nobody's jacket fired. Then we jumped into the water and everyone's fired immediately. Some were a tight fit and tended to choke the survivor. They didn't actually succeed in choking but it sure felt like it; so we let a little air out. The Hammar system keeps the pill dry until there is 4" immersion. On the face of it this looks a better idea but the CO2 cylinder is out of sight inside the bladder and can rust or even come unscrewed. A fisherman drowned from that cause. Jackets are made in SIZES, large, medium and small (for kids). Please ensure you buy a suitable size. Also buy a spray hood - otherwise you float face towards the oncoming waves and drown from inhaled spray anyway. Either way, in Northern European waters or anywhere in US above 45N you are going to die of hypothermia after a few hours. Happy sailing.
Couple of years ago I took part in a test of all auto inflating life-jackets available in the UK. They have been recommended standard fit over here for at least 20 years. First we dressed in normal foul weather clothing and boots. Then we were hosed down (and up!). Nobody's jacket fired. Then we jumped into the water and everyone's fired immediately. Some were a tight fit and tended to choke the survivor. They didn't actually succeed in choking but it sure felt like it; so we let a little air out. The Hammar system keeps the pill dry until there is 4" immersion. On the face of it this looks a better idea but the CO2 cylinder is out of sight inside the bladder and can rust or even come unscrewed. A fisherman drowned from that cause. Jackets are made in SIZES, large, medium and small (for kids). Please ensure you buy a suitable size. Also buy a spray hood - otherwise you float face towards the oncoming waves and drown from inhaled spray anyway. Either way, in Northern European waters or anywhere in US above 45N you are going to die of hypothermia after a few hours. Happy sailing.
boom hits
Sorry to disappoint you George, I was knocked overboard by the boom on a luders 44 while racings, I've still got the dent to prove it! fortunately, the crew hauled me back on board ( I was still holding the spinn sheet), but I would really have liked to have had an autoinflating vest. we use them in heavy weather and have never had an accidental inflation.
Sorry to disappoint you George, I was knocked overboard by the boom on a luders 44 while racings, I've still got the dent to prove it! fortunately, the crew hauled me back on board ( I was still holding the spinn sheet), but I would really have liked to have had an autoinflating vest. we use them in heavy weather and have never had an accidental inflation.
I've had go off as well
During Last Years Harvest Moon Regatta. 150 NM from Galveston, TX to Port Aransas. Heavy Seas with plenty of spray and some drizzle on and off. Our Foredeck guy had his go off, mine did not, I always bring a spare recharge kit with me just in case and a Manual Inflatable as well.
During Last Years Harvest Moon Regatta. 150 NM from Galveston, TX to Port Aransas. Heavy Seas with plenty of spray and some drizzle on and off. Our Foredeck guy had his go off, mine did not, I always bring a spare recharge kit with me just in case and a Manual Inflatable as well.
improved versions
There are several manufacturers of inflatable lifejackets with harnesses, the most well known of which are Eastern Aero Marine, Mustang Survival, SOSpenders, Stearns and Viking Life-Saving Equipment, Inc. Stearns has recently purchased SOSpenders, but the name SOSpenders will continue to be used for their inflatable lifejacket/harness combos. There are two basic varieties: manually inflated and automatic. The automatic version uses a water-soluble "pill" to release the plunger that breaks the seal on the CO2 cylinder. When first introduced, there were problems with accidental inflation but improved versions have significantly reduced the number of these incidents.
There are several manufacturers of inflatable lifejackets with harnesses, the most well known of which are Eastern Aero Marine, Mustang Survival, SOSpenders, Stearns and Viking Life-Saving Equipment, Inc. Stearns has recently purchased SOSpenders, but the name SOSpenders will continue to be used for their inflatable lifejacket/harness combos. There are two basic varieties: manually inflated and automatic. The automatic version uses a water-soluble "pill" to release the plunger that breaks the seal on the CO2 cylinder. When first introduced, there were problems with accidental inflation but improved versions have significantly reduced the number of these incidents.
Fed Ex truck just pulled up with the manual
I ordered last week. Tuesday before I went sailing for a few days I stopped in the store and bought an automatic. A guy in the store told me he also had one go off during a race while he was on the foredeck in heavy weather. The last day I wore it from morning till I got home and it was pretty comfortable. It was a kinda cold & nasty morning with some drizzle & a big swell running so was dressed warm. I hope it will be comfortable when things get to shorts weather and the shirt comes off. Plan to wear the auto when alone & the manual when wife or others abroad. I have more confidence I'll remember to pull the cord if required.
I ordered last week. Tuesday before I went sailing for a few days I stopped in the store and bought an automatic. A guy in the store told me he also had one go off during a race while he was on the foredeck in heavy weather. The last day I wore it from morning till I got home and it was pretty comfortable. It was a kinda cold & nasty morning with some drizzle & a big swell running so was dressed warm. I hope it will be comfortable when things get to shorts weather and the shirt comes off. Plan to wear the auto when alone & the manual when wife or others abroad. I have more confidence I'll remember to pull the cord if required.
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