Do you replace your PFDs? How Often?

[fishinlady97140]

This question just came up among friends...should we be replacing PFDs periodically - even tho they're not damaged or soiled?

[PhoebusGroup]

That's a good question and a good reminder.
My PFDs are 3 years old. I vowed to test them
after 2 years and I haven't.

Bill Monroe's experience, discovering that his
inflatable PDF didn't inflate, was an eye opener.

It's time make a visit to the local swimming pool.

Thanks for posting this note.

Kind regards,

[fishinlady97140]

Not just inflatables...but traditional Type II or III...or whatever you use.

Thanks

[ctflyfish]

Originally Posted by fishinlady97140

Not just inflatables...but traditional Type II or III...or whatever you use.

Thanks

I don't use blow-ups. If the cartridge is bad, the bladder leaks, the firing mechanism fails, on and on, they can kill you. They provide neither impact or hypothermia protection, and if you buy an auto-inflate model and it inflates in a cabin, that's not great.
I replace my standard PFD's every few years, as the cloth covering can weaken and rip. I also attach a light and a whistle to the new ones. I wear an orange float coat in the winter, a standard PFD in the summer.

[Bill Monroe]

Originally Posted by PhoebusGroup

That's a good question and a good reminder.
My PFDs are 3 years old. I vowed to test them
after 2 years and I haven't.

Bill Monroe's experience, discovering that his
inflatable PDF didn't inflate, was an eye opener.

[spinnergal]

My understanding is that if there are any thread bare/frayed parts or if the CG label is not readable, or if any part of it is nonfunctional such as a buckle, strap/belt, tie, it would not be considered or counted towards your required number of units by the CG.

SG

[flapbreaker]

Bill was your inflatable an auto inflate or manual? Just curious because I have a couple manual ones and have often wondered if they would be reliable.

As far as standard PFD's go, I doubt it is necessary to replace them every couple years unless they are getting heavy use and are getting seriously wet.

[smalldog]

Even if the color is fading...replace them.
I change mine out every five years and sooner if they have any rip, frey or discolor to them.

[corrirod]

Inflatable PFD's have a manufacturer's recommendation of changing out the cartridges annually. That is one of the main reasons I have been doing the PFD pool party at the Salty Dog Convention every year. Besides serving the purpose of changing out the cartridge, it also gives you a chance to experience how the unit feels when inflated (while in the water), and gets you acquainted with how to manual inflate and deflate the bladder should there ever be a problem.

Over the last 4 years it has been a great learning experience for many people. Some of the things learned are:

• Learning where the rip cord is and how to pull it. Many folks, when first getting ready to pull the cord, reach down on the wrong side of the unit because they aren't sure where it is. Others have tried to pull UP on the cord and not down. Sounds simple but in an emergency situation you want the action to be automatic.
• How to manually inflate the device should the cartridge fail.
• How to deflate the device if it inflates too much and is uncomfortable.
• How tight or loose to have the belt when the unit is not inflated. If you leave it too loose the inflated bladder will ride up on you and be very uncomfortable. Vice versa, if it's too tight it will hurt your rib cage when it's inflated.
• Many will learn that their inflatable doesn't provide as much bouyancy as they feel comfortable with. They don't realize their are different sized devices which provide more or less bouyancy.

For all the folks out there who ride on other people's boats, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE invest in your own life jackets. Don't rely on the captain to have one for you because even if he/she does it may not fit right when an emergency comes up and the last thing you want to do is be trying to figure out how to adjust a life jacket while the boat is sinking.

Even though I carry extras on the boat I always ask my crew members ahead of time to bring their own jacket if they have one, for this very reason.

I think Spinnergal hit it on the head as far as replacement goes. Any frayed material, broken seams, etc., replace it.

[Bill Monroe]

Originally Posted by flapbreaker

Bill was your inflatable an auto inflate or manual? Just curious because I have a couple manual ones and have often wondered if they would be reliable.

As far as standard PFD's go, I doubt it is necessary to replace them every couple years unless they are getting heavy use and are getting seriously wet.

It was auto...Pay attention to Rod...great advice.