Inflatable PFD replacment CO2 cartridges... DIY

[Captain Larry-DH]

The inflatable PFD makers recommend cartridges and bobbins be replaced annually, but I inspect and not necessarily replace.
You can buy replacement bobbins and green pins in bulk at a price that doesn't require a loan, but when you get "branded" CO2 cartridges from the PFD makers, that are packaged with a bobbin and pin it's in the range of $20-35! IMHO that's ridiculous. I buy my cartridges in bulk or as replacement for other things (such as bike tire inflaters) and they are much more reasonably priced for the same gram capacity.
As for inspection: A pin or bobbin that needs replacement is quite obvious just by looking at it. The cartridge can be weighed on a food scale that measures fractions of a gram. Every cartridge is stamped with either the minimum weight when full, or the actual weight when full. If it weighs less than that it should be replaced. It should be replaced if it has excessive surface corrosion or a partial dent where the trigger pin would pierce.
The other thing I do is add SOS lights and whistles to every vest, and open it up to inspect the fabric (especially near edges and folds). If I see anything that raises a question I do a test inflation by mouth and see if the vest loses air after several hours (I have heard it's not a good idea to inflate by cartridge except when needed, because the cartridge causes higher pressures and stress).
So what am I missing?

 

[BigEasy]

Capt.,
I usually check mine annually also; inflate with a compressor ( low pressure only) for the leak test, check the bobbins, and weigh CO2 cartridges. Absolutely agree with you that the cost of the bobbins are outrageous.
Just wondering if one is boarded by USCG, would they go so far as to check expiration dates stamped on bobbin? To my knowledge, you are not required to have an auto inflate PFD, a manually activated one will do. Is this correct?

 

[jssailem]

My understanding - Manually inflated acceptable. Personal choice.

What happens if you go in the water and you do not auto inflate due to being incapacitated? Personal choice. Also wearing your vest on the outside of all your clothing and harnesses?

During my Vessel Check 2019 the vest and the printed date was inspected. It came with a local story by the inspector about PFD vs buoyant coats or life vests.

Capt Larry.. you may not have touched on the “date stamp” on the vest. On mine it is part of the HydroStatic bobbin. Additionally, inspection of the floatation seams is needed so that should you need to inflate the floats under high pressure they will not blow out. It is not an easy step but an important one (IMO). Any wear in these areas may be reason to either test by diving in and inflating or a new vest if age is a factor.

 

[dlochner]

Inflateable vests have to be worn to count to the legal requirement. There should be a label on the vest that states if it is USCG approved.

The bobbin style inflaters have a couple of drawbacks. I had a bobbin gradually deteriorate allowing the pin to punch a small hole in the CO2 cartridge. The CO2 discharged without inflating the vest. This can happen anytime even after an inspection.

The bobbin can also dissolve at some inopportune time when the vest is no where near the water. I had one inflate in the front seat of my truck while cruising along at 65 mph. Caught my attention it did!

The hydrostatic inflaters avoid these issues and are rated for 5 years, which is about $10-11 a year.

 

[jssailem]

rated for 5 years, which is about $10-11 a year.

And if they work just once... Priceless!

 

[BigEasy]

I replace the bobbins on mine faithfully and ensure that the date stamp is current. I've never had anyone check the date stamp during local USPS voluntary inspections; however, I have never been boarded by the USCG.

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

I had one inflate in the front seat of my truck while cruising along at 65 mph. Caught my attention it did!

LOL! My wife snagged the manual inflation tab on the car's seat belt, as she exited the car. You should have seen her startled look and heard the scream! So funny I couln't stop laughing as I replayed it in my head.

 

[shemandr]

I've told this before but the skipper on one of the boats I sail on was on the foredeck doing something that had his torso between the life lines with waves combing the bow. The inflatable blew and he was stuck there in-between the lifelines while periodically being submerged in waves. He extricated himself and had a funny story to tell but it could have gone South pretty easily.